The Toronto Maple Leafs have really had a tough time in Game 7 situations, and it’s become a big part of their narrative in recent history. And the conversation isn’t dying down anytime soon what with yet another tough game 7 loss—a 6-1 blowout against the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals. This marked their seventh straight Game 7 loss, which ties the NHL record for the longest streak of this kind, an ignominious record that was previously held by the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs might be breathing a sigh of relief, but this loss just added to the Leafs’ reputation for not quite delivering in those important playoff moments. And it’s safe to say the stumble has really pushed their fan base to the edge.

After that Game 7, Maple Leafs fans were so frustrated that they tossed their jerseys and beers right at the Toronto bench. Honestly, can you really blame them? You know, the whole Game 7 curse really started back in the 2013 playoffs. That’s when the Leafs had a solid 4-1 lead in the third period against the Boston Bruins, but somehow ended up losing 5-4 in overtime. Quite the heartbreaker, right? After that, there were a few tough Game 7 losses: a 7-4 defeat against the Bruins in 2018, a 5-1 loss in 2019, a 3-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, a close 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, and then another 2-1 loss to the Bruins in 2024.

The 2025 loss to the Panthers just added another layer to this ongoing saga of letdowns. But honestly, this was the real turning point. After that, there were some big changes in the organization. Brendan Shanahan, the team president, decided to step down after 11 years. After making this tough decision, Keith Pelley, MLSE president and CEO, shared, “Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs’ championship history, and it was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead. The franchise will be forever grateful for Brendan’s contributions and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future.”

After this change, there’s an update on the Maple Leafs coach, Craig Berube. NHL insider Chris Johnston shared on X: “In the wake of the #leafs executive shakeup, it’s clear Craig Berube will have more power or say in the operation than a typical NHL head coach. He had dinner with MLSE CEO Keith Pelley last night, and Pelley called Berube an ‘incredible asset.'”

Now that Shanahan is out, the way things are set up is changing, giving Berube more say in areas that the front office usually handles. After the recent Game 7 loss to the Panthers, he mentioned, “I think this team has fire. I can’t explain right now — nor do I want to — Game 5 and Game 7 at home. There are obviously things we have to look at and talk about as an organization.”

This really shows that the Maple Leafs need to take a good look at themselves and consider making some changes, and that’s bound to happen sooner or later. One of the changes we might see could involve one of their star players moving to a different team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs might have to let go of their star player

“Wake the f— up!” said Mitch Marner as the Florida Panthers were really taking it to the Toronto Maple Leafs in game 7. He was really frustrated with the team’s performance, and it seems like that dream of lifting the Stanley Cup in that blue jersey will just stay out of reach for him, even after being with the team for 9 seasons.

Marner has a 6-year contract worth $65,408,000. If he hits free agency, a recent report from The Fourth Period by NHL insider David Pagnotta mentioned that the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Utah Mammoth, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, and Calgary Flames could be looking to sign him this offseason.

The 28-year-old winger, who topped the Leafs with 102 points this season, is definitely going to be a great addition for whatever team he joins. But, you know, that 2-11-13 postseason record after 13 games this year could really be a hurdle when it comes to picking a top team in the NHL.