Maple Leafs Win 6–2, But One Big Concern Remains

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Maple Leafs Win 6–2, But One Big Concern Remains

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Oct 21, 2026 3:56 PM ET

Okay, Toronto Maple Leafs fans, a 6–2 win over Columbus is nothing to complain about. Six goals, two points, and a night where the offence finally gave everyone something to smile about. What’s not to like?

Well, maybe a few things. The Maple Leafs got the win, but they were outshot 37–22. That’s a pretty big difference, and it’s hard to ignore. Sure, the scoreboard looked great, but the goaltending played a big part in keeping this game from turning into a much closer contest.

Now, before anyone starts throwing the whole team under the bus, there’s another side to this. Toronto has looked quicker lately, and some of the new faces are starting to settle in. The goaltending has also been solid over the last couple of games. Maybe this group just needs a little more time to figure things out. And honestly, that’s fair. You can’t expect everything to click overnight.

Are the Maple Leafs Finding Their Game or Are We All Getting Fooled?

But here’s where things get interesting, especially when we start talking trade rumours and what this team might need moving forward. Are the Maple Leafs actually starting to find their game, or are we getting fooled by a couple of good results and some timely saves?

That’s the big question. Against Columbus, Toronto scored six times, and that deserves credit. But what happens when they face a team that can finish its chances? What happens when the goalie doesn’t have a great night? You can’t expect your netminder to face 37 shots every game and bail you out all season.

And if the Maple Leafs are thinking about making a move before the trade deadline, here’s what they need to consider. Is this roster good enough as-is, or are there still holes that need fixing? Do they need more help up front, another steady defenceman, or is patience the better option?

Fans Need to Give This Maple Leafs Team a Chance to Come Together

Personally, I’d like to see a bigger sample size before making any major decisions. Give this group until around the 20-game mark and see where things stand.

Enjoy the win, Leafs fans. They earned the two points, and nobody needs to apologize. But one 6–2 victory doesn’t mean all the problems have disappeared, either.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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