News Maple Leafs Team Notes

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ Brandon Carlo suffers setback in recovery from lower-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Brandon Carlo has suffered a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury, head coach Craig Berube confirmed Monday via TSN’s Mark Masters.

The team will likely have more information about Carlo’s progress within the next 24 hours. Carlo has returned to Toronto to consult with a specialist. He was placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 13, and hasn’t played since suiting up against the Los Angeles Kings. It was previously expected that if Carlo was able to undergo a full practice Monday, he could be an option for Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers.

Carlo did not participate in Monday’s practice. The 29-year-old recorded two assists in 18 games this season.

It’s a tough loss for the Maple Leafs, who have faced several injuries this season. Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy all returned to the lineup last week after multi-game, injury-related absences. Chris Tanev remains on injured reserve, but the team received some good news Monday, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson returning to practice. Ekman-Larsson left Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and did not return, due to an upper-body injury. Simon Benoit also returned to practice, after missing Saturday’s game to attend a funeral.

Carlo is a veteran presence for the Maple Leafs, capable of playing extended minutes and he resumed skating with the team on November 26. He was acquired from the Boston Bruins at last year’s trade deadline in exchange for Fraser Minten and a 2026 top-five protected first-round pick.

It doesn’t appear likely that he’ll be able to play in Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the earliest timeline for his return appears to be December 6, when the Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens.

Toronto squares off against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, a pivotal Atlantic Division clash.

The Leafs Nation will update this story as more details emerge.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...lo-suffers-setback-recovery-lower-body-injury

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Anna Dua on the Leafs’ Rocky Start — and Why She Isn’t Panicking: Leafs Morning Take

It was more of the same for the inconsistent Maple Leafs as their road trip continued this past weekend.

They blew a 2-0 lead on Friday night in Washington, before ultimately, falling 4-2. That said, they rebounded very nicely on Saturday night in Pittsburgh with an impressive 7-2 beatdown of the Penguins.

Incredibly, they’ve now hit the 25-game mark, which means, they have 57 games left on their slate. They’re currently four points out of a playoff spot.

That’s where the conversation essentially started on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take as David Pagnotta once again filled in for Jay Rosehill. Despite all the turbulence, somehow, some way, the Leafs are still within striking distance of a playoff spot.

All in all, we spent a good chunk of the episode breaking down the roller-coaster weekend. After a strong start in Washington, the wheels came off, even Joseph Woll certainly did his best to keep his team in the game. Having said all that, the Leafs bounced back nicely in Pittsburgh with one of their better efforts of the season. It was great to see the McMann-Roy-Joshua trio find some chemistry. Furthermore, Max Domi tallied two helpers in his return from being a healthy scratch. Dennis Hildeby was awesome in that game, too. Auston Matthews got on the board, so did Easton Cowan. There was a lot to like about the Penguins game. And, how about Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who extended his point streak to nine games. He’s been outstanding lately.

After that, Sportsnet’s Anna Dua joined Nick Alberga and David Pagnotta stopped by the show. She shared her thoughts on the weekend, highlighting the steady play of both goalies. Dua also offered her overall read on the Leafs, saying she remains optimistic that the group can find its rhythm despite the inconsistencies.

She weighed in on OEL’s hot play and the impact he’s had this season, as well as where she believes Easton Cowan fits best in the lineup. Looking ahead, Dua previewed Tuesday night’s matchup in Sunrise — Toronto’s first meeting with the Panthers since last spring’s lopsided Game 7 — and discussed what she expects from the Leafs in their return to Florida.

Speaking of which, Jay Rosehill will be back in the mix for the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM ET for a full preview of Leafs/Panthers. Big one!

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/ann...and-why-she-isnt-panicking-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Jeff Marek sees no evidence the Leafs are ready to go on a run: Leafs Morning Take

The rematch is finally here.

You never know but maybe this one is what changes the course of the Maple Leafs’ season.

For the first time since their seven-game battle last spring, the Leafs and Panthers are set to clash. Weirdly enough, both teams have the same number of points (25) with Florida having one game in hand. For December 2nd, this is a sneaky big game.

Meantime, it wouldn’t be a Leafs/Panthers match-up without Brad Marchand sharing his latest thoughts on the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “If people are thinking they’re out of a playoff spot for the season they got to find a new job …with the media attention & the fan support they have things get blown way out of proportion … They’re still a good contending team,” Marchand told reporters on Monday. Again, when did Brad Marchand become the voice of reason in Toronto? This guy’s an all-time troll, and honestly, he runs this city’s show. It’s wild. If you were to look up the definition of “rent free”, you would find a picture of Marchand. He knows exactly what he’s doing, too.

So, this will be stop No. 5 of 6 on the Leafs’ slate of six in a row away from Scotiabank Arena. Through four contests, they’re 2-2-0. The road record is still very ugly (3-7-0). Toronto has just seven regulation wins in 25 outings. Yeah, it’s been a turbulent start. Having said all that, no one’s talking about the Panthers – for obvious reasons – even though they’re right there with the Leafs. Also, with a point in this one, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who’s currently riding a nine-game point streak, would pull into a tie with Tom Kurvers for the longest point streak by a D in franchise history. He’s been on fire.

Then, The Sheet’s Jeff Marek joined us to weigh in on everything. Firstly, he hit on Marchand’s comments before diving directly into Leafs/Panthers. Marek’s stance on the Leafs hasn’t wavered. He hasn’t seen anything to believe a turnaround is coming anytime soon. And that’s totally fair. Additionally, he hit on where this team’s at, if they can turn things around, and the prospects of bringing in Bruce Boudreau to help out with the power play. Lastly, he weighed in on the “Fire Berube” buzz from over the weekend. For the record, he thinks it’s way too early to think about a move like that.

Be sure to join us for the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. In addition to offering up a full recap of Leafs/Cats, former Panthers GM and head coach Doug MacLean will stops by the podcast once again.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/jef...s-are-ready-to-go-on-a-run-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs’ bottom six comes alive in 4-1 win vs. Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been carried by their star players for much of the 2025-26 season, and it’s one of the reasons they’re underperforming as much as they are. Coming off a confidence-boosting 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Maple Leafs came into a pivotal early-season matchup against the Florida Panthers and grabbed two points thanks to a coming out party from their depth forwards.

