Empty words not enough

Leafs leadership talks about change, but it's still just talk about change

- ROSIE DIMANNO

Since time immemorial or at least time as measured in the era of Brendan Shanahan - we've heard repeatedly and ad nauseam about steps.

A step closer, getting nearer, almost there...

Players decanting out of the season, in their scrums earlier this week, reached for that reassuring phrase and catechism.

More steps trowelled together than the staircase leading up to Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal - there are 99 of those and pilgrims should ascend on their knees, clutching a rosary.

Yet here we are again, with the Maple Leafs kneecapped in the first round of the playoffs.

A good Irish boy like Shanny may or may not click rosary beads. But the holy trinity that stared down reporters on Friday Shanahan, GM Brad Treliving and incoming MLSE major-domo Keith Pelley really offered little more than prayers and a vague avowal to make significant changes.

The litany is maddeningly familiar.

It's on me, said Shanahan. It's on me, said Treliving, who's only been here a year. It's on me, said Pelley, as he rabbited on about skill combined with chemistry and unity.

So far, the only noggin that got guillotined is that of sacked coach Sheldon Keefe.

Nor was there any strong indication that any other heads will roll once the assessing process is completed this summer. Shanahan appears safe as president, Treliving is too late to the dance to be held accountable, and Pelley... I don't have a clue what role he intends to play. Except, on this occasion, to bolster the bona fides of the other blokes.