There’s nothing like cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs. You suffer decades of disappointment, watch your club make expensive offseason acquisitions every summer, and then, just as you believe you’re about to get a break, the Canadian Prime Minister himself decides to twist the knife on national television. Trains were the subject of Mark Carney’s speech when he approached the platform.
During a speech on transit financing, Carney makes the strike.
Indeed, the occasion was a rather important one for Canadian infrastructure. Following the revelation of $4.7 billion in federal financing designated for new VIA Rail vehicles to be built in Quebec and Ontario, Carney was speaking to reporters. Carney obviously wanted to emphasize how outmoded the present fleet of rail cars is since it is such a huge expenditure. However, the PM choose to have a little amusement with it rather than continuing with dry policy debate.
According to Carney, “our railway carriages on our remote and long-distance routes are more than 70 years old.” “When the NHL had six teams, they were created. Goalies didn’t use masks. The Leafs would win the cup. That was a long time ago.”
Ouch. That one must have hurt the Leafs supporters. While discussing the aging rail infrastructure, Carney skillfully inserted a well-timed insult about Toronto’s 59-year Stanley Cup drought. It’s almost impossible not to admire the delivery. Despite running a country, the man still has time to bash the Leafs. Then again, at this point it’s sort of a Canadian custom.
Can the Leafs Finally Shut Up Their Detractors?
The Maple Leafs have the dubious honor of having the longest active Stanley Cup drought in the NHL right now. Entire generations of Toronto fans have lived and died without seeing their side lift the trophy since their last championship in 1967. It is a sad fact that is frequently discussed, and obviously, even the country’s top office is not immune from adding to it.
Having said that, there is a legitimate cause for optimism going into the next season. Starting at the top, the company experienced a significant reorganization this offseason when John Chayka took over as general manager following Brad Treliving’s resignation. The organization also brought back Mats Sundin, a beloved franchise veteran, in a senior advisory position, which struck a chord with the supporters.
Jim Hiller, who was previously an assistant with the squad, was given the reins after Craig Berube was released from his coaching position in Toronto. Along with the signing of two-time Stanley Cup winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, the roster underwent significant alterations. The Leafs also won the NHL Draft Lottery, giving them the opportunity to choose Gavin McKenna, the top prospect, with the first overall selection. This was possibly the most exciting of all. The Yukon native is commonly seen as a potential cornerstone of the franchise.
Therefore, although Carney’s joke was well received and made everyone laugh, the Leafs are obviously working hard to guarantee that such comments have an expiry date. It is still unclear if all of these actions will result in playoff success, but Toronto fans have heard it before. For the time being, they will simply have to grin and bear the jokes in the hopes that things will finally turn around this year.