The Maple Leafs’ third line accounted for both of the team’s first two goals, with the first being defenceman Troy Stecher’s first goal as a Leaf with assists to Dakota Joshua and Bobby McMann. The second goal was a pretty play in front of the net from Dakota Joshua, with McMann and Stecher grabbing the assists. While Nic Roy didn’t contribute to any of these goals, he provided a pivotal screen in front of Sergei Bobrovsky which helped Stecher beat him through traffic, and he had some big chances later in the game as well.

The third goal of the game came within the last ten minutes of the third period, and it went to a candidate that needed one more than anybody in Scott Laughton. You could see the relief on his face after he cleaned up a rebound in front of Bobrovsky and scored what’s only his third goal since joining the Maple Leafs at the 2025 trade deadline. Laughton has had multiple injury-related bad breaks this season, so to see him finally get rewarded one had to have felt good for the entire bench.

People love to refer to wins like these as ‘a meaningless game in December’, maybe less so in this case because it came against a division rival, but it goes to show that there’s no such thing as a meaningless game. The Leafs haven’t won more than three games in a row yet this season, so the temperature is already higher than normal to get two points and there’s an extra element of pressure doing it against a team like Florida.

Joseph Woll was solid once again en route to a 25-save performance on 26 shots, and it can’t be overstated how much his return and subsequent success has meant to a team that struggled to get a save for the better part of the first month of the year.

The Maple Leafs will look to win their third in a row and continue building some real momentum as they wrap up their road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/instant-reaction-toronto-maple-leafs-bottom-six-comes-alive-panthers

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Doug MacLean raves about Joseph Woll’s impact in Toronto’s win vs. Panthers: Leafs Morning Take

For the first time in about a month, the Toronto Maple Leafs have won back-to-back games.

But seriously, it was so refreshing to talk about the Leafs in a positive light —for once. No qualifiers needed, Craig Berube’s bunch took care of business on Tuesday night in Sunrise. That’s where the conversation started on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take.

Through five of six in a row on the road, the Leafs are 3-2-0 as they head to Raleigh to cap off the trip. For the second straight outing, they fired off a solid and complete effort. Once again, Joseph Woll was dialled in making 25 stops. Additionally, the big story was Toronto’s depth pieces. Troy Stecher and Dakota Joshua tallied one goal and one assist while Scott Laughton potted his first of the campaign. Of note, Toronto’s PK – with Woll shutting the door in front of them – has quietly killed off 13 of the past 14 power plays. Laughton’s been a big help with that, too. Meantime, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s point streak ended at nine games. All in all, the McMann-Roy-Joshua third line was dominant for the second straight outing combining for one goal and three helpers. Unfortunately, the power play still stinks. Just for good measure, the much-maligned five forward set allowed a short-handed tally to Sam Reinhart. Ugly stuff, folks.

At any rate, after that discussion, former NHL GM & head coach Doug MacLean dropped by to weigh in on Toronto’s 4-1 win at Amerant Ban Arena. Right off the bat, he waxed poetically about Woll’s performance. He thinks Woll’s the key to everything. Additionally, he hit on how much stock we can put into this game given how injury ravaged the Panthers are. Also, MacLean was very complimentary of Stecher, the bottom six, and the Leafs finding a way to dig deep and get the job done. Furthermore, he played the role of Brad Treliving and disclosed what he would do if he was the general manager of the Leafs. Lastly, we asked him about Craig Berube’s job security. MacLean thinks he’s a good coach, not a great one. That said, he doesn’t think this turbulent start is on the coach. He pointed the finger directly at the players.

And so, the Leafs are off to Raleigh to tangle with the Carolina Hurricanes. Coming up on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take, we’ll offer up a preview of that one. Plus, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun will drop by.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/dou...n-torontos-win-vs-panthers-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs practice notes: No changes to lineup, Maccelli, Jarnkrok, Mermis skate as extras

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

That seems to be the mentality for the Toronto Maple Leafs, coming off a thorough 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Toronto played a full sixty minutes, getting contributions throughout the lineup, and head coach Craig Berube didn’t make any changes during Wednesday’s practice, per lines posted by David Alter of The Hockey News.

Matias Maccelli, Calle Jarnkrok and Dakota Mermis skated among the extras. Although there’s been no confirmation, Maccelli, Jarnkrok and Mermis are likely scratches for Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Max Domi remains on the right wing with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the team’s first line. John Tavares centred Easton Cowan and William Nylander, but the talk of the town is the new-look third line.

Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy and Bobby McMann caught fire over the past two games and submitted an excellent performance in Tuesday’s victory. Joshua scored in consecutive games, Roy added three points over his past three contests, while McMann generated four points in his last two games.

“They get the puck, and when they go down into the offensive zone, whether it is on an attack or they have to forecheck, they are heavy,” Berube said of the Joshua-Roy-McMann line following Tuesday’s win. “They’re doing a good job with their sticks. They’re on people, and then they hang onto pucks in the offensive zone. They’re getting to the net and doing a good job. They’ve been really effective.”

Nick Robertson remained on the fourth line with Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton. Laughton scored his first goal of the season against the Panthers, which was a complete effort from the line. Robertson sealed the wall against Panthers star defenceman Gustav Forsling, Lorentz fished the puck out and Laughton buried a key insurance goal, winning the team belt in the aftermath.

Maple Leafs’ lines​

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Max Domi

Easton Cowan-John Tavares-William Nylander

Dakota Joshua-Nicolas Roy-Bobby McMann

Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Nick Robertson

Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Jake McCabe-Troy Stecher

Simon Benoit-Philippe Myers

Joseph Woll

Dennis Hildeby

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...-lineup-maccelli-jarnkrok-mermis-skate-extras

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue traded from OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs to Ottawa 67’s

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue was traded from the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs to the Ottawa 67’s on Thursday.

