Toronto’s aging defense is the story: a big, heavy top six anchoring the back end, led by Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev on a familiar pair, with veteran depth in Giordano, Ekman-Larsson and Rielly. The Leafs prize playoff savvy and continuity over youth in a speed-first league. GM Brad Treliving has built a veteran backbone, while Berube and Maurice underscore that older groups bring strategic value in the playoffs—even as puck-moving gaps remain a concern beyond Rielly.