Put the Calculators Down — The Maple Leafs Will Be Fine: Alberga’s Take

Everyone needs to take a deep breath.

Contrary to popular belief, the sky’s not falling in Toronto.

That said, it’s understandable why fans alike feel the way they do right now.

For me, it was the lack of response after being called out by the No. 1 goalie that was a tiny bit flabbergasting —but so be it.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about this squad in the past decade, though, it’s that they love sleepwalking through the month of October. The coach hasn’t mattered, nor has the lineup.

Simply put, there’s nothing to see here, folks.

But seriously, the way some people are talking, you wonder if they’re new to watching this team, or something. Tampa’s off to a dreadful start. No one seems to be panicking there.

Hate it or love it, this is just what the modern-day Maple Leafs do. They get stronger as the season progresses. Maybe they hate Halloween. Who knows.

Through seven outings, the Leafs are 3-3-1. For what it’s worth, they were 4-3-0 – with Mitch Marner – in the same span to kick off the 2024-25 campaign. As mentioned, the slow starts have been a theme for years now.

Just don’t tell that to the narrative farmers who’ve been pumping their chests out on social media this week.

Optically, it hasn’t look pretty. The analytical numbers support that, too. Having said all that, there’s too much talent on this roster for them not to put things together sooner rather than later.

In fact, regardless of how disinterested they’ve looked, I’m forecasting a typical November heater for Craig Berube and company. Weirdly, I think they need to get away for a few games. It seems like every game’s been at Scotiabank Arena. On top of that, because they’ve been playing so frequently, they’ve barely had any time to practice. For a team fresh off losing a star player and looking to implement several new pieces, early-season turbulence was almost unavoidable.

Believe it or not, there was even more dysfunction last October. People were calling for Berube’s head two games in. Unsurprisingly, it’s the same people who have the pitch forks out early and often in 2025-26. Funny enough, these were the same individuals applauding Justin Holl’s underlying numbers and the re-acquisition of Denis Malgin. They wanted time to prove Dubas’ worth, something they’re not as eager to give the current braintrust.

Well, sorry to break it to everyone, the Leafs are coming off their most successful season in decades.

Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.

If you’re keeping score at home, the Leafs have played seven games out of a possible 82+. Apparently, that’s enough for some people to abandon ship.

Good for you.

For now, everyone just needs to chill out and give this group some time to mesh. Slowly, it will all come together. Trust me.