Concerning Turnout at First Maple Leafs Game of the Season Sparks Fan Reaction

While it seems as though Toronto may never be dethroned as the mecca of NHL hockey, fans have started to point out that things may be changing around Toronto going forward.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are participating in the Montreal Canadiens' Prospect Challenge for the second straight year, this time being joined by the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets. While Toronto is poised to take on the Habs tomorrow night in what is sure to be some must-see hockey, the boys in blue's first match was today against Ottawa.

As game time approached and the teams began their warm-ups, fans started to notice a surprising trend. Turnout to watch the Leafs was shockingly low.

With tickets as low as $10, and Montreal one of the closer major cities to Toronto, many assumed that fans would flock to the Bell Center to watch "Canada's Team" for a historically low cost. That wasn't the case, however, as the home of the Montreal Canadiens remained nearly empty as puck drop approached.

This news quickly caught the eyes of fans all over social media, who weren't shy to react to this bizarre turn of events.

While some speculated that the low turnout was due to two non-Montreal teams playing, others were quick to point out that the Bell Center was sold out for the 4-Nations Faceoff last season.

Whatever the reason for the surprising lack of attendance for today's game, it might be time for the Maple Leafs' front office and ownership to take a long hard look at their current operations.