The Toronto Maple Leafs face tough decisions this offseason after failing to reach the Conference Finals. Star players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares have uncertain futures, with Marner possibly playing his last game as a Leaf. Tavares expressed his commitment to staying in Toronto but may have to accept a discount. The Leafs are also evaluating other roster moves, including the futures of pending free agents like Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa, and restricted free agents Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson.

Analysis suggests that retaining Marner may not be feasible due to salary cap constraints, prompting the Leafs to explore alternative free-agent signings such as Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand. The team must avoid coming back with the same core if they hope to break their long Cup drought, especially after historically poor performances in clutch playoff scenarios.

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a devastating 6-1 defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 5, facing elimination as their forward lines were shuffled but to no avail. Despite their initial success in the series, with a 2-1 lead, the Leafs struggled offensively, managing only a consolation goal from Nick Robertson late in the game. The loss marked Toronto's heaviest playoff defeat since 2004, leaving them with a daunting task in Game 6.

Head coach Craig Berube's attempt to spark offense included mixing up the lines, pairing star players like Auston Matthews and John Tavares. However, the Panthers capitalized on defensive lapses, with Sergei Bobrovsky showcasing impressive goaltending. The Leafs now face an uphill battle with statistics against them, as teams leading 3-2 in a playoff series have historically succeeded at a high rate.

In a pivotal Game 5 for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Florida Panthers, head coach Craig Berube made significant roster changes. Winger Nick Robertson and center David Kampf returned to the lineup, while Calle Jarnkrok and Pontus Holmberg were scratched. Robertson showed promise earlier with four goals in his last regular season appearance. Meanwhile, Kampf's return followed a lengthy injury absence, boosting the team's depth. With the series tied at 2-2, these tactical adjustments signal Toronto's commitment to regaining momentum after a tough Game 4 defeat.

The Maple Leafs had previously taken a 2-0 lead in the series, but the Panthers responded with strong performances, including a shutout victory. Berube emphasized the need for the bottom-six forwards to elevate their game, stating they must drive the pace and physicality. On the opposing side, the Panthers faced their own lineup challenges due to injuries, with Evan Rodrigues sidelined after a hit from Leafs' Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Jesper Boqvist, who had been a healthy scratch, joined the Panthers' top line in his stead.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner missed practice on Sunday, but for a joyful reason: he welcomed his first child, a son, with his wife Stephanie. In his absence, Nick Robertson filled in on the first line alongside Auston Matthews and Matt Knies, as the team gears up for their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.