Former-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 remarked. «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 their daily commitment, 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.

Having witnessed firsthand the growth and maturity of the Leafs' Core Four, Hakstol observed their journey through the highs of winning a division title and the lows of losing a 3-1 series lead. Although it's been over three years since his last game with Toronto, he remains confident in the group's potential to achieve great things.

Hakstol also shared his experience 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 noted. «I'm sure that he has a couple. But I thought he handled himself very well in that environment.»

Regardless of differing opinions on the Core Four and Keefe, Hakstol's perspective provides 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 left in 2021 to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken, a role he held until earlier this year. Prior to his time in Toronto, Hakstol coached the Philadelphia Flyers for parts of four seasons between 2015 and 2018.