Worry-O-Meter for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan often means living in a constant state of worry. The team’s history of highs, lows, curses, and endless debates has felt like a never-ending roller coaster ride. Many believed the long Mitch Marner saga was the final chapter of the “Core Four” era, opening the door for a fresh identity built with less pressure and fewer distractions.
That hope depended on a strong debut season without Marner. Instead, the Leafs sit at 5-5-1 through the first eleven games of the 2025–26 campaign, leaving fans unsure what to think. There have been flashes of promise—like Matthew Knies steadily elevating his game—but the negatives have outweighed the positives so far.
Early Season Struggles
- The power play ranks among the league’s bottom five.
- Auston Matthews has started slower than usual by his own standards.
- Goaltending performances have been inconsistent and unimpressive.
Despite these issues, it’s still early. Eleven games is a small sample size, and there are reasonable explanations for Toronto’s sluggish start. Fans are left wondering whether it’s time to worry—or simply to relax and tune into the Blue Jays while the Leafs try to settle down.
“Should you worry about the Leafs yet, or should you sit back and enjoy the Toronto Blue Jays while the hockey team across the way figures it out?”
The start hasn’t been encouraging, especially for a team hoping to move past its history of drama. A few wins would go a long way toward restoring faith and quieting doubts.
Author’s Summary
The Leafs’ uneven 5-5-1 start after Marner’s exit highlights early weaknesses, but it’s too soon to panic—there are still signs of growth in the lineup.