To me, the effort to keep Matthews is likely a directive from the MLSE board. Chayka's willingness to try probably helped get him the job. When you look at it from Matthews' perspective, assuming he wants to win a Cup in his career, the chances of retaining him after Marner's departure were not great. The window for that core 4 or 5 was closing. They're a bubble team who may or may not make the playoffs. It is sports so wild things are remotely possible but not very likely with this aged crew.
All management makes mistakes. Good management recognizes it faster and addresses quicker. I have some limited fault for Chayka because he's probably doing what he had to say he'd do to get the job - what his bosses wanted. He's not stupid - he read the room. Pelley basically told us during the search. A top GM would convince the MLSE board of the best path to win a championship and persuade them to follow that path. But Pelley seemed in no mood to listen to that. He already had his own ideas.
As you say, it might be for the best that they cut their losses and get what they can for a rebuild because it is getting increasingly unlikely Matthews can be re-signed. Let's see how they do over the next few weeks - to see if they can fix their defensive issues.
I wouldn't trade McKenna, Cowan, Danford, any of the top prospects or top picks. It just pushes the window before they can rebuild a contender further.
I'm a Leafs fan. I'm going to pull for them no matter what. I'd prefer they be smart about it and recognize the situation. The chances of them winning a Cup sooner are better if they do that. But if they bugger it all up like they have the last 60 or so years, I'll be disappointed but still cheer for them and hope to see one more parade.
