John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs GM Admits Painful Panthers Truth After Playoff Failure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 30, 2025 8:19 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ latest playoff collapse continues to cast a shadow as the team enters an uncertain offseason.

Despite high expectations under new coach Craig Berube and enjoying an extraordinary 102-point regular season from Mitch Marner, the Leafs bowed out in the second round after a 6–1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7.

Toronto's elimination was made harder to swallow by Florida’s continued dominance of the Eastern Conference, even though the Maple Leafs had bested them in the regular season, leading the Atlantic Division with 108 points to Florida's 98.

After eliminating Toronto, however, the Panthers dispatched the Carolina Hurricanes in five games to reach their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final, making the Maple Leafs’ loss feel heavier by the day.

LIVE | Brad Treliving Press Conference | May 29, 2025 https://t.co/dgsNjVsgJz
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 29, 2025

“They’ve set the bar in our division,” Treliving painfully admitted. “They’ve set the bar in our league. That’s what we aspire to.”

Treliving didn’t hide the personal toll of the Game 7 defeat. The GM said the result remains fresh and painful.

“That series is going to stay with me for a long time,” Treliving said. “The way it ended is going to stay with me a long time. When you think you have a chance to win and you don’t, it stays with you for a long time.”

The Leafs have now lost in the playoffs to Florida twice in three years, and they did so this season after taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. In both years, the Panthers imposed their will and advanced as Toronto unraveled under pressure.

Treliving's remarks from Thursday's availability suggest an offseason focused not on adding just skilled and talented performers, but also mentally strong players.

"Champions have the ability to be calm and at the very best when it matters the most," Treliving said. "And that is an area we have to improve in."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: