News Maple Leafs Team Notes

Leafs practice notes: Chris Tanev likely to return Saturday night

The Toronto Maple Leafs practiced Friday for the first time since a tough 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

One of the first to hit the ice Friday was Chris Tanev, who skated alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Tanev hasn’t played since exiting an October 21st contest against the New Jersey Devils after a collision with forward Dawson Mercer. He was later placed on IR retroactive to that date. After practice, Tanev shared he has cleared protocol and is likely to return Saturday night, per The Hockey News’ David Alter.

William Nylander and Calle Jarnkrok also skated with the team on Friday, slotting in on the first and fourth lines, respectively. Nylander has been in and out of the lineup over the past week, owing to an undisclosed injury suffered against the Buffalo Sabres last Friday. Practicing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, Nylander shared he felt good Friday and will see how he feels ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Jarnkrok may also be back in the lineup tomorrow, skating on the fourth line with Max Domi and Sammy Blais. The Swede last appeared with the team last Saturday in a 4-3 OT victory over the Buffalo Sabres. He got off to a hot start this season with three goals through his first three games, but hasn’t earned a point in five games since.

Scott Laughton skated on Friday as an extra rotating through different spots in the lineup. The Oakville native has not appeared yet this season with the Leafs, owing to an injury suffered in the preseason. Now skating with the team, he looks to be on track to return soon. Fellow bottom-sixer Steven Lorentz was not at practice Friday after exiting the game on Wednesday with an upper-body injury. After practice, head coach Craig Berube said Laughton is doubtful to play tomorrow, while Lorentz is listed as day-to-day.

Meanwhile, goaltender Joseph Woll did not skate with the team on Friday, likely having remained in Toronto as he prepares for a possible AHL conditioning stint.

The Maple Leafs face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday for a Hockey Night in Canada showdown.

Here’s how the Leafs lined up at practice on Friday, per David Alter:

Forwards:

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – William Nylander

Matias Maccelli – John Tavares – Bobby McMann

Dakota Joshua – Nicolas Roy – Easton Cowan

Sammy Blais – Max Domi – Calle Jarnkrok

Extras (rotating): Nick Robertson, Scott Laughton


Defence:

Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo

Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Chris Tanev

Dakota Mermis – Philippe Myers


Goalies:

Anthony Stolarz, Cayden Primeau

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Maple Leafs activate Chris Tanev from IR, Dakota Mermis assigned to AHL’s Marlies

Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Toronto Maple Leafs have activated defenceman Chris Tanev from injured reserve. Dakota Mermis has been assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Tanev participated in practice sessions leading up to Saturday’s game and is expected to be paired with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, while Jake McCabe will play alongside Simon Benoit. The 35-year-old was placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 21, after suffering a concussion during a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, following a collision with Dawson Mercer.

“When you’re sort of stunned and a little bit confused, it’s not ideal. But felt quite normal really soon after, which was nice,” Tanev said Friday via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

“I don’t think any one mimics another one. Sometimes your symptoms may last a while; sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they’re headaches; sometimes they’re just head pressure. Could be your mood. I mean, there’s so many different things a person can feel, and I don’t think any one is the same.”

Tanev recorded one assist through seven games this season, and he will certainly be welcomed back into the lineup, as the Maple Leafs’ rush defence continues to be a major area of concern thus far. Toronto has surrendered 31 goals at 5-on-5, the second-worst total in the NHL entering Saturday’s slate. Tanev recorded three goals and 18 points in 75 games last season, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s elite defenders and shot-blockers, during his first year with the Maple Leafs.
Mermis played in one game for the Maple Leafs, logging 13:12 and a -2 rating during a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on October 24.
William Nylander is ruled out of Saturday’s game with an unspecified injury. It appears unlikely at this juncture that Scott Laughton will suit up for Saturday’s contest against his former team, after leading the team’s stretch during Saturday’s morning skate.

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...nev-ir-dakota-mermis-assigned-toronto-marlies
 
Maple Leafs’ William Nylander will not play vs. Flyers, Anthony Stolarz projected to start

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander will not play in Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, head coach Craig Berube confirmed to travelling reporters.

Nylander did not participate in the team’s morning skate. He will miss his third game of the year, briefly returning to the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Calgary Flames, before being ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nylander leads the Maple Leafs in scoring with three goals and 15 points in nine games.

“It sucks,” Nylander said Friday via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “But, I mean, there’s nothing really I can do about it. It’s just gonna take some time. I don’t know. Maybe I play tomorrow. Maybe I don’t.”

Max Domi was placed on the top power play group in Nylander’s absence, joining Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly. Nick Robertson could potentially rejoin the lineup, if Scott Laughton doesn’t play. Robertson could join Knies and Matthews on Toronto’s top line, as the team is still looking to find their ideal combinations.

Scott Laughton led the team’s stretch during morning skate. Laughton was acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Flyers at the 2025 trade deadline. The 31-year-old spent his entire career with the Flyers, after making the NHL as an 18-year-old during the 2012-13 campaign. Laughton has been on injured reserve to start the year, after suffering a lower-body injury during an October 2 preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs. Stolarz has posted a 3-4-1 record with a .886 save percentage to begin the year.