McCue, along with Brantford’s 5th-round pick in the 2029 OHL Priority Selection Draft are heading to Ottawa, in exchange for 2nd and 3rd picks in the 2029 Draft.

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler was first to report.

McCue was selected by the Maple Leafs in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL entry draft. The 20-year-old forward has already appeared with four OHL teams over the past three seasons, starting with the Peterborough Petes, then the Owen Sound Attack, the Flint Firebirds, and finally the Bulldogs. Now he looks set to continue his major junior career in the nation’s capital.

McCue recorded 10 goals and 16 points in 25 games played with the Bulldogs. Last season, he had 36 goals and 55 points in 45 games played, splitting his season between the Attack and the Firebirds.

In The Leafs Nation’s 2025 summer prospect rankings, McCue landed at #17, with Jon Steitzer writing:

The immediate future for Sam McCue won’t include pro hockey. He’s recently been traded from Flint to Brantford and will continue playing the role of muscle in the top six. As McCue gets older and adds more weight to his frame (Elite Prospects presently lists his weight at 190 lbs.) he’ll face less of a challenge in the OHL and making the jump to pro in 2026-27 or moving to the NCAA would be logical next steps. The Leafs have until June 1st of 2026 to get McCue under contract.
Given that McCue lacks some of the additional skills that you see in players like Matthew Knies or other skilled physical top six players, it is likely that McCue’s role in pro hockey will take on something closer to the role that he initially played in Peterborough, and that is a bottom six physical presence. The challenge for McCue will be that 6’2 and 190 lbs. means a lot less in the pro ranks and while a willingness to hit and to go to the tough areas of the ice is something the Leafs can work with, the questions of how much muscle can be added to McCue and how he’ll perform when opponents can push back need to be answered before getting too excited about McCue as a potential option for the Leafs.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...am-mccue-traded-brantford-bulldogs-ottawa-67s

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

4 takeaways from Leafs-Hurricanes: Woll’s injury casts cloud over thorough victory

This was the type of victory that fans and analysts alike were asking for the majority of the season. For the second consecutive game, the Toronto Maple Leafs thoroughly defeated an Eastern Conference power, toppling the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Bobby McMann scored twice, as the new-look third line remains on fire, Scott Laughton scored for the second consecutive game, while Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews each scored picturesque goals. Ordinarily, this would be cause for celebration, especially considering it’s their third consecutive win, while closing out a long, arduous road trip.

Unfortunately, starting goaltender Joseph Woll sustained a lower-body injury and did not come out for the third period. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game he did not know the severity of Woll’s injury. It casts a shadow over what was otherwise one of the best games of the season.

Here are four takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Hurricanes:

Joseph Woll’s lower-body injury casts shadow over victory​

Woll was in outstanding form for the Maple Leafs, since rejoining the team from a personal leave of absence. Woll posted a .924 save percentage in seven appearances prior to Thursday’s game, and was in great form against the Hurricanes, making 22 saves on 23 shots. Prior to the start of the third period, Woll was ruled out with a lower-body injury, with Dennis Hildeby entering the game in relief.

It came as a complete shock to Leafs reporters and fans alike, as no one saw when Woll sustained the ailment. Woll took on a heavy volume of starts with Anthony Stolarz recovering from an upper-body injury that kept him away from the team’s road trip. Hildeby was excellent in relief, and will almost certainly take on the majority of starts if Woll misses any time at all. Artur Akhtyamov isn’t ready for the NHL quite yet, but he may be forced into a backup role out of necessity, as the Leafs’ greatest position of strength has quickly dwindled.

The hope is that the Leafs were taking precautions about Woll’s injury, but there have been several injuries sustained this year initially listed as day-to-day, that took multiple weeks to recover from. Let’s hope that Woll avoided anything remotely serious.

The quick strike Leafs join the 2021-22 Lightning in the record books ​

If you’re into absurd history, you’re going to love this: the quick strike 2025-26 Maple Leafs became the second team since the 2009-10 season to score on their first shot of the game, in four consecutive contests. This year’s team joins the 2021-22 Tampa Bay Lightning as the other team to reach this milestone during the past 15 years.

Fourth straight game where the Leafs score on their first shot!!!!!!

: TSN | NHL pic.twitter.com/L3NOau95GO

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) December 5, 2025

It’s a unique factoid, but it also speaks to the Maple Leafs’ offensive production over the past two weeks. Toronto has scored among the elite 5-on-5 teams but it often takes several minutes to get into the contest. This wasn’t the case on Thursday, as the red-hot third line came flying out of the gate, with Bobby McMann beating Frederik Andersen off the rush 53 seconds into the contest.

There may not be a ton of predictive value, but the Maple Leafs are quietly shooting the lights out. Everyone will be standing at attention on Saturday, during their return home against the Montreal Canadiens.

Knies-Matthews-Domi may be the optimal look for 1st line​

It’s not good practice to use a small sample to predict larger trends, but there’s enough to suggest that Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and Max Domi should remain together. Knies and Matthews are going to be stapled together, while the open right wing has been open to rotation, but it optimizes Domi’s place in the lineup, and he delivered two primary assists in the winning effort.

VERY KNIES!!!!!!

: TSN | NHL pic.twitter.com/cxnZqW7FZF

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) December 5, 2025

Knies was in terrific form throughout the evening and dragged the Hurricanes, quite literally. He poked the puck free during the second period and raced away past Shayne Gostisbehere, who has been in excellent form all year. Knies was brought to his feet, regained his composure, then sent Sebastian Aho flying, as the Hurricanes’ forward tried to back check in vain. Toronto’s star power forward then tucked the puck home with a gorgeous backhand. When Knies plays like this, there are few players in the league that are more entertaining or impactful.

The Captain delivers!!!!

