Key Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ End-of-Season Media Availability

It is that time of the year again, when the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the media for their end-of-season media availability. Less than 48 hours removed from their Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers, the players and head coach spoke with the media members. They were asked about what happened in their terrible Game 7 loss, what needs to be improved, and for some like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, they were asked about their willingness to re-sign with the organization.

It is days like today, when the team speaks to the media such a short time after losing, that you get to see the raw emotions from the players, which shows just how much it hurts to lose. So, let’s jump into some of the biggest things said from the Maple Leafs’ press conference.

Craig Berube

This year’s press conference started a bit differently than years prior. Head coach Craig Berube started things off, whereas in past years the coach has gone last. There were a few interesting points that Berube touched on that the fan base should take away from this season. The biggest thing he mentioned was “structure” and how the team lost it at points in Game 7, which resulted in the Panthers scoring three goals and eventually running away with the game.

He also made sure to mention how well the team did overall, with all the things that they accomplished. “We all look at Game 7, and nobody’s happy. But we did a lot of good things this year that I’m proud of.” He did name a few things he felt were important, stating that the team won their division and finished with 108 points. Everyone knows that the coach isn’t about personal accolades, but that is important to remember too. The goalies had a great year, the defence took a major step forward, and although Matthews didn’t have the best year of his career, a lot of the forwards did.

Matthew Knies spoke about his injury and said he wasn’t 100% healthy for Game 7 but declined to say where specifically his injury was. He was hurt early in Game 6 when he was hit by a reverse hit and went to the bench. He tried to give it his all throughout the game but looked to be very badly hurt. He managed to come back for Game 7, but you could still tell something was off. He made sure to mention that “He was always going to play in Game 7.” Knies was also asked about his future with the Maple Leafs as a restricted free agent and the possibility of an offer sheet. He replied with an answer that will make everyone in Leafs Nation happy: “I want to be here. I want to play here. That’s all that matters to me.”

Other Players That Spoke

Chris Tanev met the media after Marner and was asked about the pressure that comes with playing in Canada. He highlighted that he has played in Canada for 14.5 out of his 15-year career and said it is to be expected since “Hockey is Canada’s game.” He compared Toronto to Vancouver in terms of pressure but said it is not the same in Calgary. He was asked if he would try and convince his brother, Brandon Tanev, to come to Toronto and he said, “I don’t know, I don’t know if the team wants him to come here, if he wants to come here.” He then was asked if he wanted to play with his brother, and he replied, “I don’t know.” Lastly, he was asked what his injury was, and he said it was his sternum where the joint meets his collarbone.

Anthony Stolarz also addressed the media today and spoke on what injury he suffered. He confirmed that it was a concussion and that he felt there was no malicious intent. He also stated that he believes the puck off the mask didn’t have anything to do with his concussion and noted that he is feeling fine now.

Max Pacioretty’s press conference was highlighted by his future in the NHL. He mentioned how hard it was being away from his family. He said that he needs to go home and discuss his future with family and is unsure if he will keep playing or not.

Joseph Woll met with the media near the end of the day and had some interesting things to say about the pressure that comes with playing in Toronto. He said, “Pressure comes from a good place, right? It comes from us having fans that care. I know that there’s nowhere I’d rather play and I’m happy how much people care.”

At the end of the day, there were some very similar talking points, one of them was structure and the importance of them maintaining that throughout games and series. The other one was, the importance of Matthews’ growth as a captain, and leader in the room. Lastly, this one is no surprise, the potential departure of both Marner and Tavares and what they mean to the team. It was mentioned by just about everyone, how much they’ve enjoyed playing alongside them and how they would love for them to re-sign with the team next season.

This isn’t it for exit interviews, the Maple Leafs’ GM Treliving will likely meet with the media in the coming days to go over what some plans look like for the summer and if there are any other urgent updates. There isn’t a set date for that yet, but that should be coming within the next week.