Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and chief executive officer Keith Pelley issued a letter to Toronto Maple Leafs season-ticket holders on Wednesday.
In it, the former PGA European Tour president and broadcast executive – who joined MLSE in early 2024 – reiterated that the team is willing to do whatever it takes to contend.
“The 2025-26 season for the Maple Leafs, so far, has been a series of ups and downs, and unfortunately with a number of key injuries that have affected the team, we are not currently in the position we had anticipated, but that is professional sports,” Pelley wrote. “This team has made the playoffs nine seasons in a row, the longest streak in the NHL and something to be proud of, but as I have said since joining the organization, our goal is to not just make the playoffs, and we will do whatever is needed for this team to make the next step.
“Being able to witness and be a part of the passion and commitment that Leafs Nation has for this team is an honour and we will not stop until we deliver a championship to our loyal Leafs fans and the City of Toronto.
“We understand this team’s strengths, as well as the areas we need to address, and we know that with the support of our fans, we will achieve this ultimate goal together. While we always strive to be as open as possible, I know that you understand, in the world of professional sports, protecting competitive advantages is paramount and limits our ability to reveal team strategy until the appropriate time.”
The Leafs return to action from the Olympic break on Wednesday night sitting on the outside looking in when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff picture. After 57 games played, the Leafs sit on 63 points, six back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot and nine behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Atlantic Division playoff place.
Beginning with Wednesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team plays six times ahead of the Mar. 6 NHL trade deadline. What happens over those games will greatly inform the tack taken by general manager Brad Treliving at the deadline.
Among the potential trade targets for other teams on the Leafs include impending free agent forwards Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton, as well as defenceman Simon Benoit and forward Calle Jarnkrok.
There was also a practical aspect to Pelley’s email. He reminded season-ticket holders that the NHL schedule expands to 84 games in 2026-2027. Their packages will remain the same at 41 games plus an exhibition game, but they will have the first opportunity to buy tickets for the additional home game.
