The saga of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Shanaplan has reached a dramatic climax. After another heart-wrenching playoff exit, it’s clear: the era of the Core Four—Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares—must come to an end.

This postseason has been littered with disappointment, culminating in a stunning collapse after holding a 2-0 series lead. With four losses in just five games, the failures of this core have been highlighted by a shocking seven consecutive Game 7 losses, scoring only a single goal in the last five of those do-or-die matches.

Can there be any doubt now that it’s time for a change?

The Missteps of the Shanaplan

Brendan Shanahan, president of hockey operations, seemingly mistook stubbornness for strategy. Instead of adapting to the growing list of evidence against his plan, he clung to hope—a hope imbued by past successes with teams like Washington and St. Louis. Those franchises reaped championship glory after years of playoff misfortune, but Shanahan failed to replicate that adaptability.

In his playing days with the Detroit Red Wings, he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of making strategic trades. When Detroit acquired him, the team quickly ascended to greatness, winning multiple Stanley Cups. Yet, his tenure with the Leafs has stubbornly missed that key ingredient: adaptation.

The Question of Change

With the Leafs still nine wins shy of their long-awaited Stanley Cup, questions emerge about the future. Shanahan’s tenure appears increasingly tenuous, especially after his comments in 2021 in defense of the Core Four still echo ominously. He has had chances to pivot, notably during this past season, when former GM Kyle Dubas hinted at the need for a shift in strategy.

Now with his replacement, Brad Treliving, suggesting that change may be unnecessary, the Leafs seem caught in a cycle of complacency. Unquestionably, this is the moment to explore all options, including possibly trading a cornerstone like Marner to shake things up.

A Core That’s Crumbling?

Pressure mounts as the reality sinks in: the Core Four's chemistry has not translated to postseason success. The superstar names may dazzle on paper, but the playoffs tell a different story. As seen in the past postseason, they struggled to produce when it mattered most, with Marner scoring just twice during a grueling playoff run.

Does Marner want to remain in Toronto? With a looming decision on whether to extend his contract, doubts swirl about his future and overall fit within the team.

The Future is Foggy

Tavares presents another complex situation. His desire to stay is clear, despite a lackluster playoff performance. Keeping him could depend on whether he’ll agree to a favorable deal, especially as the team navigates their financial landscape.

While the Leafs’ core remains locked in, the question of whether that will lead to real change is anyone’s guess. A shift in leadership and strategy is more necessary than ever, yet past patterns risk repeating themselves in a team desperate for a breakthrough.

Change is Overdue

The call for change has been echoing for years, and the time to act is now. Will the Maple Leafs seize this moment, or will they continue to circle the same track? As the wait for a Stanley Cup stretches into nearly six decades, one thing is certain: something has to give.