It’s always interesting to read what fans have to say. I’ve become a regular reader of fans’ comments about their teams. The one regular forum fans have is the comments and discussion sections that follow posts.

These fans take advantage of the space. Their comments span the spectrum from being extremely thoughtful to having an axe to grind. But the comments are almost always educational.

And, as a regular writer, I care what they have to say.

Related: Five Reasons the Maple Leafs Have a Shot at the Stanley Cup

Maple Leafs Fans Don’t Mince Words About Their Team

When it comes to the current Maple Leafs roster, it’s pretty obvious that the roster is loaded with talent and skills. These are crucial elements for any winning team. However, fans also believe that character and grit make a difference between a good team and a great one.

The Maple Leafs have a dedicated and passionate fan base – there’s no argument there. However, there have been a ton of debate subjects lately about this team. And, many of these topics are not just about the team’s performance on the ice. Some are specifically about the character of the players on the current roster.

What Do Maple Leafs Fans Find Wrong About Their Team?

In this post, I’ll share the sense of what fans are saying about the character of this Maple Leafs team. There seem to be five clear issues. [As a note, the group of fans’ and readers’ comments that I used to construct this post came from a post I wrote about issues within the offseason. The post can be found on this direct link for anyone who cares: Maple Leafs Offseason Shows Organization’s Dysfunction

Issue One: Fans Believe the Team Has Character Concerns

Many fans voiced concerns about the character of some players on the team. They felt these players lacked the toughness, grit, and dedication required to win in the NHL. They noted that this lack of grit was especially noted when it matters the most – during playoff runs.

Issue Two: Fans Believe Players Should Take More Responsibility and Have More Accountability

There’s a prevailing sentiment among fans that some players need to take more responsibility for their own performances. There’s also the expectation that Maple Leafs’ players should hold themselves accountable for their actions and contributions to the team’s success.

Issue Three: Fans Believe the Players Don’t Really Desire to Win

Fans are critical of those players they believe are just interested in the size of their paychecks. Instead, fans are looking for players who are genuinely driven to bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto after almost 60 years. There’s a sense that some players prioritize personal success over team achievements.

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Nylander, Bertuzzi, Domi & Matthews 

Issue Four: Fans Believe the Players Don’t Have a Sense of the Franchise’s Legacy

Some fans simply believe players don’t have a sense of the Maple Leafs’ rich legacy. These fans remember the days of legendary Maple Leafs players who embodied character, dedication, and leadership. They believed that the team should learn from its own great history to build a stronger future.

Issue Five: Fans Believe that Maple Leafs’ Management Has Been a Problem

A few fans commented that the team’s management was part of the problem. They pointed to management’s role in shaping the character of the team. Fans wondered if the organization’s approach to recruiting and retaining players was contributing to what they saw as the player’s character issues.

The Bottom Line

I have to note that Maple Leafs fans have mixed reviews of their team. Not all fans share these or similar concerns. Some remain optimistic. These fans highlight the dedication and passion certain players bring to their play. They do see some players showing strong character.

In conclusion, the character of players on the Maple Leafs is a topic of debate among fans. Some fans believe the team needs a measure of toughness, grit, and commitment. Other fans remain hopeful that the team can build on its strengths and make the necessary changes to become a championship contender once again.

Related: Can New Maple Leafs Bertuzzi and Domi Outscore Bunting?