: TSN | NHL pic.twitter.com/yqDQ5kqQlY

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) December 5, 2025

Matthews is showing off his elite scoring touch again, and sniped home a Domi feed from a 2-on-1 in the third period. The play started when Knies kept his stick on the ice in the defensive zone, picking off Jordan Martinook, then started the three-man-weave in transition. Knies tied up Hurricanes defenceman Alexander Nikishin, and Domi threaded a lateral pass over to Matthews, who made no mistake. It was an excellent showing from the top line, while Matthews blocked six shots and was tremendous on the penalty kill.

Leafs’ power play still can’t find any answers​

Toronto abandoned the five-forward power play, but still couldn’t find an answer. It wasn’t all bad, as Oliver Ekman-Larsson showed some good command of the unit and fired away on net, but the forwards couldn’t find a way to jam pucks home. Matthew Knies was placed on the second unit, while Easton Cowan remained with the first group, but the Leafs’ power play have converted on 10 of their past 67 chances. Yikes!

If there’s any room for positivity, it’s that the Maple Leafs seem bound for positive regression, and Matthews is showing real velocity on his shot again. And now it’s just a matter of finding room for Matthews and Nylander to get their shots off from the faceoff circles, while letting Ekman-Larsson orchestrate the group. It’s still a work in progress and against a sturdy Hurricanes penalty kill, there weren’t any answers with the man advantage.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/4-t...carolina-hurricanes-woll-injury-cloud-victory

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Scotty Bowman credits improved defensive play for Leafs’ recent turnaround: Leafs Morning Take

For just the second time this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have won three in a row.

That said, in true Leafs fashion, the mini win streak comes with some alarm bells as Joseph Woll was forced to leave Thursday night’s game due to a lower body injury.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

The 27-year-old was playing so damn well, too. At any rate, that’s where the conversation started on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. What now? That’s the big question. Anthony Stolarz is nowhere to be found. Hell, he’s not even skating. Furthermore, after the game, Craig Berube didn’t have much of an update on Woll, who came up lame on a save late in the second frame. Here we go again, folks. In the HILDEBEAST, we trust.

All in all, losing Woll was the only blemish on an otherwise impressive night for the Maple Leafs, who suddenly are starting to catch fire a bit here. Woll made 22 stops, Hildeby added nine big ones in the third in relief as Toronto smothered Carolina 5-1. In total, 10 different Leafs notched at least one point. Bobby McMann scored twice while Matthew Knies tallied a goal and one assist. Incredibly, for the fourth consecutive, the Leafs scored on their first shot of the game. For context, that’s the first time something like that has happened in 12 years. In addition to potting his ninth goal of the season, Auston Matthews was a force defensively racking up six shot blocks, two more than the entire Hurricanes team. On top of all that, the penalty kill was nails again going 3-for-3. Over the past six contests, Toronto’s killed off 16 of 17 penalties. The shot blocks and goaltending sure help —that’s for sure. The Leafs failed to score on their two power play opportunities. They’re now 10-for-68 on the season. Wild stuff.

After that, 9-time Stanley Cup champion Scotty Bowman stopped by the podcast once again. As per usual, he was candid, sharp, and concise with his analysis on the Maple Leafs. Bowman dished on the Carolina win and how shocked he was to see the Leafs start the season the way they did. That said, he did compliment their depth. He likes the roster —as constructed in the offseason. Most importantly, he thinks the biggest reason for the recent turnaround is their defensive play. Furthermore, Bowman weighed in on Matthews’ shot block party, Toronto’s terrible power play, and the Woll injury. Of note, Rosey asked him if he thinks the Leafs are too tight-lipped with respect to their injury reports.

That’s it, that’s all for another week of Leafs Morning Take. Coming up on the Monday edition, we’ll recap Leafs/Habs, plus also look ahead to Monday night’s divisional tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/sco...or-leafs-recent-turnaround-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Troy Stecher’s strong play could influence Maple Leafs’ trade talks

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found something on the ice in newcomer Troy Stecher, which means off the ice, general manager Brad Treliving could be changing his direction during trade conversations.

Stecher has been everything the Leafs could have hoped for, and so much more, since arriving as a waiver wire pickup from the Edmonton Oilers. It may have taken him a game or two to get comfortable in a new system, but of late, Stecher’s been one of Toronto’s most important players. He’s recorded four points in his last four games, he’s formed an effective pair with Jake McCabe, and Stecher’s been eating up minutes, much like you’d see out of a number-one defenseman. The mobile right-handed blueliner skated a team high 24:23 in Carolina on Thursday, and he’s averaged over 24 minutes per game his last three contests. Needless to say, it feels like Stecher has arrived for the Maple Leafs, and now Treliving has more options to work with.

Before Stecher was in the mix, there were rumblings the Maple Leafs were searching for a right-handed defenceman to complement their group. While Treliving would be wise to find a long-term fixture to take over their power-play quarterback, the importance of finding another blueliner has decreased significantly since Stecher’s arrived on the scene. Having him and McCabe form such an effective tandem gives Berube a chance to play Chris Tanev with Morgan Rielly, once Tanev returns to the ice. Throw in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and eventually, a healthy Brandon Carlo, and the Leafs’ blueline isn’t in as many shambles as people think.

Unfortunately, the injuries have taken a toll, and it’s hard to say exactly when Carlo, or Tanev will be back on the ice. But, with the strong play of Stecher unfolding for the Maple Leafs, Treliving doesn’t have to make a panic move to try and upgrade his blueline, and can focus on upgrading his forwards.

All of the trade energy for the Maple Leafs should be going towards finding a new home for Matias Maccelli, and figuring out exactly if Max Domi is going to play first-line right-wing the entire season, or if that’s the position of focus for Treliving and company to zone in on.

Maccelli’s been extremely inconsistent, his effort can be questionable at times, and recently he’s been suited up in the press box. Given the fact he had 57 points two seasons ago, is 25 years old, and is a pending restricted free agent, it should give Treliving a little bit of substance to try and entice opposing GM’s.

