Insider reveals tonight could be the end of the Maple Leafs Core 4

We're at that point in the National Hockey League season where Toronto Maple Leafs pundits and fans of Leafs Nation are starting to question, like they have since 1968, the year after the team won their last Stanley Cup. What is it going to take to get back to the promise land and have a parade down Front Street in Toronto? However, the only thing that makes sense, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman (and everyone else at this point), is to blow it up and break up the Core Four.

The Maple Leafs pulled themselves out of a deep hole they created after falling behind three games to one against the Boston Bruins. The Leafs have fought back valiantly to tie the series, but morale victories are no longer enough for the Leafs core.

Let's be honest: when the Maple Leafs drafted Morgan Rielly in 2012, fans felt that things were looking up. Then, a three-year window of William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Auston Matthews between 2014 and 2016 occurred that up until this point has just created false hope, and instead of being in the drivers seat, fans have been placed in the passenger seat of a car that has constantly lost control because of the incompetency in the drivers seat. So, where does that leave us?

Your captain, who came home to play with his hometown team, hasn't been the same since he was rocked in the bubble and is slower than molasses in January, and with the fact that, among other things (like attitude), Mitch Marner has in one way or another voiced his displeasure with linemates that can't keep up with him. Friedman revealed the following this week on his 32 Thoughts Podcast.





Understandably, Mitch Marner hasn't looked himself since returning from a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for a chunk of time during the regular season. His antics and attitude during the team's series against Boston alone could be enough for the team to send him on his way out. The thing that needs to be considered is his contract and, again, a ridiculous No Move Clause. Treliving could ask either of the above to waive these, but at what cost to him or the franchise?

Some of Leafs Nation has been critical of William Nylander and how lazy or disinterested he seems at times but too be honest, aside from Matthews', he has been the most consistent of the core four, especially this past season. I'm willing to bet he won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Which leaves the literal best for last: When everything is said and done, Auston Matthews is not only the best Toronto Maple Leaf of his generation, but he's nearing the best of all-time (sorry, Dave Keon). Regardless of the fact that he has been unable to taste any success in the playoffs, the fan base, if they haven't already, will mutiny towards the front office. Matthews is the face of the franchise, the next captain of the Maple Leafs, and quite possibly the only one that should be untouchable.

What do you say?

Do the Leafs earn themselves one more kick at the can or is tonight, game over for the Core Four?