Insider explains why Toronto Maple Leafs ownership won't accept a rebuild
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could be compelled to start a rebuild, although Jeff Marek has a theory that MLSE is just not interested.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in last place in the Atlantic Division, and if they can't get it together this season, then some uncomfortable conversations are going to need to be had.
For instance, there have been some analysts calling for a rebuild. The Core Four era has been a failure, and Auston Matthews isn't going to magically become a winner overnight.
Not to mention, the captain is on a steep decline when it comes to his production and goal-scoring. As a result, there have been additional calls to trade the superstar away and get some big-time assets.
While this all sounds like an interesting plan, there is one major hurdle between general manager Brad Treliving and a Maple Leafs rebuild.
Rogers Communications is pulling the strings at MLSE
That hurdle, according to Jeff Marek, is Rogers Communications. They are about to take full control of MLSE, and they also control the NHL's Canadian TV rights.
As Marek argues, a Maple Leafs rebuild could be horrible for ratings and would be a huge detriment to the company's bottom line.
The other thing that we should always keep in mind, too, the rightsholder is about to begin another 12-year cycle with the rights... So, if you come to realization that this Stanley Cup window is closed for the Toronto Maple Leafs, do you think that the rightsholder, who is soon to be the sole owner of MLSE, wants to start the new 12-year relationship with a 5-year rebuild?
Quite frankly, this all seems like one huge conflict of interest. MLSE should allow for what's best for the franchise's success, not the bottom line.
With that being said, this Leafs team is not good enough right now, and there is no guarantee that they can make the team better.
Treliving has been placed in a truly impossible position, and you can't really envy what the guy is going through.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 555 ANSWERS Insider explains why Toronto Maple Leafs ownership won't accept a rebuild Do you believe MLSE should allow the Toronto Maple Leafs to go through a rebuild? | ||
| YES | 350 | 63.1 % |
| NO | 205 | 36.9 % |
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