ESPN host Arda Ocal recently discussed why a Stanley Cup victory will define whether the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ season is a success. The franchise has faced intense scrutiny, especially after failing to meet high expectations.
During the offseason, the team saw the departure of Mitch Marner, who led the Leafs in points last season. President Brendan Shanahan also left the organization. General manager Brad Treliving used the salary cap space from Marner’s departure to address other key needs.
The Leafs begin the season after another disappointing playoff exit. They lost 6-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the 2nd round. The Panthers went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
Ocal, an NHL on ESPN host, shared his thoughts on the Leafs’ expectations heading into the season. He acknowledged the changes made to Toronto’s roster, but noted the immense pressure the team faces due to their market.
“There still are some great pieces on that team, obviously they’re still a playoff contending team. But, they’re in a situation now that it’s Cup or bust,” Ocal said during an appearance on The Game Plan. “The expectations are still sky high. It’s a hockey-starved market, a championship-starved market, and it is one that the expectation will always remain. And, it is exacerbated by the fact that they just can’t find playoff success, but that Atlantic Division is stacked.”
ESPN Host Arda Ocal Praises Maple Leafs Winger Matthew Knies
Ocal also praised Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies for his progression as a professional and strong playoff performances. Knies, 22, signed a six-year, $46.5M extension with the Leafs. He had a strong 2024-25 season, scoring 29 goals and adding 29 assists in 78 games.
Speaking with The Game Plan, Ocal said he believes Knies has a bright future in Toronto. The NHL on ESPN host emphasized that he could replace Marner in the team’s core.
The term ‘Core Four’ referred to the Leafs’ key players: Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Ocal believes the term will persist, especially if Knies continues to make an impact.
“Knies, who’s coming into his own and quite honestly, that could be a new core four. [Knies], you could argue was the player of the playoffs for them and that’s saying something.”
NHL on ESPN Host Arda Ocal Questions Whether Maple Leafs Can Defeat the Florida Panthers
Ocal, a longtime Leafs fan, also questioned whether Toronto can finally get past the Panthers. They fell short against Florida in two 2nd round playoff matchups, including their latest blowout loss in Game 7 last season.
Ocal emphasized that criticism will persist until the Leafs can prove they are capable of winning a Stanley Cup.
“At the end of the day, it’s about winning championships and the culture in the locker room,” Ocal told The Game Plan. “I think that the Florida Panthers have a dangerous combination. It might be at the highest it’s been in a very long time for a team in the NHL.”
He added:
“The question will become: do [the Leafs] have enough to finally get over the hump? Do they have enough to finally win? And if they don’t, are there more changes coming? What will happen? Because people are gonna continue to ask these questions in Toronto.”