Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors; Hakanpaa, Marner, Robertson & Berube – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I'll take a look at some of the team's decisions that seem to be up in the air. Those include defender Jani Hakanpaa, the likes of Mitch Marner, and Nick Robertson. However, the main theme of this post is what new head coach Craig Berube has to offer the team.

He brings a clean slate to the opportunities. Can he reshape and inspire the players to greater success than before?

First thing: If Hakanpaa Can't Play for Maple Leafs, What Will the Team Miss?

Everything seemed good until it happened. Now, closing in on mid-July, there is no official announcement from the Maple Leafs regarding defenseman Jani Hakanpaa. The 32-year-old has not played since mid-March due to a knee injury with the Dallas Stars. Although it was reported on July 1 that Hakanpaa is joining Toronto on a two-year contract, he has not yet been officially listed.

Related: Who's the Best Fit for the Maple Leafs: Ekman-Larsson vs. Giordano

When it was reported that Hakanpaa was headed to the Maple Leafs, rumors said that his playing career could be in jeopardy due to a knee injury. Given the lack of an official update from the team, it is increasingly likely that Hakanpaa may not play this season.

If Hakanpaa can't join the Maple Leafs, the team will lose his valuable contribution on the penalty kill. Last season with the Stars, Hakanpaa was second among Dallas players in ice time in kills, averaging three minutes and 16 seconds per game. The Stars rank eighth in the NHL in penalty killing, with an 82% success rate. Performance on the penalty kill had to be at least part of the appeal of a great defender.

The Maple Leafs have already seen the departure of four key penalty-killing defensemen: TJ Brodie, Mark Giordano, Joel Edmundson, and Ilya Lyubushkin. New addition Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who killed penalties with the Florida Panthers, will need to step up. However, he wasn't the first choice for Stanley Cup hitters when they were a short man.

Related: Kyle Dubas Cops in Biggest Mistake as Maple Leafs GM

Hakanpaa's potential absence will have a negative impact on the Maple Leafs' penalty kill unit, which plans to rely heavily on his ability and effectiveness. As the team awaits official word, it may have to explore other strategies to strengthen its defense in depth and maintain a strong penalty kill. While there is still time to get things right, Hakanpaa's time in Toronto is now looking good.

Item Two: Craig Berube Seems to Think He Can Open the Maple Leafs' Core Four: Can He?

From what he has been saying about Marner recently, it seems that new coach Craig Berube believes he is the one who can finally achieve playoff success with the Core Four-Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Marner. Twice now, in the past few weeks, he has noted that he is looking forward to coaching Marner and having him on the team.

To an outsider looking in, having Marner on the team must be attractive. He can put up points and play solid defense on paper and on the ice. However, the team cannot get out of the final stages with this group of players. For someone with Berube's competitive nature and track record, it must feel like a personal challenge to succeed where others have failed. I can see the appeal of wanting to have a chance and a possible legacy if anyone – he (Berube) – could pull off the impossible.

Berube's desire and confidence drives him. He sees the potential in players like Marner and knows that combining their talents is essential for the team to be successful. His confidence and self-belief is what drives him the most—he's confident he can shape the Core Four into a cohesive unit capable of excelling in the playoffs.

Berube's challenge is to create synergies that maximize the Core Four's strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. You must know that he feels that he can inspire and motivate the team, creating a culture of endless pursuit of success.

Related: Maple Leafs Trading Mitch Marner Could Disrupt Forward Depth

Given his talk about Marner, Berube seems determined to prove his confidence in the Core Four is justified. If he can lead them to playoff success, it could change the fortunes of the Maple Leafs and end their long championship drought.

Next season is important. Will his confidence be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Maple Leafs? As it looks like this team will go one more round with four big players, fans must hope that Berube's confidence is justified.

Thing Three: Did Nick Robertson's Live Speech Change Your Heart?

Trade suggestions involving Nick Robertson have gained momentum as the youngster has shared his desire to be traded out of town. However, the Maple Leafs' best case scenario doesn't rule out Robertson for a small return. Instead, the team should hope he signs the waiver wire and arrives at training camp ready to seek a full-time job on the left side.

If that's what the team is looking for, Berube has his work cut out for him. He needs to meet with Robertson to convince him that he has a chance at a new life under his new coaching philosophy and programs. Robertson has the kind of quick scoring ability that could be a huge asset to the team. His shot can turn a seemingly iffy play into a solid scoring opportunity. His attacking skills can give the team the extra firepower it needs. A child can score a goal.

It looks like someone on the team needs to help Robertson see that, under the guidance of a new coach, he will get more consistent opportunities than he had under former coach Sheldon Keefe. Berube's coaching could unlock Robertson's potential and help him thrive in the NHL.

Related: Maple Leafs Fans Continue To Love Felix Potvin

There is no doubting Robertson's heart or work ethic. The Maple Leafs also need a left tackle, which works for Robertson. If he performs well during practice and the preseason, it's impossible for the team to ignore his contributions. That's the message Robertson needs to hear if there's any chance he can change his mind and give the team another chance around the ice.

What's Next for Maple Leaves?

As usual, the upcoming season holds great promise and intrigue for the team, with the main focus being on the key role of new coach Berube. His impact remains an unpredictable factor that could revive key players. The composition of the team on paper seems, if not strong, then different enough, with additions to the tandem of the team knife and defense.

Young players—including Robertson, Easton Cowan, and Fraser Minten—are poised to benefit from Berube's new vision, which will give them opportunities that were previously unavailable. Major changes have been made, particularly in goal scoring and defence, to present a squad that feels refreshed and restructured. Now, it's up to Berube to get the job done. According to his speech since joining the group, he seems ready to rumble.

As the season approaches, the onus is on the players to unite under their new leadership and form a united unit. Success depends on Berube's ability to use the skills of the team, to integrate the skills of young people and to pass on the knowledge of the veteran. With one of the NHL's leading scorers, Matthews, the pieces are in place for a successful campaign. The challenge ahead lies in Berube's task of organizing these elements into a cohesive and winning season.

We've been here before. Can Berube do the job?