TSN’s Craig Button didn’t mince words when discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ latest performance. Following a dramatic home-ice comeback, Button acknowledged the resilience but warned fans that this version of the Leafs is far from championship caliber.
After watching the Leafs struggle for 40 minutes with only eight shots on goal before storming back to win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Button’s verdict was blunt — this isn’t a recipe for sustained success. “They were terrible for 40 minutes,” Button said, highlighting the lack of energy, defensive lapses, and inconsistent effort that continue to plague the team.
Defensive Breakdown and Goaltending Concerns
According to Button, the Leafs’ defense has regressed from last season. Their goaltending hasn’t been as steady either, and their once-dangerous power play is sputtering. Without Mitch Marner in the lineup, Toronto’s offensive creativity seems stifled, leaving too much weight on Auston Matthews and William Nylander — two stars who, Button pointed out, were “invisible” for much of the night.
Button credited head coach Craig Berube for holding players accountable but stressed that tactical adjustments can only do so much when the core fails to deliver consistent effort. “They’re worse defensively than they were last year,” he emphasized. “This simply isn’t a contending team right now.”
Are the Maple Leafs Built to Win?
In Button’s assessment, Toronto is playing like an average team — capable of highlight-reel comebacks but lacking the structure and discipline of true contenders. They’ll need a serious turnaround, both in defensive execution and mental readiness, to avoid falling into a playoff dogfight.
As someone who’s seen championship blueprints firsthand, Button’s warning should resonate with Leafs Nation: talent alone doesn’t win the Stanley Cup — commitment and consistency do.
Find the Latest Toronto Maple Leafs News, Fantasy Hockey Pool & TV Schedule
Get daily updates on the Toronto Maple Leafs, join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for cash prizes, and check how to watch tonight’s Leafs game on TV at nhltraderumor.com. Add us to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to stay connected all season long.
The post Craig Button: “Maple Leafs Aren’t a Stanley Cup Contender Yet” appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
