Jonathan Marchessault Indicates the Leafs Don't Have What it Takes to Win

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TJ Tucker
June 25, 2023 (6:57)

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Maybe he's telling it like it is, but it's sure to make some people unhappy. Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights, who just won a Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe as Playoff MVP, was asked if the Toronto Maple Leafs were close to winning a Cup themselves. His answer can be summed up as no.

"It's hard for me to see it. I just don't know. Like, they get past the first round, and they lose in five to a team (Florida) that I think was � they were hot at the right time, obviously � but I mean, I don't know."

"It's hard for me to see. There's a lot of things that need to change if they want to win." - Jonathan Marchessault Spittin' Chiclets

Marchessault may come off as a bit cocky on this one, but he's not necessarily wrong either. Despite a powerhouse offense, and some better defensive skills from certain players, the Leafs just seem to be lacking something to get them into another gear in the playoffs. Former GM Kyle Dubas tried to plug the holes year after year with veterans, depth players, more aggression, etc., but could never really get over the hump and get to the finals.

Marchessault said the hardest matchup Vegas had in the playoffs was against the Edmonton Oilers.

"It has to be the hardest matchup we had. Like, you had a two-goal lead, and you were never safe. That was just an elite team. The thing is, we had to be disciplined. I've never seen anything like it."

"Even 4-on-4 was not good for our team. So, that was a big factor. The 5-on-5 game, we know we were better than them, so that's where we got them a little bit." - Jonathan Marchessault, Spittin' Chiclets.