{"id":520733,"date":"2026-03-24T20:14:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T20:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520733\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T20:14:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T20:14:24","slug":"major-changes-possible-for-maple-leafs-nobody-is-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520733\/","title":{"rendered":"Major changes possible for Maple Leafs & nobody is ‘safe’"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> are on a three-game losing skid and lost 12 out of their last 14 games since the Olympic break. The slide pushed the Maple Leafs into a difficult position as the NHL<\/a> season winds down.<\/p>\n

What began as a campaign with Stanley Cup<\/a> hopes turned into a major setback. Toronto now sits at 29-29-13 and is close to falling out of playoff contention. Defensive issues and inconsistent play defined the season, with the team allowing among the highest goals per game in the league.<\/p>\n

During Tuesday\u2019s episode of the \u201cFirst Up\u201d podcast, NHL analyst Chris Johnston offered a blunt assessment of the situation. He said the organization plans to evaluate everything over the final 11 games. Johnston added that \u201cnobody would be feeling safe right now with this organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: Maple Leafs goalie adheres to Auston Matthews\u2019 advice after puck accident<\/a><\/p>\n

Johnston also pointed to a sharp drop from early-season expectations. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s going to need to be some change that comes from that. I just don\u2019t think there\u2019s any way around it,\u201d he said. This reflects growing belief that major moves are coming.<\/p>\n

There have also been signs of a disconnect within the team. Johnston noted that last season focused on chemistry, but \u201cyou certainly haven\u2019t felt that at times this year.\u201d Frustration built as losses continue to pile up, especially after the Olympics break and post-captain Auston Matthews<\/a>\u2018 injury.<\/p>\n

Management could also face changes, with the team lacking another strong voice alongside Brad Treliving.<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs are waiting for the final 11 games of the season to play out before making decisions, and \u201cnobody would be feeling safe right now with this organization.\u201d After starting the year talking about competing for a Stanley Cup, the team has experienced a steep drop off,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/8trn1ebijq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Big injury setbacks, including one to Matthews and another to Chris Tanev, have added to the struggles. Still, the overall performance has not met expectations.<\/p>\n

Craig Berube\u2019s message amid Maple Leafs\u2019 struggles<\/p>\n

Head coach Craig Berube remains under pressure, though he continues to push the group to compete. New guys like Michael Pezzetta and Dennis Hildeby are being called from the AHL, but Berube is not changing his approach. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lineup is different for sure, and there\u2019s young guys coming up from the minors playing, and we\u2019re looking to see what they can do and accomplish,\u201d Berube said<\/a>. \u201cBut at the same time, it\u2019s all about playing as a team, being highly competitive and playing hard. The X\u2019s and O\u2019s are the X\u2019s or the O\u2019s. But it\u2019s about showing up every night and competing at a high level. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s important for me. Yes, there\u2019s mistakes and things that happen in the game, but where\u2019s your compete level? Are you playing for the crest on the front of the jersey? That\u2019s where it matters to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs\u2019 new head coach Craig Berube, alongside general manager Brad Treliving. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

With the season nearing its end, uncertainty surrounds every level of the organization. For the Maple Leafs, change now feels unavoidable.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, game times & dates for NCAA Tournament<\/a><\/p>\n

NFL: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks make NFL history with blockbuster deal<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA: Warriors\u2019 Moses Moody suffers serious knee injury on dunk attempt<\/a><\/p>\n

SPORTS MEDIA: Select CBS, TNT Sports record highest-rated opening day in NCAA Tournament history<\/a><\/p>\n

ENTERTAINMENT: WWE\u2019s Liv Morgan chugs beer to fire up Boston crowd ahead of \u2018Monday Night RAW\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

VIRAL: Aryna Sabalenka devours $100 Miami Open \u2018Golden Glizzy\u2019 after QF berth<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t