Maple Leafs’ projected lines vs. Flyers​


Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Max Domi

Bobby McMann-John Tavares-Matias Maccelli

Dakota Joshua-Nicolas Roy-Easton Cowan

Sammy Blais-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo

Simon Benoit-Jake McCabe

Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Chris Tanev

Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)

Cayden Primeau

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Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev discharged from hospital after leaving game vs. Flyers on stretcher

The Toronto sports circle received one stroke of positive news in what was otherwise a very somber morning following the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Sunday morning that defenceman Chris Tanev was discharged from hospital following a scary collision with Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov.

a stretcher was called out for Tanev after this pic.twitter.com/2yuqnPF88a

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 2, 2025

The collision occurred in the third period of the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 win over the Flyers on Saturday night. It appeared to be a relatively harmless play at first, but it quickly became evident that Tanev would need assistance getting off the ice. There was also a little extra caution involved given the fact that it was Tanev’s first game back following a similar injury a couple of weeks ago, when he took a shoulder to the jaw from New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer.

Thankfully, Tanev flashed a thumbs up as he was being carried off the ice, and following the news that he was discharged from hospital and cleared to return to Toronto, it seems like somewhat of a best-case scenario for all parties after the way things looked originally.

Tanev flashes a thumbs up

hope he's alright pic.twitter.com/LZwwcwjIDb

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 2, 2025

This doesn’t clear up anything regarding a possible return to action for Tanev, especially when it’s involving something with the head, but the fact that he’s back home with the team hopefully means that he won’t be out too long. Still, expect the team to exercise some caution with Tanev going forward considering his age and the amount of minutes he logs with the Maple Leafs when fully healthy.

The Maple Leafs will be back in action on Monday night when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins, looking to build a winning streak after being denied a three-game streak with their loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night. The Maple Leafs will likely provide another update on Tanev’s status prior to Monday’s game, but it seems like an extremely safe bet to assume Tanev won’t play.

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Report: David Kampf away from Marlies as he contemplates future in Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf is reportedly not with the Toronto Marlies as he contemplates his future with the organization.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines about the situation as it stands, stating that Kampf is feeling frustrated that he is not in the NHL.

“The Toronto Marlies are playing tonight in Chicago in the American Hockey League, and he’s not with them. I was told there’s a possibility he could play tomorrow, but I think that’s unlikely,” he said. “David Kampf has taken a couple of days to kind of think about his future. Obviously, he’s not playing with the Maple Leafs right now; he’s in a bit of a roster and salary cap crunch situation, and he got a little bit frustrated.  I think everybody understands, he wants to play in the NHL and he’s an NHL player.”

TSN’s Darren Dreger also reported on Friday’s edition of Insider Trading that the Leafs are still trying to deal away Kampf in an attempt to free up the cap space he is taking up. While this is something that GM Brad Treliving has tried to work on for quite some time, nothing has materialized as of this filing.

Kampf is clearly not happy with the situation that he is in, given that he was one of the last cuts at training camp and has yet to be called up, even with the Leafs encountering several injuries to start the year. It is clear that his days in Toronto are numbered and it seems that it’s a matter of when and not if he gets dealt.

While it is unclear where he ends up or how his exit from the Leafs occurs, one thing that won’t be forthcoming is a buyout, according to Friedman.

“ One of the things that was being rumoured in the last couple of days, Ron, is that there’s been a couple of players – Conor Sheary was one, Brandon Saad was one, Filip Zadina was one – who terminated their contracts so they could get back to the NHL or find a better situation in the NHL,” he said. “ I’m not sure that’s going to happen. He still is owed about $4 million on his Toronto contract. But there’s no question that he’s taken some time this weekend to think about his future in the NHL, what he wants to do. We’ll see if the Maple Leafs can find a move this weekend for him, or to clear space, and or what next week brings him.”

Kampf is in the third year of a four-year contract he signed with the Leafs in 2023 that carries an AAV of $2.4 million. The 30-year-old centre appeared in 59 regular-season games last season, where he recorded 13 points (five goals and eight assists) while going scoreless in one postseason appearance.

Across four games played with the Marlies, Kampf has recorded one assist, four shots on goal, and is a minus-one.

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James Duthie thinks the Leafs can learn a few things from the Blue Jays: Leafs Morning Take

Ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be for the Toronto Blue Jays.

This one’s going to sting for a long, long time. Suffice it is to say, all eyes are now firmly back on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Needless to say, we kicked off the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take by dissecting Game 7 between the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. What drama, what theatre. There’s no consolation prizes in pro sports, but there’s a lot to be proud of from the Blue Jays’ perspective. That said, from a Toronto sports fan’s perspective, it’s easy to get back to that dark place. Outside of the Raptors randomly winning a few years ago, this city just can’t seem to catch a break in pressure cooker situations. And to be clear, there’s no Maple Leafs comparison here. This was Game 7 of the World Series —for all the marbles. The Leafs haven’t sniffed a game with those kind of stakes in decades.

At any rate, once we got that off our chests, we dove into the Leafs’ 5-2 win in Philadelphia, a game not many in Toronto were likely watching. It was your prototypical Craig Berube victory. Nick Robertson stayed red-hot with a goal and an assist, Auston Matthews potted his sixth of the campaign, and Anthony Stolarz made 31 stops. Meantime, Easton Cowan scored his first NHL goal. Also, Chris Tanev was stretchered off after a weird collision with Matvei Michkov. It was Tanev’s first game after sitting for three games due to a suspected concussion. Thankfully, Tanev was discharged from a Philadelphia hospital on Sunday and is now back in Toronto recovering. Scary stuff. Over and above all that, we discussed Bobby McMann’s recent struggles. He has zero points in the past eight games, and at this point, he could be on the outside looking in very soon.

