The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a critical juncture in the 2025-26 season, with questions swirling around the performance of the team, the direction of the front office, and the security of the coaching staff. With the trade deadline approaching, the Leafs are facing a difficult decision: contend, rebuild, or stand pat.

Treliving's Tight Spot

General Manager Brad Treliving, who was hired in May 2023, has had a challenging tenure. After a summer of significant changes, including the departure of star winger Mitch Marner, the team has struggled to find consistency. Treliving acknowledged the team's disappointing start, stating they're "too much vanilla". The team's inability to replicate last year's success has put Treliving under pressure to make impactful changes, but his options may be limited by a lack of assets, including first-round picks. Some analysts suggest the Leafs should embrace a seller role at the trade deadline, while others believe Treliving should wait until the offseason to make major deals. Despite the external pressure, Treliving has expressed the need for patience, but also noted that "patience isn't inactivity".

Berube's Bumps and Bruises

Head Coach Craig Berube, in his second season with the Maple Leafs, has also faced scrutiny. While he guided the team to a 108-point regular season and a second-round playoff appearance last year, the current season has been marked by inconsistency. Recently, Berube made headlines not for his coaching strategies, but for a gym accident that left him with a black eye and a gash on his head requiring nearly 50 stitches. Despite the injuries, Berube remained on the bench, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Berube has been critical of the team's recent performances, stating that they "make the game harder on ourselves than we need to".

Player Performance Under the Microscope

The performance of key players has also come under scrutiny. While Auston Matthews and William Nylander continue to be offensive leaders, other players have struggled to meet expectations. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who signed a four-year extension, has had a disappointing season, further complicated by an upper-body injury. The team's power play, despite having star players, ranks low in the league, further contributing to their struggles.

The Maple Leafs' recent struggles have significantly impacted their playoff chances, which have been cut nearly in half, leaving them with just a 25.9% chance of reaching the postseason. With a challenging schedule ahead and a roster that appears "out of gas," the Leafs face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. As the trade deadline looms, the decisions made by Treliving and the performance of the team in the coming weeks will determine the direction of the franchise.