After a long summer of speculation and rumours, the Leafs largely walked back the core of their team, overhauled the coaching staff, and made some moves to address their defense.
The changes on defense are already evident, and the coaching staff is also instilling a simple system that already looks notably different — a lot more chip-and-chase type plays, very little regrouping, and quick ups on the breakout.
There is a long way to go, but noticeable differences are starting to play out, and there is more to come, considering four players who likely consider themselves regular, everyday players have yet to play a game this season.