Insider asks an important question concerning John Chayka and the Maple Leafs
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Jeff Marek is not ready to declare the Toronto Maple Leafs a fundamentally different team this season, even after a busy offseason under new general manager John Chayka.
Speaking on The Sheet, Marek admitted he still does not have a clear answer on whether Chayka's changes have actually pushed the Leafs forward.
The real answer is a terrible radio slash podcast answer, and that answer is I don't know
Motion Versus Movement
Marek framed his uncertainty around a simple distinction. He does not know if what fans have seen from Chayka so far is just motion, meaning activity for its own sake, or actual movement, meaning real progress.
There have been a lot of things that have happened. They've done a lot and shuffled.
His central question cuts to the heart of how Leafs fans should evaluate the front office so far.
Was it motion or was it movement? Did it move it forward?
What Comes Next For Toronto?
Chayka has overseen sweeping changes since taking over in Toronto, reshaping management, coaching and the roster.
Whether those moves translate into on-ice results will not be clear until the Leafs open their season, but Marek's comments suggest even plugged-in insiders are withholding judgment until then.
It is going to be one of the most important seasons in recent memory for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After the disappointment of last season, there is a sense that things can turn around.
Gavin McKenna is the most exciting prospect in all of hockey. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is primed and ready for a bounce-back season. Put these two things together and you get something promising.
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