Steve Simmons blames Maple Leafs’ organization top-to-bottom for lacklustre season

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in uncharted territory. Currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and on pace to miss the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons, this version of the Maple Leafs looks like a far cry from the club fans have grown accustomed to seeing. 

On Monday morning, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss the current state of the Maple Leafs and what looms ahead in the offseason following the remaining 18 regular-season games. 

The trade deadline saw the Maple Leafs move out Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton, three moves that the team needed to make according to Simmons. 

“Toronto did what they had to do, and it means a whole lot of nothing. They traded players that they could get some kind of value back for and wound up with a pile of draft picks for years down the road,” Simmons said. “They’ve stocked the cupboard, so to speak, for whoever is going to be running this operation in 2028 and 2029. They did that for an organization that’s been trying to win every single year, and now we’re looking at a rejig if you want to call it that.” 

Much has been made of the Brandon Carlo trade from last year’s trade deadline, where the Maple Leafs moved their 2026 first-round draft pick, which was top-five protected, a 2025 fourth-round pick and Fraser Minten for the defenceman. As the standings currently sit, the Maple Leafs would have to forfeit this year’s pick to the divisional rival Bruins. Simmons was asked by Alberga if he thinks the Maple Leafs can get into the bottom five to retain their selection. 

“It’s wishable, I think, if that’s such a word. You can wish they get to that point, but I don’t really think it’s possible,” Simmons said. “This is such a ‘Leafs’ ending. They’ll give up the sixth or seventh pick in the draft and won’t have anything to show for it other than Carlo, who they don’t really want on their team anyhow. It would fit the theme.”

For what it’s going to take to find more success next, Simmons touched on areas of need this offseason that Maple Leafs management needs to look at to revitalize this roster. 

“You need to rebuild the entire defence. You may not have to rebuild goaltending if you believe in those guys and if they can stay healthy. But right now, you need to rebuild your defence,” Simmons said. “You need to rebuild your forwards in terms of depth and strength, and if you’re not able to do that, you’re going to have a very thin lineup. You’re going to have a very thin lineup based on a few very good forwards.” 

As for who is to blame for this season’s debacle, Simmons believes that there are a number of people who should be held accountable for what has transpired in leading the Maple Leafs to a 27-26-11 record to this point. 

“Blame goes to the coach, blame goes to the players, blame goes to the general manager, blame goes to his staff, and blame goes to the ownership,” Simmons said. 

The Maple Leafs are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens.