Maple Leafs must urgently correct a roster management error

The Toronto Maple Leafs cannot continue choosing their lineups based on sentimental value. Craig Berube must understand that the best players must play.

Toronto lost to the Montreal Canadiens, 5-2, on Saturday and there is a clear conclusion. Sentimental value is negatively influencing lineup decisions that should be totally meritocratic.

The focus is not on goaltender Joseph Woll, who performed at a good level, but on the message from the bench of preaching toughness and secondary scoring while decisions are made with the heart. A clear example was the insistence on lining up Sammy Blais, while Jacob Quillan, backed by his teammates, was left out. Neither his speed, nor his tenacity, nor his good form mattered.

In addition, veterans like Max Domi, Dakota Joshua or Matias Maccelli continue to see minutes despite recent mistakes and limited impact. In contrast, Easton Cowan contributed and should not return to the AHL. If he produces, he plays. It's that simple.

On the ice, the defensive shortcomings were evident. There was a lack of closeouts, lost marks and vulnerable rush defense against defensemen who join the attack. That is corrected with tactical discipline and accountability, but the first lever is the lineup.

How the Maple Leafs must approach mediocrity in the lineup

If the franchise talks about identity and demands, it must back it up with tough decisions. The pyramid starts at the top. Berube must set the standards, management must back them and the dressing room falls in line. The best 12 available forwards must play without any type of exception.

Berube must implement a game-by-game evaluation, sending the clear message that minutes are earned, not inherited. It is also necessary to define clear roles based on performance. If a veteran does not contribute at five-on-five, reduce his usage or move him to the power play or penalty kill if he performs there.

There must also be transparent incentives. Quillan and Cowan in if their basic metrics and tape show impact; adjustment of ice time for those who accumulate turnovers. There must be communicated coherence. That is, the same message in the press conference and on the lineup sheet.