With how effective the third line has been, it’s become obvious the Maple Leafs have something there. Scott Laughton has been much better recently, and is starting to look like his Philly-self. Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan both look like they deserve to be in the lineup on a nightly basis. Treliving would be wise to see if he can land a right-handed winger who can play throughout the middle-six, and give Berube another option for the first-line right-wing slot, as Domi’s been strong of late, but he’s been very inconsistent this season. Surely, it’s something the team is monitoring, as there’s potential Treliving pulls the trigger on a deal ahead of December’s holiday roster freeze.

While Domi and Maccelli can continue to be circled as potential targets to upgrade, Treliving doesn’t need to worry about finding another veteran defenseman at the moment. Troy Stecher has brought a tremendous work ethic, great speed, serious tenacity, and his forming chemistry with McCabe is something the team needs to build on.

Treliving should be working the phones, as the Leafs are still on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, and it’s obvious they’re far from a finished package. However, the focus should be on the forwards and not the blue line. Stecher is making a serious impact on the ice, and it should be influencing Treliving’s conversations off the ice.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/troy-stechers-strong-play-influence-toronto-maple-leafs-trade-talks

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Morgan Rielly says Maple Leafs’ play needs to stay urgent to maintain success

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly says his team cannot be complacent if it wishes to maintain its recent run of good form.

After struggling to meet expectations at the start of the year, including numerous instances where they fell to last place in the Eastern Conference, the Leafs enter Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens on a three-game win streak and only two points out of third place in the Atlantic Division. They have been playing their best hockey of the season and showing signs of the team that many anticipated going into the year, with contributions up and down the lineup.

“ I think there’s a level of desperation for obvious reasons. And I think the results were good,” Rielly said to reporters on the biggest takeaways after the six-game road trip.  ”If you look at the Washington game, I think there’s some stuff that you’d want back. But we come back home here, we must keep that desperation and that urgency so we’ll look to do that tonight. We’re not taking our foot off the gas; we have to keep playing well and keep building up our game.”

That road trip in question saw the Leafs compile a record of 4-2-0, and Rielly felt that the team was playing motivated to keep up the pace with the Eastern Conference. It is far from ideal to be in their position where they are fighting to stay in the hunt, but the gap is far from insurmountable, and there is more than enough talent to get them over the line.

It won’t be easy, especially without the services of Joseph Woll, who was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury ahead of the morning skate.

“ Honestly, I think you try not to worry about who’s in or who’s out too much in that position,” Rielly said. “ It’s a team game. Auston [Matthews] has been out, Chris [Tanev] has been out.  You try not to worry about personnel, you gotta go in there and do your job.”

Dennis Hildeby will be taking over as the starter for the time being, to whom Rielly praised for how the netminder handled a tricky situation being thrust into action with little time to prepare. The veteran defenceman made it clear that the Leafs won’t change the way they play with Hildeby in the crease; they have to stay focused on the task at hand and play good hockey.

Rielly was also asked about how it felt going into his 900th career NHL game, to which he responded with some humour when asked if the team had made any hats to celebrate the milestone.

“ It’s bullshit,” Rielly joked to a room of laughter. “ No, again, it’s just one of those things. I’ve been lucky to be here for as long as I have,  and I just try not to take anything for granted.  It’s just been a lot of fun.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/morgan-rielly-toronto-maple-leafs-play-urgent-maintain-success

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Craig Berube believes Maple Leafs’ power play lacks confidence after loss to Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, snapping their three-game winning streak.

While the team started the game strong, it was ultimately the middle frame once again where things started to look a little sloppy. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube broke down how he saw the team start strong, but fall apart in the second period.

“Good first period, I thought we came out with the right mindset, did some good things,” Berube said. “Second period, turned pucks over, that’s basically what it boiled down to. Basically Montreal owned that period because of turnovers. Overall, missed the net like 15 times, at least. Good opportunities, gotta hit the net on those opportunities.”

Toronto’s offence looked a lot better through the tail end of its recent road trip, but it went quiet once again on Saturday, missing on key opportunities. That was most clear on the power play, where the team continues to struggle to convert. The Leafs currently have the fifth worst man advantage in the league, with a 14.7 percent success rate, and from Berube’s perspective, it’s a question of confidence.

“The power play has got to come through for us and it didn’t,” he said. “Right now, what I see when I watch it is that they’re very unsure of themselves. Particularly the power play in the second period, we moved it well, but we don’t take a shot. The shots are there and we’re not taking them. Then when we do take a shot, it’s probably the wrong time. They’re not feeling too good about themselves out there. Gotta work through it, that’s all you can do.”

That being said, he did point to one bright spot he’s noticed with team’s man advantage unit.

“I thought (Easton) Cowan on the power play made some good plays,” he said.

In his rookie season, Cowan has emerged as an asset for the team, bringing speed and skill on the puck. His talents have become useful on the power play, and with Berube’s vote of confidence, he’s sure to keep getting opportunities there going forward.

The Maple Leafs continue on Monday, hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second of their five-game home stand.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/cra...play-lacks-confidence-loss-montreal-canadiens

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford reportedly invited to Team Canada’s World Juniors camp

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford has reportedly been invited to Team Canada’s training camp for the 2026 World Junior Championships, per The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler.

Team Canada has sent out camp invites for the World Juniors. Hearing 15 forwards for 14 spots (plus potential for NHL guys and more cuts).

Players I’ve heard have been invited:
– Carson Carels (noteworthy)
– Jett Luchanko
– Cole Beaudoin
– Jake O’Brien
– Caleb Desnoyers
– Ben…

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) December 7, 2025

Hockey Canada will officially announce their full roster of invites on Monday morning for camp, which will run from December 12-22 in Niagara Falls. They will then confirm a final roster ahead of the tournament’s start on Boxing Day.

Danford was selected by the Leafs 31st overall in the first round of the 2024 NHL entry draft, while playing with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. He spent three seasons in Oshawa and started the year there before he was traded to the Brantford Bulldogs in October.

