Despite their definitive 5-2 loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Leafs sitting 24th in the NHL, they are twice as far away in points from 5th last in the NHL (the Blues 8 points behind them) than they are from 17th place (the Flyers 4 points ahead of them).

This is important because, per the conditions of the Fraser Minten trade, the Bruins will get the Leafs pick if it's higher than 5th overall in this summer's draft. The pick becomes unconditional in 2027 if the Leafs draft in the top five.

Considering these two realities, the Leafs really should be trying to get as high in the standings as possible to give Boston the worst pick possible and not risk giving up a potential franchise player next year (and it wouldn't be the first time).

Therefore, the Leafs should not tank.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to be putting a product on the ice that can do anything but lose since the Olympic break (0-5-2). They have controlled only 43% of the shots and xG at 5v5 and 32% of the goals in all situation (not counting the shootout "goals"). Not that their terrible shot share is unique to these seven games as they're second last in the league in that category this season.

This final quarter of the season for teams out of playoff contention are usually for padding some stats, getting a sneak peek at some prospects, and generally preparing for the summer. If the coach is going to get fired, usually they get to run out the season because why not. However, the Leafs situation might not allow for that breathing time. They need to win as much as they can to save some dignity. Meaning it might be time to fire the coach because it looks like every player except Nick Robertson has stopped giving a sh*t.

Kucherov reaches 100 points, Lightning cruise past Maple Leafs to snap 4-game skid | NHL.com
Perry scores in return for Tampa Bay; Toronto is 0-5-2 in past 7
NHL logoDave McCarthy
Adrift Maple Leafs are neither winning nor learning anything right now
“You’re either winning or you’re learning” is one of my favourite sayings in sports. It’s a constructive way to frame a game in a glass-half-full type of way. You either celebrate your success or learn what you can do better for the next time. Frustratingly, the Leafs are neither winning nor learning right now. General […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveAnthony Petrielli

From the out of town scoreboard, the Leafs should be looking at the LA Kings. The Leafs have their 3rd round pick that they got for Scott Laughton which can turn into a 2nd round pick if the Kings make the playoffs. However, the Kings are one point behind the Leafs in the league and lost 4-3 in regulation to the Habs. Luckily for them, they play in the Pacific division so they're only 3 points out of a playoff spot while the Leafs are 10. Bleeping wild, if you ask me.

Maple Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson reflects on trade deadline stress
Sportsnet.caCanadian Press
Quick Shifts: What’s the Maple Leafs’ big plan now?
Maple Leafs lack direction | Quinn Hughes fires at Jack’s critics | Flames stockpile is well timed | John Carlson’s stunning trade + 8 more NHL goodies…
Sportsnet.caLuke Fox
Maple Leafs’ Matthews after deadline: ‘You lay in the bed you make’
The Maple Leafs will continue on after Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy were traded in the past few days. Read more.
Toronto SunTerry Koshan
Brad Treliving on Auston Matthews’ down season: “In my opinion, he’s just entering the prime of his career... We have to continue to find ways to support him and get players who can help him”
After the trade deadline, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving joined TSN Overdrive to discuss his deadline moves, the team’s failures this season, the decision to keep Craig Berube behind the bench, and Auston Matthews’ scoring slump. You spoke about the market dictating the returns. How would you describe your deadline, based on what you were […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff
Jon Cooper on the Leafs and Panthers falling to the bottom of the Atlantic Division: “The Leafs don’t have the fruits of their labour the way Florida does, so it’s probably tougher to swallow”
Ahead of Leafs vs. Lightning on HNIC, Jon Cooper discussed the Leafs and Panthers’ fall from grace in the Atlantic Division, the Lightning’s consistency, and the addition of Corey Perry ahead of the playoffs. Is it a little bizarre to see the Panthers and the Leafs at the bottom of the Atlantic Division? Cooper: I’ve […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

It's pretty depressing, but hey, at least it was warm yesterday. Don't look at the forecast this week. Don't look at gas prices either. Honestly, just avoid current events and enjoy your 23-hour Sunday. It'll all still be there on Monday.

From The Branches