After that, TSN’s James Duthie made another appearance on the show. Firstly, he broke down the tough Blue Jays loss. He was at the game, so naturally, he painted a picture of the raw emotion and theatre on Saturday night at SkyDome. Furthermore, we all feel like the Leafs can learn a thing or two from this Blue Jays squad. They were such a likeable team. Without question, the city hasn’t loved a Leafs team like that in a long, long time. Additionally, Duthie weighed in on the Leafs’ 6-5-1 start and their ongoing search for an identity. Lastly, he plugged his new book: Certified Beauties: More Of Hockey’s Greatest Untold Stories.

Through the podcast, we previewed Monday’s tilt on home ice against the surprising Pittsburgh Penguins. William Nylander will be back in the lineup and Phil Myers will replace Tanev. We could see a few other big changes, too, including a potential McMann health bomb. We’ll see.

You won’t want to miss the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take (11 AM ET). In addition to recapping Leafs/Penguins, legendary NHL head coach Darryl Sutter will drop by the show to weigh in on Toronto’s start.

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Knee Jerk Reaction: Maple Leafs turn worst start of season into explosive comeback win

The Toronto Maple Leafs looked like quite literally the worst hockey team on earth through the first 40 minutes of Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. And they won the game 4-3.

In their second NHL on Prime game of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins came out of the gates and outclassed the Leafs in every respect. They controlled the puck in both ends, they outshot them and subsequently outscored them, going into the third period with a 3-0 lead. The Leafs were chasing the puck throughout the entirety of the first two periods and it was quickly looking like an early contender for worst game of the season, which is saying something considering how poorly the month of October went by their standards. Hell, there came a point where “Let’s go Blue Jays” chants erupted from the stands, despite the Jays’ season ending on Saturday.

Then came the third period, and a much-needed four minute span that saw the Leafs pot three goals to tie the game thanks to a breakaway goal from Auston Matthews and two markers for William Nylander. Immediately following the third goal came what could have been a momentum-killing penalty from Sammy Blais, but the Leafs survived it and eventually got a game-winning goal from Bobby McMann to lead them to victory.

There are two stars in this game, to me, one of them obvious and one of them less obvious. Anthony Stolarz stood tall and gave the Leafs the stability they needed to claw back into the game after fumbling the first two frames, and as the Penguins controlled play in the final few minutes, he made a number of crucial saves and finished the game with 34 saves on 37 shots.

The less obvious star is Nick Robertson, who didn’t have a multi-point night like Nylander or Matthews, but he was the only player who had his legs from the start of the game. When the Leafs were struggling to generate anything, he was making life hard for the Penguins when he didn’t have the puck, which is exactly why he keeps getting opportunities in the top six under Craig Berube. And, he was eventually rewarded with an assist for his work setting up McMann’s game-winner.

MANN THAT WAS CLUTCH!!@OREO | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/P0L2135di0

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 4, 2025

The Maple Leafs will be back in action on Wednesday night when they host the Utah Mammoth, looking to secure their third victory in a row.

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Darryl Sutter says Leafs’ early season struggles could be a blessing in disguise: Leafs Morning Take

All eyes are firmly back on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This week’s edition of Prime Monday Night Hockey was a rollercoaster experience.

After playing two of the most depressingly lifeless periods in recent memory, the Leafs erupted for four unanswered third period goals to stun the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. They didn’t deserve to win that game, but as they’ve done time and time again in the regular season, they found a way to wake up and turn the tables.

Off the top of the show, we were joined by Samantha Teasdale from SickKids Foundation to announce a $4,223.06 donation to the charity. Since last September, SickKids Foundation has been our exclusive YouTube Super Chat charity partner. It is a Canadian charity that raises money for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, supporting research and patient care.

Then, we got into Toronto’s improbable win. Bobby McMann snapped an eight-game drought and William Nylander notched two goals and an assist in his return to the lineup. Meantime, Auston Matthews tallied a goal and an assist while Anthony Stolarz made 34 saves. Once again, the Leafs were down 3-0 after two before scoring three goals in 3:24 in the third period to tie things up. It really was a Jekyll and Hyde performance. Additionally, we gave some love for Nick Robertson, who picked up another point, and Brandon Carlo, who had two massive shot blocks in the final minute of play. Lastly, we touched on Matias Maccelli getting healthy scratched. There’s nothing wrong with internal competition.

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Darryl Sutter then stopped by the show. Firstly, Sutter weighed in on his Toronto Blue Jays and the heartbreak surrounding that on Saturday night. After that, the conversation morphed into what the Leafs could potentially learn from the Blue Jays. Also, Sutter played the role of Craig Berube after that crazy game and what his messaging would be to the team. Yes, the Leafs flipped the switch, but the first two periods were an absolute joke. Lastly, Sutter broke down why he thinks the Leafs are a perennial contender. Like many others, he liked what they did this past summer. He thinks they’re built for playoff hockey.

To wrap, we dissected some of the news from practice. Utah’s in town on Wednesday night. Craig Berube could be making wholesale changes as Scott Laughton, Matias Maccelli, and Steven Lorentz all practiced in regular white jerseys. Furthermore, Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, and Sammy Blais could be on the outside looking in for game No. 14.

Speaking of which, Zack Phillips will sub in for Jay Rosehill on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM as we preview Toronto’s home tilt with the upstart Utah Mammoth.

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!

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Leafs practice notes: Laughton, Lorentz skate in regulars white jerseys, Carlo absent

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear set to welcome back a couple of depth pieces in the coming days.

As the Leafs took to the ice for practice on Tuesday, both Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz were wearing regulars white jerseys. Players wearing extras grey include Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, and Sammy Blais.