While captaining the Generals last season, he saw a slight dip in his offensive game, with five goals and 20 assists in 61 games. So far in Brantford, he’s seen better results. In 14 appearances with the Bulldogs, he now has 11 assists, a sign that the new environment is helping develop his offensive skills once again. Above all, the 19-year-old is known for his defensive game and the size he brings on the blue line at 6-foot-2, 200 lbs, with Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis writing this fall:

Danford is a guy his teammates like to rely on because he’s rarely caught making a mistake distributing the puck. I saw Danford play both sides on the blueline last year, but I think he’s got something going on the left side – it fits his shot better. Danford said he hopes to be like Chris Tanev, which I think is a solid comparison. He probably tops out as a No. 4 defenseman in Toronto, but I think he’ll be quite reliable.

Danford has never appeared with Team Canada at the World Juniors, but played with the U18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2023. While he’s sure to face some tough competition in fighting for a final spot with the Canadians this year, he’s projected to land on the roster, per Ellis.

The 2026 World Juniors run from December 26-January 5 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. After back-t0-back quarter-final exits, Canada will be coming in hungry to return to the podium once again.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/maple-leafs-ben-danford-invited-team-canada-world-juniors-camp

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Around the NHL: Trade talks heating up in major way, Jets hosting Canadiens in 2026 Heritage Classic

Welcome back to another edition of Around the NHL. We’re into the second week of December, and with the holiday roster freeze on the horizon, general managers throughout the league are trying to make as many calls as possible, to get a sense of the trade market.

Talks have picked up in a major way, and over the weekend, there was a bomb dropped that could turn the whole market on it’s head. There’ no point wasting time this week, there’s plenty to get to. Here’s the very latest from around the NHL.

Canucks, Devils discussing Quinn Hughes trade​

This all started last summer when Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford held a media availability, and went on to admit him and captain Quinn Hughes had a discussing about his future, and Hughes made it clear he’d eventually love to play with his two brothers in New Jersey. Fast forward a few months, and now the two teams are working on the deal.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the two teams have indeed been discussing a trade involving the Canucks’ captain. While there hasn’t been many details to surface, expect to see a combination of Dawson Mercer, Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey, Nico Daws, and at least one first-round pick heading to Vancouver when it’s all said and done.

Hughes is signed through next season at $7.8 million AAV, and has posted 22 points in 24 games. The Canucks enter the week second last in the Western Conference with a 11-15-3 record, while the Devils are 16-12-1, one point out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

The Canucks sent a memo out to the rest of the league a couple of weeks ago and let everyone know they are open for business, so Hughes won’t be the only one moved. Kiefer Sherwood is drawing interest, and the Canucks would like at least a first-round pick for the bang-and-crash forward. Evander Kane is available, Teddy Blueger, David Kampf, and likely even Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk, Thatcher Demko, and Pierre-Olivier Joseph. It’s only a matter of time before a Canucks deal is announced, and the big shoe could be dropping first, considering how awkward it’s getting in Vancouver.

Here’s Hughes after Saturday’s game, and after Friedman’s report had surfaced regarding trade talks with the Devils. It’s not often a player drops the nickname of an opposing GM:

Quinn Hughes comments on the rumours surrounding him and the New Jersey Devils.

(via YT/Vancouver Canucks) pic.twitter.com/dD5BQkp1bX

— BarDown (@BarDown) December 8, 2025

The Devils have under $3 million in cap space, so it’s going to be a money-in and money-out transaction, regardless of who is involved.

Devils linked to Nashville Predators’ forwards​

While all the attention is on Hughes, and rightfully so, the Devils have also been linked to finding some help up front. New Jersey has been monitoring the Nashville Predators trade candidates, including Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, Michael Bunting and Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly is likely the biggest target for the Devils, based on the fact they need help down the middle, he can slide down and play the third line once Jack Hughes gets back. O’Reilly is owed $4.5 million AAV this season and next, and while he doesn’t have any trade protection officially on his contract, GM Barry Trotz has told O’Reilly he’ll come to him if talks advance to get his permission to complete the deal.

Stamkos and Marchessault both have no-movement clauses, while Bunting is a pending free agent who can be moved at will. The pesky forward had his two best seasons under Sheldon Keefe in Toronto, so don’t be surprised if he winds up in New Jersey at some point.

Jets hosting Canadiens in 2026 Heritage Classic​

The Heritage Classic returns for 2026, when the Winnipeg Jets will play host to the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 25, 2026 at Princess Auto Stadium.

The stadium is home to the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and back in 2016, hosted an outdoor game between the Jets and Edmonton Oilers.

The Jets and Canadiens game will be the eighth Heritage Classic game and the first one since 2023, when the Oilers hosted the Calgary Flames at Commonwealth Stadium. This will go down as the league’s 46th regular-season outdoor game.

Quick hits from around the NHL​

• Washington Capitals’ Ryan Leonard will be out for an extended period of time due to a hit from Anaheim Ducks’ Jacob Trouba. Tom Wilson tried to fight Trouba after the hit, and the Ducks’ defenceman wanted no part of it.
• The Dallas Stars lost Tyler Seguin for the season to a torn ACL, but they enter the week with a 20-5-5 record on the year, good for 2nd in the NHL.
• The NHL continues to monitor the arena being built for the upcoming Olympics, and while it appears it will be a smaller ice surface, there’s been no talks about hosting the hockey portion of the games in North America instead of Italy.
• Eeports have surfaced stating the Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens have all contacted the Canucks with interest in Kiefer Sherwood.
• Friedman reports the Oilers and Penguins have held multiple discussions involving goaltender Tristan Jarry. Friedman mentions the Oilers would like to pair Jarry and Stuart Skinner together moving forward.
• The Philadelphia Flyers could become players for Hughes out of Vancouver, and there’s rumblings the Canucks asked for Owen Tippett as part of the package and the Flyers weren’t thrilled about it.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/aro...-jets-hosting-canadiens-2026-heritage-classic

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Craig Berube says Nick Robertson’s game has ‘dropped off’ but reiterates confidence in him

It feels as though Nick Robertson has been a healthy scratch for about half of his NHL career. The young forward has battled inconsistency since he entered the league, and although he’s on pace to play more games in a season than ever before, he will once again be a scratch after a six-week run without missing a game.

