Ex-Kraken HC Hakstol Defends Maple Leafs' Core Amid Trade Talks

«I really believe that anybody that's dealt with them over the past few years and watched them grow has to agree with me,» Hakstol said. «They're great people. They're all four really good teammates. They're under such scrutiny, and I believe they own that and they should own that.»

Hakstol praised their dedication to their craft and the daily commitment required by the Leafs, all while facing immense pressure to end the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history.

«They're becoming veteran athletes, veteran players in this league, and they have the ability, both mentally and physically, to handle all of those things,» Hakstol added.

Hakstol witnessed firsthand the growth and maturity of the Leafs' Core Four as they navigated the highs of a division title win and the lows of blowing a 3-1 series lead. Despite being over three years removed from his last game with Toronto, he remains confident in the group's potential to achieve great things.

Hakstol also provided insight into working alongside Sheldon Keefe, who was recently hired by the Devils. He praised Keefe's conduct both publicly and behind the scenes.

«We could always go through and probably pick our pressers that we would like to do over again,» Hakstol said. «I'm sure that he has a couple. But I thought he handled himself very well in that environment.»

Regardless of opinions on the Core Four and Keefe, Hakstol's perspective offers valuable insight into the inner workings of an NHL team and the character of its key players. Hakstol joined the Leafs' coaching staff in 2019, overseeing the penalty-killing unit under both Keefe and Mike Babcock. He departed in 2021 to become the head coach of the Kraken, a position he held until earlier this year. Prior to his appointment in Toronto, he coached the Flyers for parts of four seasons between 2015 and 2018.