It has become a way too common theme for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fanbase — the season ending in disappointment. Last year, despite winning the Atlantic Division, the Maple Leafs were eliminated in seven games by the Florida Panthers, despite leading the series three games to one.
One player who took the season particularly hard was defenseman and assistant captain Morgan Rielly, who didn't play up to his usual standard. Rielly told The Athletic's Joshua Kloke that he had an emotional talk with general manager Brad Treliving at the end of the season, and vowed to come back a better player.