Tyler Toffoli’s time with the Montreal Canadiens was supposed to be a story of hope and heroics—a rare bright spot during one of the team’s darkest seasons. From the moment he arrived, fans embraced him, celebrating his clutch goals and cool demeanor. Toffoli seemed destined to become a fixture in Montreal, a player who could help lead the team back to glory. But beneath the surface, not everything was as perfect as it appeared.

Recent comments from outspoken journalist Renaud Lavoie have cast a shadow over Toffoli’s legacy, suggesting that the fan-favorite may have been more trouble than anyone realized. Was Toffoli really a key part of the Canadiens’ problems before his departure? Did his attitude and actions behind the scenes undermine the team’s chemistry and success? Lavoie’s revelations hint at a very different reality—one that fans never saw on the ice or in interviews.

With Toffoli now playing for his seventh NHL team, questions swirl about why such a talented forward never found a long-term home. Is there more to the story than meets the eye? Discover what really happened inside the Canadiens’ locker room, and why Toffoli’s departure might have been a blessing in disguise.

Former Canadiens Tyler Toffoli and Renaud Lavoie

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Renaud Lavoie, known for speaking his mind, recently said Tyler Toffoli, former Montreal Canadiens player, was harming the team before leaving.

Tyler Toffoli is the player that Canadiens fans had adopted almost instantly. He received so much attention right from his debut in Montreal.

Arriving in the middle of the pandemic, he had brought a bit of light into a very, very depressing season. He scored important goals, stayed calm in front of the cameras, and it seemed like he was really going to make his mark in Montreal.

Eventually the Canadiens traded Toffoli to the Calgary Flames, in exchange for Tyler Pitlick, Emil Heineman and a first and fifth-round pick.

But if we trust Renaud Lavoie, what we saw from the outside did not reflect the reality inside at all.

According to the TVA Sports journalist, Toffoli was not the perfect teammate people thought he was.

Renaud Lavoie adds that Tyler Toffoli was harming the Montreal Canadiens before his departure

During his radio appearance, Lavoie mentioned that Toffoli was outright part of the problem in the locker room.

In fact, according to Renaud, Toffoli was an integral part of the problem in the city before his departure, on the same level as a guy like Mike Hoffman.

And he didn’t hesitate to share his full opinion:

“Tyler Toffoli did not help Dominique Ducharme at all when he was coach.

In fact, he was more of a hindrance than anything else.” – Renaud Lavoie

Still according to Lavoie, the most worrying thing about Toffoli was his general attitude.

“Sometimes he gave the impression that he didn’t care about the result at all. I’ve never seen an NHL player so nonchalant on the ice.” – Renaud Lavoie

Now 32 years old, Toffoli wears the San Jose Sharks uniform.

But with seven different teams over 17 seasons, it’s hard to doubt what Lavoie is saying…

Personally, I still find it curious that such a talented player never managed to find a long-term place anywhere.