‘The Sabres that Crowe helped build are one of the teams the Leafs will be challenging for a playoff spot in 2026-27. They made the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons, precisely when the Maple Leafs missed for the first time in 10 seasons. Crowe is proud of the work he accomplished in Buffalo. “We’re leaving it better than when we found it,” said Crowe. “There’s a lot of decisions that you’re proud of. There’s a lot of ones that you learn from, but everything we did was as a collective. The objective of getting the team back to the post-season was fulfilled, but in a manner that has the organization set up for continued growth and success.”’