Worry-O-Meter for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan often means living in a state of constant concern. The team's long history of ups, downs, and dramatic storylines has kept supporters on an emotional roller coaster for years.
Many believed the Mitch Marner saga would mark the end of an era and open a path for a refreshed identity—one built with less tension and more focus. However, for that to happen, the team needed a solid start to the first season without Marner. Instead, the Leafs find themselves at a middling 5-5-1 record after their first 11 games of the 2025–26 season.
There have been flashes of promise, such as Matthew Knies stepping up and showing growth as the season progresses. Yet, the negatives have outweighed the positives. The power play ranks among the league’s bottom five, Auston Matthews has started slower than usual, and the goaltending hasn’t impressed.
“Still, it has only been 11 games, and there are a few interesting—and potentially justifiable—explanations for Toronto's poor start to the season.”
Fans are left to wonder: should they worry already, or simply enjoy the Toronto Blue Jays while the hockey team across the street tries to find its rhythm? Despite frustration with familiar narratives, a shaky start filled with disappointing losses wasn’t the answer for a fresh beginning.
Author Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ uneven start to the 2025–26 season has reignited fan anxiety, with shaky performance and lingering questions overshadowing hopes of a clean slate.