Laughton has yet to make his season debut after suffering a foot injury when he blocked a shot in one of the team’s final preseason games. The Maple Leafs acquired Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers at last season’s trade deadline in exchange for a first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin, a move that was met with some criticism after Laughton struggled to find his footing with the Leafs following the trade. He finished the season with two goals and four points in 20 games, and while the offence remained just as stagnant in the playoffs, he found a comfortable role on the fourth line with Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok.

Lorentz, meanwhile, has been out since last Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after he crashed into the end boards following a shot on Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. The Kitchener native has four assists in eight games on the season and was skating alongside Laughton at practice, looking to rekindle the chemistry they created in the playoffs last season and this year’s preseason before Laughton was hurt.

Lines at Leafs practice

Knies – Matthews – Nylander
Robertson – Tavares – McMann
Joshua – Roy – Maccelli
Domi – Laughton – Lorentz
Cowan, Blais, Jarnkrok

Mermis – Rielly
Benoit – McCabe
Ekman-Larsson – Myers

Primeau
Woll

Host Utah tomorrow @TSN_Sports

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 4, 2025

Meanwhile, defenceman Brandon Carlo was absent from practice on Tuesday in what is likely a maintenance day after blocking a shot in the final minutes of the Maple Leafs’ win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Carlo finished the game, and it’s standard for players to take a day to rehab small ailments like blocked shots. At the time of filing there appears to be no indication that Carlo will be out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Mammoth.

It is also unknown at the time of filing if either of Laughton or Lorentz are set to return to the lineup on Wednesday. Further updates from head coach Craig Berube to follow.

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Jordan Schmaltz Says the Leafs Are Missing a Marner-Type — and He Might Know the Fit: Leafs Morning Take

After years of misery against the Coyotes organization, it’s only been two games, but so far so good for the Maple Leafs against the Utah franchise.

The Leafs will look to make three in a row over Utah and three in a row overall when they host the Mammoth on Wednesday night.

Zack Phillips subbed in for Jay Rosehill on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We started off the show by giving a vibe check following Monday night’s rollercoaster come from behind victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Leafs were embarrassing for the first 40 minutes before waking up to mount a feverish comeback in the third.

At any rate, we then previewed Leafs/Mammoth. Fresh off an OT win over Buffalo, Utah will be playing in the second half of a back-to-back. Meantime, we don’t know for sure, but it seems likely that Scott Laughton will make his season debut. Of course, he got hurt in exhibition play blocking a shot off his foot. Additionally, Steven Lorentz could be back in, too. And so could Matias Maccelli, who was healthy scratched on Monday night. This would be his first game against his former team. Any way you slice it, the Leafs need to get their power play going. Incredibly, Toronto currently possesses the third worst power play in the NHL (12.1%). We’ll see if the new units can give them a spark, although through 13 games, the Leafs haven’t been drawing a lot of calls.

Meanwhile, Utah’s Nick Schmaltz could emerge as an enticing name for the Leafs if he makes it to unrestricted free agency next July. Speaking of which, Nick’s brother Jordan, who played in the NHL himself and currently co-hosts the Home By 3 podcast, stopped by the show. He was great. We hit on everything from what it was like play for Craig Berube in the Blues organization to the friendship between the Nylander and Schmaltz family. Willy played with Nick in Chicago when they were kids. Additionally, JSwish hit on Maccelli, Toronto’s start, and what they need to do to get going here. He thinks the Leafs are in dire need of a right winger to play with Matthews, and ironically, he may know a guy who could fit that bill.

Jay Rosehill will be back under centre for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take (11 AM ET). Join us for a full recap of Toronto/Utah.

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Knee Jerk Reaction: Matias Maccelli gets revenge, John Tavares delivers clutch Leafs’ win vs. Mammoth

John Tavares didn’t get to celebrate his 500th NHL goal last week in earnest, but he delivered another stellar performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 5-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth.

Tavares scored his 501st goal in the third period, which stood as the game-winning marker. The veteran forward was honoured by the Maple Leafs prior to the game, with his wife, three children and parents in attendance. Tavares has been the Maple Leafs’ most consistent player through the opening month of the season, he’s been one of the NHL’s best players at 5-on-5, and was one of four Leafs with a goal and an assist on Wednesday night, joining Matthew Knies, William Nylander and Matias Maccelli. He dominated on a line with Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann, and it’s fair to say that the victory belonged to Tavares and Maccelli.

501 FOR JT!!!!!!!!!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/p1uokpvvb1

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 6, 2025

Maccelli exacted a measure of revenge against his former team, delivering his best performance of the season, one game after being rendered a healthy scratch. The playmaking winger was certainly motivated by Monday’s scratch, and with a chance to prove his former team wrong after a down 2024-25 campaign. Maccelli registered a third-period insurance goal, working a strong two-man game with Dakota Joshua, escaping to the slot before wiring it home.

Maccelli scores against his former team!!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/U9M4vukrTn

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 6, 2025

It was another excellent night from the Maple Leafs’ headlining stars as well. Nylander tied the game for the Maple Leafs during the second period, finding a loose puck near the front of the net and burying it. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Nylander led all players in the NHL in 5-on-5 points, and he continues to be among the NHL’s best players through the opening stages of the season.

Willy ties it up!!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/5aeIw0scVf

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 6, 2025

As for Auston Matthews, he’s beginning to silence many of his skeptics. Matthews’ shot chance generation has remained elite throughout the season, but his production wasn’t exactly lining up. That may be a moot point now, as Matthews ripped a shot from the top of the circle, set up by Maccelli. He showed excellent pace throughout the game, and it was a great night from the Maple Leafs’ top four players.

