The themes of the first offseason under GM Brad Treliving were the addition of “snot” and the emphasis on depth scoring. Both have been called into question in the early going of the 2023-24 season.
The Leafs did not bring much emotion or physical presence against the Sabres after being crucified for their lack of response to Timothy Liljegren’s injury against the Boston Bruins. Tonight, with Toronto fans longing for more togetherness and physical pushback from their team, the Leafs will face an opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning that is known to relish the nasty side of the game and jump to the defense of their teammates at the drop of a hat.