Tavares, like Marner, grew up in the Toronto area dreaming of being a Maple Leaf. When he left the New York Islanders to sign a seven-year, $77 million contract ($11 million average annual value) on July 1, 2018, he publicly announced his decision by posting a childhood photo on social media of sleeping under Maple Leafs covers.

It is that time of the year again, when the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the media for their end-of-season media availability. Less than 48 hours removed from their Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers, the players and head coach spoke with the media members.

Anthony Stolarz confirmed he suffered a concussion during Game 1 against the Florida Panthers. Yet it certainly felt like he was trending toward returning to a starter role had the Leafs advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. Stolarz backed up Joseph Woll in Game 7 against the Panthers.

Craig Berube wanted his Maple Leafs to feel the pain on locker cleanout day. The agony of defeat that comes from knowing the Eastern Conference final was picking up Tuesday, while they were packing up after a Game 7 meltdown against the Florida Panthers.

Every year, the Toronto Maple Leafs find new ways to disappoint the fans with their playoff failure. From clawing back from a 3–1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins in 2018, only to blow the one-goal lead in the third period to lose Game 7.