A blast from Papi!!!!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/NfuatdoRZG

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 6, 2025

It wasn’t a flawless game to be sure, as Anthony Stolarz allowed two sub-par goals, and the power play continues to be a work in progress, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson now operating as the quarterback of the first unit. This would be nit-picking. It was a quality victory against a speedy, ascending Mammoth team, and the Maple Leafs should enter this weekend’s home games with renewed confidence, with Tavares, Matthews, Nylander, and for one night, Maccelli, leading the charge.

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The win over Utah was Toronto’s most complete effort of the early season: Leafs Morning Take

The Toronto Maple Leafs have won three straight games to start the month of November.

Nothing to see here, folks.

We kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by discussing the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena. Rosey was in town for the game. In fact, he had the honour of presenting a Canadian Armed Forces member with a commemorative jersey during of the TV timeouts. All in all, it’s amazing how much winning does. It was doom and gloom in this market through two periods on Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now, there’s reason for optimism as the Leafs head into the final two games of their four game homestand.

At any rate, we recapped Toronto’s 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. Most importantly, it was a great response for Matias Maccelli, who was acquired from Utah this past summer. He notched a goal and an assist against his former team —responding in Nick Robertson fashion after being health scratched for the Pittsburgh game. Meantime, Auston Matthews scored for the third straight games. He’s quietly now up to eight goals on the season. Meantime, prior to the game, John Tavares was honoured for becoming the 49th player in NHL history to hit the 500-goal plateau. Well, he’s now at 501 after notching a goal and an assist on Wednesday night.

Additionally, Scott Laughton looked good in his season debut stabilizing the fourth line. Elsewhere, Anthony Stolarz made 21 stops. He even tried for an empty netter late in the game. Suffice it is to say, the Leafs have a lot of confidence right now, something that couldn’t be said even a week ago. Remember that UGLY loss in Columbus?

To make room for Laughton, the Leafs sent Easton Cowan to the AHL. Naturally, we discussed where Cowan’s at in his rookie campaign, and if that was the right decision. Unfortunately, for us at least, it came down to a numbers game. Cowan’s waiver exempt, so from that standpoint alone, the move made an abundance of sense. Funny enough, the conversation morphed into one about making trades. Do the Leafs consider Cowan an untouchable? You know teams will be calling about him over the next few months.

Lastly, we touched on Joseph Woll. On Wednesday, Craig Berube disclosed Woll was getting closer, but didn’t say much outside of that. It would be great to see him play against Carolina, but right now, that scenario doesn’t seem likely.

One more to finish off the week. Join us at 11 AM ET on Friday as we preview Toronto’s back-to-back at home against Boston and Carolina respectively.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/the...effort-of-the-early-season-leafs-morning-take
 
Scott Laughton’s return equals accountability for Maple Leafs

Matias Maccelli had the opportunity to spend a little time in the press box in Pittsburgh on Monday night. His five points in 12 games might be the start of an improvement over last season, but it is nowhere near what the Leafs are looking to get out of the Finnish winger. Craig Berube took an opportunity to let Matias know that. Signs are pointing to Easton Cowan and Calle Jarnkrok being the next to spend time in the press box.

Cowan’s situation is a bit more unique, but like Maccelli, Cowan hasn’t shown up much on the scoresheet. Neither has Max Domi, Bobby McMann, Calle Jarnkrok, Dakota Joshua, or Nicolas Roy. There isn’t a shortage of Leafs making their case for the press box and now with the return of Scott Laughton, expectations for performing are increasing.

Scott Laughton might also catch himself in Craig Berube’s crosshairs soon enough and last season he didn’t make a case for being a lock for the roster, but right now he’ll get the opportunity to play catchup.

Knies-Matthews-Nylander
Robertson-Tavares-McMann
Joshua-Roy-Maccelli
Lorentz-Laughton-Domi
Extras: Cowan-Blais-Jarnkrok

At least temporarily, the return of Laughton has led to a pause for Easton Cowan’s time in the NHL. With Laughton’s return, the Leafs have too many players and that was either going to equal waivers for Blais or a development stint for Cowan. Cowan’s assignment was the most likely course of action but potentially the most short-sighted option as Cowan hasn’t looked out of place and has shown effort towards improving in comparison to the rest of the group.

What is a bit more of an issue is that presently Calle Jarnkrok, Easton Cowan, and Nick Robertson are the players that Craig Berube has been comfortable rotating in and out of the lineup. That is going to need to expand with the fact that Robertson is on a heater and Cowan has a likelihood of a temporary demotion. Sammy Blais and Calle Jarnkrok have arguably played better than other veteran players and shouldn’t be press box fixtures. Nor is Maccelli the only player that needs a fire lit under them.

Max Domi’s two goal game against Calgary has likely bought him some time, as has the fact that Craig Berube is still trying to see what he has with Domi as a winger. Bobby McMann’s production has been down and hasn’t been a favourite of Craig Berube, it’s entirely likely that he will be a player that Berube feels comfortable sitting on a regular basis.

The tough ones for Craig Berube to come down on will be Brad Treliving’s additions to the lineup. As mentioned above, Maccelli got a night off, and Laughton will likely get an extended run of games now that he’s back, unless he doesn’t look like he’s close to 100%.

Nicolas Roy’s arrival hasn’t translated into much more than being David Kampf by another name and the same can be said for Dakota Joshua doing a Nick Ritchie impression, although maybe a more disciplined version of him.

These players have put in a full training camp and 13 games in a Leafs uniform at this point, if they aren’t performing, there isn’t a reason to hold back on letting them know it at this point.

