Maple Leafs Must Follow Bruins' Retooling Blueprint

Toronto should embrace short-term pain for long-term gain by resting veterans and giving young players opportunities.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs need to fall in the standings to keep their 2026 first-round pick, which is owed to the Boston Bruins. The Bruins went through a 'tank job' last season and are now better off for it, drafting James Hagens. The Leafs should follow a similar blueprint, resting veterans, reducing their minutes, and calling up young players from the AHL to see what they can do.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs' first-round pick in 2026 is owed to the Bruins, so Toronto has every motivation to fall in the standings this season. By embracing a retooling process similar to what the Bruins did, the Leafs can position themselves for long-term success, even if it means short-term pain this season.

The details

The Leafs currently sit 24th in the NHL standings, six points ahead of the 28th-place St. Louis Blues. If the Leafs' first-round pick ends up in the top five, it will slide to either 2027 or 2028, giving the Bruins a higher pick. The Leafs should rest any veterans playing through injuries, reduce minutes for veterans like Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe, and call up young players from the AHL to see what they can do.

  • The Bruins were 23rd in the NHL standings, eight points ahead of the team in 28th place, at last season's trade deadline.
  • The Bruins wound up fifth-last by the end of last season, going through a 'tank job'.
  • This year, the Maple Leafs sit 24th ahead of Monday's action, six points ahead of the 28th-place St. Louis Blues.

The players

Auston Matthews

The Maple Leafs' captain.

William Nylander

The Maple Leafs' star right winger.

Morgan Rielly

A veteran defenseman for the Maple Leafs.

Jake McCabe

A veteran defenseman for the Maple Leafs.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.