Toronto Maple Leafs Exit Playoffs After Game 7 Loss to Florida Panthers Amid Calls for Major Team Changes

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the 2025 NHL playoffs, marking another disappointing end to their postseason run despite high expectations fueled by strong regular-season performances and a Stanley Cup-winning coach. Key players like Bobby McMann, who had a breakout regular season, went cold during the playoffs, contributing to the team's failure to advance further. The loss continued a troubling pattern for the Leafs, who have now lost seven winner-take-all games since 2016, leading to fan frustration manifested in booing and jersey throwing during home games. Coach Craig Berube attributed the collapse to a lack of execution and mindset, while the fan base and analysts call for major organizational changes. President Brendan Shanahan's long-term strategy, known as the 'Shanaplan,' hinged on faith in the core group of players including Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares, but critics argue that his failure to adapt to mounting evidence of the team's shortcomings was a critical mistake. This playoff exit may signal the end of the current core and the need for a new direction to overcome the perennial postseason disappointments.