An 82 game season isn’t going to be short on injuries, and when all healthy players are needed in the lineup it’s harder to send a message to underperformers. Laughton’s return presents the Leafs with the chance to hold the Leafs to a higher standard and make it clear that everyone is competing for a spot in the lineup on a nightly basis.

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/scott-laughtons-return-equals-accountability-for-maple-leafs
 
Report: Maple Leafs place Cayden Primeau on waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly placed goalie Cayden Primeau on waivers, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston.

The #leafs have placed Cayden Primeau on waivers.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 7, 2025

This comes after Joseph Woll was assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint, with the expectation that he will draw into Saturday’s game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. It is unclear who will replace Primeau in the interim at the time of filing, but the likely outcome is that Dennis Hildeby draws back into the fray and could get the nod for the Leafs’ game on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Woll has been practicing with the team since October 29th and was skating as Anthony Stolarz’s backup during Friday’s practice.

“It’s great to have him back. I’ve  said before, we have an unbelievable relationship,” Stolarz said of Woll on Friday. “ To have him around us again and that competitive nature that he brings to our team and his high energy, it’s nice to have back in the room.  As a goalie, you’re always supporting each other and whatnot. So I think to have him back is huge for not just the team, but me as well.”

Primeau was originally claimed off waivers by the Leafs on October 6th during a time when Woll was away from the team due to his personal leave of absence, and the only other option beyond Hidleby was James Reimer on a PTO. Reimer was released from his PTO not long after the waiver claim, and Primeau had spent the first bit of the season as Stolarz’s backup.

Having played in three games to this point, Primeau has posted a record of 2-1-0, an .838 SV% and a 4.30 GAA. His last start was against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 29th, where he allowed six goals on 24 shots and looked lost in the crease.

If he ends up passing through waivers at the 2 p.m. deadline on Saturday, the Leafs can assign him directly to the Marlies without issue. If he gets claimed by another team, they could either stay vigilant on the waiver wire or turn their trust over to Dennis Hildeby.

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TABLE serves up morning treats, creative eats, and lively after-work events. With a
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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/report-toronto-maple-leafs-place-cayden-primeau-waivers
 
Stolarz needs rest, Carlo needs a new partner, and the Leafs need Pinchuk: Leaflets

With all due respect to the current state of the Boston Bruins, Saturday night’s game doesn’t carry the weight of previous matchups.

Last season, the wheels completely came off and it’s clear they are a rebuilding team. Aside from not wanting to suffer the indignity of losing to the lesser Bruins and maybe some faint interest in seeing Brandon Carlo face his former club, the real game of note this weekend comes against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, who will be only the third team the Toronto Maple Leafs have faced that were in the playoffs last season.

And while Toronto’s 8-5-1 record now more adequately reflects the easy of the schedule so far, the Hurricanes will be a good litmus test for where the Leafs are actually at. The Leafs will face the Kings next week and the Canadiens two Saturdays from now for their 22nd game of the season. Essentially, the Leafs will have faced four playoff teams in the first quarter of the season. That’s probably why in the first 14 games there are some significant concerns about the team but it is no longer showing up in the standings.

Is a starter’s workload to blame for Stolarz’ slow start?​


The short answer is no. By games two and three, Anthony Stolarz was already having some tough nights.

Is the starter’s workload to blame for why Stolarz hasn’t had an opportunity to get back on track as easily? That’s a question worth exploring.

Stolarz’ eight starts in October tied his busiest month as a Leaf, and in fact ties the busiest month of his career. Like last March when Stolarz played eight games, this October failed to produce a winning record or achieve a .900 save percentage.

After the past couple of seasons of Stolarz being the goals saved above expected darling of the league, his current season sees him sitting at -2.6 goals saved above expected.

He’s also reached his 11th game a full week earlier than he did last season, which isn’t a huge difference, but for a goaltender like Stolarz that is yet to meet the 50% workload of starts in a season in his career, it’s a sign that a bit more rest is required.

It will be interesting to see how Joseph Woll’s return to the Leafs is handled. As much as some rest for Stolarz seems to be in order, throwing Woll to wolves isn’t ideal either. There are durability concerns there too, but depending on how things go in the first couple of games, it won’t be surprising to see Woll take on 2/3rds of the starts for the next little while until Stolarz’s results improve.

Brandon Carlo needs some time on the third pairing​


Brandon Carlo hasn’t been it for the Maple Leafs. And to be fair the Maple Leafs are asking a lot of him.

Being Morgan Rielly’s partner is basically asking Carlo to be “the guy” in the defensive zone and given that Morgan Rielly is at his best when playing on the ice with the Leafs top six forwards, generally he attracts a higher level competition as well, meaning Carlo isn’t defending against third or fourth line forwards too often.

Some players, like Luke Schenn or Ron Hainsey seemed to understand the assignment and thrived when playing with Morgan Rielly, but Carlo, like Roman Polak, is proving that it isn’t a universal quality of being a stay-at-home defender that makes things work with Rielly.

The Leafs need a bit of a shakeup and while Craig Berube might be waiting until Chris Tanev returns to give it ago, there’s a case for going early with it and testing Brandon Carlo on the third pairing alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

The duo would looks a lot like a buyer’s remorse pairing but has some potential. You might not want to purposely match that duo against top six forwards but it’s not the end of the world if they are caught out against them. The duo, on paper, would thrive against bottom six forwards and that would be who’d they would primarily face.

