The Toronto Maple Leafs have undergone significant changes this offseason, yet many believe the alterations remain superficial. General Manager Brad Treliving emphasized a need for a change in the team's DNA, yet the most noticeable moves involve the firing of the president and allowing star player Mitch Marner to leave. The organization seems to be re-signing players who have underperformed in recent years, indicating a lack of substantial progress.

The fate of John Tavares raises eyebrows, as he was retained despite past failures, likely due to his insistence to stay. This reluctance to cut ties with core players, even after Marner's departure, suggests that the team may be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity rather than evolving into a contender. The only strategy that might salvage the situation is a potential pursuit of Connor McDavid, who has one year left on his contract with the Edmonton Oilers.