Keon says Maple Leafs need to 'take a look in the mirror' amid lack of playoff success

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Cooper Godin
February 4, 2024 (1:01 PM)

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Toronto Maple Leafs legend Dave Keon knows a thing or two about what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, as he hoisted hockey's greatest trophy over his head four times.

With the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup drought nearly 57 years old, the organization and fan base are getting frustrated with year after year of exiting the playoffs early.

In an interview with the Toronto Star, Dave Keon was asked about the current state of the Maple Leafs, their Stanley Cup drought and the legacy of players such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

Keon said that unless they win a Stanley Cup, the legacy of Auston Matthews and William Nylander will only be tied to them being among the top scorers in the franchise's history.

"What is the object of this exercise? At the start of the year when you gather in training camp, the object of the exercise is to win the Stanley Cup." Keon said."

He added, "If you have all these players putting up great numbers and you've won one playoff series in eight or nine years, and you haven't even played for the Stanley Cup, then you have to take a look in the mirror."

Last season, the Maple Leafs won their first playoff series in 19 years, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round, before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup runner-up, the Florida Panthers, in round two.

This season is big for the Maple Leafs, and while at times they haven't look the best, there's still plenty of time for them to get on a hot streak and prove to everyone that they can be a contender for the Stanley Cup. It won't be easy, and it'll be interesting to see what they do at the trade deadline, but the pressure is on in Toronto. It'll be up to the players now to deliver a Stanley Cup.