At the same time, Philippe Myers has looked better with Morgan Rielly than Carlo did. There might be a greater emphasis of getting them off the ice before the puck returns to the Leafs end, but Myers as “the guy” in the Leafs end hasn’t been any worse than Carlo, while the Leafs have benefited from Rielly-Myers in the other two-thirds of the ice.

Putting Benoit with McCabe as makes that pairing faster than if Carlo was McCabe. It results in a lefty on the wrong side, but there should be much concern about what Benoit does with his stick.

As for the return of Tanev, whether he’s with Rielly or the far more likely scenario of him returning next to McCabe, it leaves the Ekman-Larsson and Carlo pairing intact and seemingly makes the Leafs defence seem more aligned with would work best opposition forwards.

Vitali Pinchuk is a name to know​


I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on Vitali Pinchuk. What I do know is that if there is a 6’3 23 year old point per game in the KHL centre that Elliotte Friedman is reporting as being interested in playing in North America, the Leafs should be muscling their way to the front of the line to sign this guy when the KHL season wraps up.

The Leafs need to find a way bringing about a modest youth movement will still being comfortable using the draft picks primarily as trade deadline bait than actually selecting prospects. Pinchuk is a way of doing that. Knowing the amount of cap space that teams have to sign their existing free agents and to bid on the underwhelming crop of talent that does make it to NHL free agency, teams that take chances on top overseas talent will possibly be tapping into the best avenue for upgrading, and given that centre will always be a position of need, and Toronto can potentially offer a clear line of sight to playing in the NHL immediately on a playoff bound team, with Mikhail Grabovski just up the road as a potential Belorussian mentor, the Leafs should be on top of this situation and they likely are.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/sto...w-partner-and-the-leafs-need-pinchuk-leaflets
 
Hurricanes re-claim goaltender Cayden Primeau off waivers from Maple Leafs

After roughly one month and three games in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform, goaltender Cayden Primeau is headed back to the Carolina Hurricanes. And, in a corresponding move, announced that Dennis Hildeby has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies.

The Maple Leafs have recalled G Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

G Cayden Primeau has been claimed off waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes.

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 8, 2025

The goaltender was put on waivers by the Hurricanes on October 6 and claimed by the Maple Leafs, who just had Joseph Woll leave the team to a personal matter at the beginning of the month. The Leafs felt that Dennis Hildeby, who served as the team’s third goalie in a similar situation last season, would benefit more from starting the season with the Marlies, and opted for somebody with more NHL experience to back up Stolarz at the beginning of the year.

Although Primeau won two of the three games he started as a Leaf, it was a rough go for the netminder from a statistical standpoint, with a save percentage of .838 and a goals-against average of 4.30. With a full crease in Carolina between Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, who is now healthy after missing part of the season due to injury, Primeau likely won’t be getting much NHL action anytime soon.

With Joseph Woll on a conditioning stint with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and the news that goaltender Anthony Stolarz will be starting in net for Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins, Hildeby is likely in line to make his season debut against the Hurricanes on Sunday. The goaltender has a 2-2-1 record in five games with the Marlies along with a SV% of .890 and a GAA of 2.70. He started in six games with the Maple Leafs last season, playing to a record of 3-3-0 with a .878 SV% and a 3.16 GAA.

The Maple Leafs are set to wrap up a four-game homestand this weekend with tilts against the Bruins and Hurricanes before they travel to Boston to face the Bruins again on Tuesday.

PRESENTED BY TABLE FAIR + SOCIAL​


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TABLE Fare + Social is a vibrant food hall in the heart of Toronto’s financial district,
offering a unique dining and social experience just steps from transit and the
arena—perfect for pregame meals before tip-off. Open weekdays from 11am to 10pm,
TABLE serves up morning treats, creative eats, and lively after-work events. With a
private terrace overlooking Toronto’s elevated park, guests enjoy stunning views
alongside year-round programming that includes food tastings, cooking classes, live
music, and pop-up events designed to spark connection and creativity.
Follow along @Tablefood hall or tablefoodhall.com

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/hurricanes-re-claim-cayden-primeau-waivers-toronto-maple-leafs
 
4 takeaways from Leafs-Bruins: Stolarz submits awful start, Minten gets revenge, power play comes alive

You can watch the Toronto Maple Leafs with reverent attention, and it may still not be enough to figure out how this team operates. It appeared that the Maple Leafs were turning the corner, boasting the best 5-on-5 offence in the NHL. Saturday evening presented a winnable game against a divisional rival, but the Maple Leafs fell short in a 5-3 loss to an undermanned Boston Bruins side.

Anthony Stolarz submitted his worst start as a member of the Maple Leafs and was pulled after the fourth Bruins’ goal, replaced by Dennis Hildeby. Hildeby was expected to start Sunday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. After Hildeby came off the bench, head coach Craig Berube did not confirm a starting goaltender for Sunday’s game.

“He was awesome. I put him in a shit situation, but he came in, handled it like a true pro and played well,” Stolarz said of Hildeby post-game.

If you’re looking for positives, Toronto’s dormant power play came alive, converting on 2-of-3 opportunities with goals from Nick Robertson and John Tavares. Matias Maccelli added an even-strength marker at the end of the first period. Morgan Geekie, Viktor Arvidsson, Michael Eyssimont and David Pastrnak all scored for the Bruins, while Fraser Minten exacted a measure of revenge, adding a third-period insurance goal to close out the victory. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm told reporters that he believed Minten was his best player. It certainly adds insult to injury.