Robertson and Philippe Myers will come out of the lineup in favour of Calle Jarnkrok and Dakota Mermis, respectively. Head coach Craig Berube was asked about Robertson’s game and said that he’s slipped a little bit over the past couple of games.

Leafs HC Craig Berube gave a candid response when asked about Nick Robertson’s game right now. pic.twitter.com/b8BgZ2AbcE

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 8, 2025

“It’s dropped off.” Berube said.

Robertson has just one goal in his last nine games and has been demoted to the fourth line in the wake of some strong play from Easton Cowan, who is skating with John Tavares and William Nylander. Max Domi remains on the top line with Auston Matthews after recording five assists in his last four games. While the demotion likely points toward a numbers issue rather than a skill issue, Berube noted that Robertson’s energy levels have dipped over the past few games while expressing confidence that he’ll be able to get it back.

“I have all the confidence that he’ll get it back,” Berube continued. “To me, he’s lost a little bit of his jump and his tenacity he plays with, but, at the same time, that’s a little bit of ice time and getting the opportunity, too.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night, who currently own the top spot in the Atlantic Division. In the name of parity, if the Leafs beat them tonight, they’ll be two points behind the Lightning despite sitting sixth in the division themselves. Robertson, on the other hand, has been known to score immediately after getting re-inserted into the lineup, so maybe this is just what the doctor ordered for him.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/craig-berube-nick-robertson-game-dropped-off-reiterates-confidence

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann to have hearing for high-sticking Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann will have a hearing with the NHL Player Safety for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.

The incident occurred during the third period of Monday’s win, which started with Gage Goncalves being given a game misconduct for kneeing Dakota Mermis. Once Mermis was down on the ice in discomfort, a scrum ensued at centre ice with both teams going at it, as well as a fight between Dakota Joshua and Maxwell Crozier.

While the scrum was happening, McMann and Bjorkstrand were shoving each other pretty aggressively. Bjorkstrand landed the first blow with a cross-check that came dangerously close to McMann’s neck, to which McMann retaliated with a high-stick that grazed the side of Bjorkstrand’s head and shoulder. McMann was given a match penalty for the infraction, which explains why he is getting a hearing.

Subsequently, Bobby McMann received a match penalty for this slash on Oliver Bjorkstrand https://t.co/8QAnwAAoGe pic.twitter.com/UyFFWwVSKb

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 9, 2025

“That is a tough one. It really is,” head coach Craig Berube said to reporters after the game about the match penalty. “I gotta look at it more closely, which I didn’t. On our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. So I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”

As part of receiving a match penalty, the NHL Rulebook under section 21.2 states that a player who is assessed a match penalty ‘shall be automatically suspended from further competition until the Commissioner has ruled on the issue.’ While the Leafs don’t play again until Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, there is a good chance they will be without McMann for that contest, depending on the hearing’s outcome.

It is worth noting that Goncalves, who received a major penalty and a game misconduct for the aforementioned kneeing of Mermis, has not yet received a hearing from the NHL Player Safety at the time of filing.

McMann has enjoyed success in recent weeks playing alongside Joshua and Nicolas Roy on the third line, with 14 points (eight goals and six assists) in 29 games played. He is in the second season of a two-year contract that carries a $1.35M AAV and will be a UFA in the offseason.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...n-hearing-high-sticking-lightning-bjorkstrand

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann suspended 1 game for high-sticking Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand

The NHL Department of Player Safety has issued Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann a one-game suspension for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.

Toronto’s Bobby McMann has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay’s Oliver Bjorkstrand. https://t.co/UIn1IwOWUv

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 9, 2025

The infraction occurred during a scrum in Monday’s game, stemming from Gage Goncalves incurring a game misconduct for kneeing Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis. During the encounter that included a fight between Mermis and Maxwell Crozier, McMann and Bjorkstrand were shoving each other aggressively. Bjorkstrand landed the first blow with a cross-check that came dangerously close to McMann’s neck, which McMann retaliated with a high-stick that grazed the side of Bjorkstrand’s head and shoulder.

McMann was assessed a match penalty on the play, and the NHL Player Safety stated in their video ruling that the play warranted supplemental discipline because he was in full control of his stick and chose instead to act dangerously with it. His lack of a prior suspension explains why the suspension was only for a game, as there is a case that the NHL would have laid down the hammer if this were done by a player with more history of suspensions.

It is worth noting that Goncalves, who received a major penalty and a game misconduct, never received a hearing from the NHL Player Safety for his infraction.

“That is a tough one. It really is,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game. “I gotta look at it more closely, which I didn’t. On our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. So I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”

McMann will be eligible to return on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. He has produced 14 points (eight goals and six assists) in 29 games played so far this season.

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[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs place Dakota Mermis on injured reserve retroactive to December 8, call up Henry Thrun

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenceman Dakota Mermis on injured reserve retroactive to December 8 with a lower-body injury. Henry Thrun has been called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Mermis sustained the injury during a knee-on-knee with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves during Monday’s game. The 31-year-old left the game immediately and did not return. Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct, but did not receive any supplementary discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

Goncalves gets 5 and a game for the knee on knee hit to Dakota Mermispic.twitter.com/hvgfsHac3o

— Jesse Blake (@JesseBlake) December 9, 2025

Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann was issued a one-game suspension for high-sticking Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand. McMann will serve the suspension during Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.

Thrun is in line to make his season debut with the Maple Leafs. The 24-year-old left-shot defenceman was acquired in a trade with the San Jose Sharks, in exchange for Ryan Reaves on July 11. He has posted three goals and nine points in 19 games with the Marlies this season. Last year, Thrun recorded two goals and 12 points in 60 games with the Sharks.

“Playing in San Jose, I was very fortunate to get a chance to break in there and play a bunch of games and a lot of minutes,” Thrun said on July 14. At times, it’s a little challenging to be put in positions to move the puck and be involved, and obviously there’s a lot of defending which I was able to get some experience with that.

