Shanahan has unreal response when asked if Leafs core 4 can still win

Brendan Shanahan, the face of steadfast belief in the Toronto Maple Leafs' core group, notably refrained from his usual vote of confidence in the team's ability to clinch a Stanley Cup. This shift came to light during the latest year-end press conference, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise.

Year after year, as the seasons concluded, Shanahan had stood before the media, unwavering in his conviction that the Leafs' "core four" could bring home the championship.

Yet, this time around, his tone took a dramatic turn. Instead of the usual endorsement, Shanahan pivoted the conversation towards the pressing need for significant changes within the team.

The notion of loyalty to the core four


—Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares—was subtly upended when Shanahan addressed a direct question about their potential to win a Cup. His response, a carefully navigated "word salad," pointed more towards a pattern of playoff disappointments than future success. "Everything is on the table," Shanahan declared, hinting at the possibility of major roster moves, including waiving no-move clauses if necessary. See the discussion highlights at:



The urgency for transformation was echoed in Shanahan's reluctance to affirm the current strategy. Following the firings of General Manager Kyle Dubas last year and Coach Sheldon Keefe this year, the message is clear: the Maple Leafs are poised for a drastic overhaul.

With most team members like Auston Matthews and William Nylander secured under long-term contracts,

The spotlight turns to Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly. These key players are now considered active components in trade discussions as the Leafs aim to be major contenders in the upcoming offseason. The team is expected to make significant waves in both trade negotiations and free agency pursuits.

In the echo of Shanahan's latest statements and the organizational changes already underway, it's evident that an era is ending for the Maple Leafs. As the team stands at the crossroads of transformation, the forthcoming moves will be critical in shaping their trajectory toward not just playoff appearances, but a potential Stanley Cup victory.

For ongoing updates and reactions from the press conference, refer to:



The shift in tone at this year's press conference from Shanahan is not just a signal of change but a clear declaration that the Maple Leafs are in for a summer of strategic upheavals, poised to redefine their course in NHL history.