Here are four takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 5-3 loss to the Bruins:

Anthony Stolarz submits his worst start with the Maple Leafs, replaced by Dennis Hildeby​


Anthony Stolarz was arguably the Maple Leafs’ most valuable player last season, and while he’s been thrust into a true starter’s role this year, the 31-year-old has quietly been in poor form. Stolarz submitted his worst start of his Maple Leafs’ tenure, allowing four goals on 19 shots. And while the Maple Leafs made it too easy for the Bruins with several turnovers in their own zone throughout the night, Stolarz should’ve stopped the latter two goals, and was correctly pulled in favour of Dennis Hildeby.

Stolarz held himself accountable after the game, but also appeared to be nonplussed by a subpar evening.

“It’s obviously not up to par,” Stolarz said post-game of his performance through the opening month of the season. “It seems like every night I’m giving up one or two that I want back. For me, it’s just the life of a goalie. You just have to put it behind you and focus on the next game, get back to practice, work on a few things and tighten it up.”

Stolarz wasn’t necessarily at fault for Morgan Geekie’s game-tying goal, and Viktor Arvidsson’s goal was the result of a dreadful turnover caused by Philippe Myers and Dakota Joshua. The latter two goals Stolarz ought to have had back, even if the Maple Leafs’ defencemen offered no resistance.

Pastrnak makes it 4-2

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/chMAYs441v

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 9, 2025

Stolarz rejected the notion that he’s facing fatigue this season, but it’s clear he needs some rest. Joseph Woll started for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Saturday and is working his way back into game shape after missing a month due to a personal leave of absence. Hildeby can provide some spot relief, but Stolarz isn’t anywhere near the elite form he displayed during the 2024-25 season.

Scott Laughton leaves with upper-body injury, Bobby McMann steps up for his teammate​


Scott Laughton left the game during the second period after taking a hit from Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov and did not return. Laughton will not play in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes as a result. It was Laughton’s second game of the season, after working his way back from a lower-body injury that kept him out of the lineup through November 5.

“I thought it was a head shot. I have to take a closer look at it,” Berube said post-game of Zadorov’s hit on Laughton.

Bobby McMann took issue with the play and fought Zadorov to a draw. McMann was commended by his teammates for entering the fight against the much taller and heavier Zadorov.

“I didn’t really see the whole thing, just caught it out of the corner of my eye,” McMann said post-game. “I didn’t really love the hit and that’s what I saw. Just caught it out of the corner, and wanted to make sure he knew that I didn’t like it.”

Nikita Zadorov ➡️ Scott Laughton • #NHL #HFhits#NHLBruins 🆚 #LeafsForever • 2025 NOV 08
• Zadorov 🆚 Bobby McMann that followed: https://t.co/Ha8mwaJp9G https://t.co/E0KktBqxR9 pic.twitter.com/lazSmh8zMa

— HockeyFights.com (@hockeyfights) November 9, 2025

It’s a crushing loss, especially considering that Laughton worked tirelessly to get himself ready for the season, and excelled during the preseason. Toronto may be forced to quickly recalibrate its lineup, or call up Easton Cowan from the AHL, as Laughton provides solid defensive value and can be used in a number of roles for the team.

A dormant Leafs’ power play comes alive​


Toronto converted at an 11.8 percent rate with the man advantage prior to Saturday’s games, the second-worst total in the NHL. Given the collection of high-end talent on the Leafs’ top unit, there was some consternation about the team’s lack of success, especially when considering that the team led the NHL in 5-on-5 goals ahead of Saturday’s game. And while this will ultimately be a game to forget, Toronto’s power play converted on two of its four chances, showing solid puck movement from both units.

THE LEAFS HAVE OPENED THE SCORING THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/InjmGaKhpe

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 9, 2025

Nick Robertson opened the scoring, converting an excellent Max Domi pass at the back door. You may have heard this before, but Robertson is rounding into form, with six points in his past five games, and he was tenacious throughout the contest at 5-on-5, placed on a line with McMann and John Tavares.

Tavares continued his excellent season to date, recording his eighth goal of the season. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and William Nylander moved the puck around expertly, before Tavares beat Jeremy Swayman from the high slot. During the preseason, the Maple Leafs emphasized getting a shot off early in the power play, while getting pucks directly to the net-front so the two power forwards can jam away at high-danger looks. This hasn’t always come to fruition during the regular season, but for one night, we received some proof of concept that the amendments made throughout the week are beginning to pay off.

Johnny on the spot!!!

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/QVP1Mg5w7M

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 9, 2025

Bruins’ Fraser Minten exacts revenge against the Maple Leafs​


We’re not going to enter revisionist history by retroactively reviewing the opportunity cost to acquire Brandon Carlo. It’s a poor method of evaluation and Carlo was a quality add to a Maple Leafs team trying (and failing) to maximize their Stanley Cup chances. Fraser Minten made a strong impression with the Maple Leafs, but was sent to the Bruins at the deadline, along with a 2026 top-five protected pick. And during his return against the Maple Leafs, Minten exacted a measure of revenge, clinching the victory with a late third-period goal.

Minten scores against his former team

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/lgAh26Mztn

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) November 9, 2025

“It was awesome. Awesome result, good game by the boys, special night for sure,” Minten told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas post-game.

“I really love the boys here. They’ve been really good to me. We’ve just been building recently and having great games.”

It wasn’t an outstanding performance by Minten, as the Maple Leafs controlled the shots, chances, and expected goals when he was on the ice at 5-on-5, but those are predictive stats. Minten scored when it counted and put the game out of reach for the Maple Leafs during a Saturday night marquee. It certainly counts as a revenge game, especially as the Bruins extended their early divisional gap over the Maple Leafs.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/4-t...z-awful-start-minten-revenge-power-play-alive
 
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