“I’m excited to be a two-way defenceman. I think I’m reliable in most situations on the ice. I think that’s one of my best assets, being versatile, being used on special teams, being used up and down throughout the lineup. There’s a lot that I feel I want to show and improve.”

It’s a tough loss for the Maple Leafs, who are already without Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo due to injuries. Morgan Rielly also missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness, and the team could be down several regulars entering Thursday’s contest.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...ed-reserve-retroactive-december-8-henry-thrun

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Why Dallas Eakins says the Leafs’ power play needs perspective, not panic: Leafs Morning Take

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have to make a lineup change for their game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

That’s because Bobby McMann won’t play. On Tuesday night, the 29-year-old was suspended one game for his high-stick on Oliver Bjorkstrand Monday night. All in all, that’s exactly what we expected. Bottom line: You need to have control of your stick, and whether it was forceful or not, McMann didn’t. That said, the inconsistencies continue when it comes to the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. You just never know what they’re thinking.

At any rate, it’s amazing what a few weeks of strong play could do. Toronto, who’s 5-1-1 in its past seven games, is getting ready to welcome Ryan Reaves’ Sharks to Scotiabank Arena. Of note, judging by the lines at practice, it appears that Nick Robertson will draw in for the suspended McMann. It looks like Scratch & Score will be on the second line with Easton Cowan and John Tavares —at least to start. Meantime, Henry Thrun, who came to Toronto in the Reaves deal with San Jose, was recalled and could be on track to make his Leafs debut against his former squad. Meantime, Joseph Woll skated for 30 minutes before Wednesday’s practice, so that’s good. Also, both Chris Tanev and Marshall Rifai were on the ice for practice, too, albeit in non-contact jerseys. The Leafs have surrendered 10 goals in their past seven outings.

After that discussion, former Toronto Marlies bench boss and current head coach/GM of Adler Mannheim, Dallas Eakins, stopped by. He dished on the Leafs’ turbulent start, and what’s changed the last little while. Additionally, Eakins hit on the struggling power play and how Savard and company should be approaching things moving forward. We talked about the chaos in the Atlantic Division, too. Over and above all that, Eakins was very complimentary of Dennis Hildeby and Troy Stecher, who’ve each been tremendous – in small sample sizes – so far for the Maple Leafs. Lastly, he weighed in on where Auston Matthews’ game is at. Eakins also predicted how he envisions the rest of the regular season playing out for the Leafs.

With San Jose in town, Ryan Reaves is slated to make another appearance on the podcast. Join us for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take as we catch up with Reavo, plus we’ll preview Leafs/Sharks, game No. 3 of Toronto’s five game homestand.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/why...eeds-perspective-not-panic-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs need to find their lineup fit for Matias Maccelli

Don’t look now, but it seems like Craig Berube has found his press box fixture.

Matias Maccelli hasn’t played a game in December and from the look of the practice line rushes, not even Bobby McMann’s suspension was enough to pull him back in. And it’s not to say that consequences for Maccelli’s play haven’t been warranted. Like most Leafs’ forwards, choosing to sit him for his play during October and November makes sense. Maccelli’s scratch also coincided with the Maple Leafs turning things around and the club has gone 4-0-1 with him out of the lineup. This isn’t about putting blame on Berube for sticking with what works and McMann’s suspension only opened the door wide enough for Nick Robertson to come back in. If Maccelli was in instead of Robertson, there is a good chance this would be a “why isn’t Nick Robertson in the lineup?” post.

The thing with players like Maccelli, Robertson, and also Easton Cowan, for that matter, is that the long term benefit to keeping the younger Leafs in the lineup as much as possible needs to be factored in and that’s why a prolonged absence for Maccelli instead of holding a player like Max Domi accountable is a bit of a head scratcher. Maccelli’s 4-5-9 stat line in 22 games is at the very least on par with Domi’s 3-8-11 stat line through 28 and comes with fewer defensive blunders, even if there have been some memorable Maccelli errors this season. Current Leaf Forward Cold Streaks:

Matias Maccelli: zero goals and one assist in the past eight games
William Nylander: zero goals and zero assists in the past four games
Nick Robertson: one goal and zero assists in the past nine games
Max Domi: zero goals and five assists in the past 18 games
Calle Jarnkrok: pointless in last ten games

This certainly isn’t an argument for pulling Nylander out of the lineup but when Robertson, Domi, and Jarnkrok are in and Maccelli is out it is noteworthy and likely as soon as the Leafs have another loss it potentially opens a door for Maccelli, which is fair. There just needs to be a greater effort in finding that right fit for Maccelli that balances the over expectation of putting him on the Matthews or Tavares lines.

Maccelli’s most successful seasons came while playing with primarily checking line teammates. Nick Bjugstad and Lawson Crouse were Maccelli’s regular linemates during his 49 point (in 64 game) and 57 point seasons. After injuries forced the trio to spend time apart in 2024-25, all three experienced a drop off in offence and Utah sent both Maccelli and Bjugstad out.

Given the similarities in the games of players like Scott Laughton (to Bjugstad) and a player like Dakota Joshua being potentially capable of playing a role akin to Crouse’s, the Leafs have the opportunity to at least mirror player archetype although certainly not accounting for any chemistry that comes from players being humans not hockey playing robots.

While Joshua has found success with Roy and McMann on the third line that has taken some time to get comfortable with each other, it seems that the Leafs have the possibility to explore putting Maccelli with Laughton on the fourth line, with Steven Lorentz, who might lack the upside of Crouse, but plays a tough game as well. And given that a lot of Maccelli’s success has been owed to keeping a line together for an extended period of time, it might be beneficial to give the still youngish forward an extended look after subjecting him to an extended time away from the Leafs lineup.

The Leafs aren’t in a situation where they can ignore the upside of their young players entering their prime. They have an aging lineup and lack a deep prospect capable of backfilling the aging core. Doing everything possible to make Maccelli work might not be the top priority as the team does everything to get back into playoff contention, but the long term development of the team need to be considered as a secondary outcome, and playing Maccelli does that.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-need-lineup-fit-matias-maccelli