As the Toronto Maple Leafs cleaned out their lockers after missing the playoffs for a 7th straight year, there was a sense of optimisms for next year.
While that may be a familiar tune, everyone insists it’s different this time for the 2nd youngest team in the NHL.
“This year we piled up a bunch of experience at the end,” said Ron Wilson. “We’re probably 2 or 3 pieces from being a true contender. I’m talking contender for the Stanley Cup.”
A cynic might argue those pieces are Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Shea Weber.
But there is no doubt a team that went 18-9 and 6 after the all-star break believes they are ready to make the next step and advance to the playoffs.
“Night in night out we were playing in big games that were playoff like and for next year it’s really going to help us,” said captain Dion Phaneuf. “We are going to use that experience and it’s going to help us.”
“First couple of years for me everyone was saying next year should be better, next year should be better, but it was more hoping that it would be better,” said Luke Schenn. “Now there is a belief that we are on the right track.”
“I’m comfortable in this group more than any I’ve had in a long time because they are growing together, improving together and believing together,” added Wilson.
“Compared to my first year here, it’s a whole different culture here, a whole different team” said Phil Kessel. “We have a great group of guys here. Everybody plays for each other.”
The Leafs have a number of restricted free agents this off season: Tyler Bozak, James Reimer, Luke Schenn, Darryl Boyce, Jay Rosehill, Carl Gunnarsson, Matt Lashoff and Clarke MacArthur.
MacArthur led the Leafs in assists and made it clear he wants to remain in Toronto.
“I’ve never once said that I’m trying to hit one out of the park here,” said MacArthur. “I feel like sometimes it’s better to be happy than greedy. I’d like to stay here.”
Wilson feels the team needs a front line centre and a defenceman to work the point on the power play. He is confident James Reimer – who played a big role in the club going 18-9-6 after the all-star break - can handle the goaltending duties next season targeting him for 50 to 60 games.
“If that’s what he wants me to do I’ll be ready,” said Reimer. “He told me to focus and prepare myself to have the possibility to play a lot of games next season. I am going to work real hard this summer to focus and prepare and be in the best shape possible so I can handle it.”
“Reims I’m sure is going to continue where he left off,” said Wilson. “He seems immune to all the attention. He stayed focused pretty much all the way through it.”
“There will be more expectations from everyone and you just have to find a way either to let it motivate you or not think about it at all,” said Reimer. “For myself I’ll probably go the not think about it at all route.”
Ron Wilson has 1 year left on his deal and Brian Burke says he will be back.
Wilson expects to retain his entire coaching staff. When asked if he would like a contract extension before the season, Wilson said that was a decision Brian Burke would have to make.
“Sixty percent of my questions are about always my future, as soon we lose 3 games it’s about my future,” said Wilson. “I don’t even want to go there. I’m confident in my abilities. That’s between Brian and I at the end of the day. It’s nobody else’s business.”
That may be but Wilson is the only coach in Maple Leafs history to have missed the playoffs three straight years and not lose his job.
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