NHL Insider discusses the likelihood of a major trade or the termination of Sheldon Keefe or Kyle Dubas

Well, Leafs Nation, I'm sure by now we've all woken up and double-checked the score of last night's game to confirm that it was not just a bad dream. With the Leafs falling 2-1 in Game 7 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, there are more questions than answers once again.

Will the Leafs go the route of a massive roster shake-up? Will they look to replace GM Kyle Dubas? Will they look to replace head coach Keefe? According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the answer to all 3 of these questions is no.




There is evidence of tangible improvement for this team. I don't think there's any argument to be made otherwise. But, with the nucleus of this team being unsuccessful for so many consecutive postseasons, it's really anyone's guess where ownership's minds are at right now.

If you were to separate the 3 questions by the subject of likelihood, I'd suggest that one of the "Core 4" being moved is probably the most likely outcome. Something to change the structure of the team's top 6. We saw William Nylander dropping to line 3 at several points during the later stages of this season and into the playoffs, so he might make the most sense to move, but then the question becomes; do you win any trade involving William Nylander?

The contract that I'd look to move out if I was at the helm would be that of Leafs captain John Tavares. Like Nylander, the Leafs are not likely going to win any trade involving Tavares. Where the real win comes in is the cap space it frees up to allow the Leafs to better balance the roster. The problem there is that Tavares has a full NMC and may refuse to waive it to be moved.

There are a lot of questions that will require answers. I'd assume that we'll have a better idea on which direction the team is headed starting at the draft on July 7th and 8th in Montreal. With free agency set to open up on July 13th, it's likely that we'll see some moves to open up cap space at the draft if the Leafs do plan on making significant changes. If they stand pat, it seems less likely that they'll make any significant roster changes.