The Toronto Maple Leafs dismissed assistant coach Marc Savard on December 22 amid ongoing power-play struggles and a disappointing start to the season. Management's response has been measured, with no immediate plans for blockbuster trades despite the team's 15th-place standing in the Eastern Conference after 35 games. Insiders suggest the organization is reassessing after an unexpectedly poor performance.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' decision to fire assistant coach Marc Savard on December 22 reflects the team's frustration with its sputtering power play, but it stops short of the drastic changes fans might expect. Savard, who oversaw the man-advantage unit, was let go as a targeted intervention rather than a full overhaul. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on The FAN Hockey Show, the move addresses Auston Matthews' underwhelming production on the power play—three goals and four points, ranking low league-wide—without disrupting the core roster.
Friedman emphasized that the Maple Leafs did not anticipate this level of struggle, sitting 15th in the Eastern Conference after 35 games. "The Maple Leafs did not see this coming. Not like this. Not this deep into the season," he said. The organization, led by figures like Keith Pelley, prefers deliberate actions with long-term rationale over panic trades. Availability of suitable deals is limited, and Toronto is wary of short-term fixes that deplete assets unless they align with future plans.
Coach Craig Berube has voiced irritation over inconsistent play and lack of offensive spark from stars like Matthews and William Nylander. The firing aims to reshuffle the power-play setup quickly, but broader issues persist. Friedman noted that unexpected poor performance often delays decisions as management discerns if problems are structural or temporary. For now, the Leafs are adjusting incrementally, watching for signs of recovery rather than committing to a teardown or all-in push.
If losses mount catastrophically, adaptation could follow, but Toronto operates on the belief that hasty reactions without clarity harm more than help. This uncertainty defines the season's narrative, leaving fans in a tense market awaiting direction.
