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[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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Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.

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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Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.

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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Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.

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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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...suspended-1-game-lightning-oliver-bjorkstrand

 

[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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Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.

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.

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/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

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs squander solid regulation effort with lousy overtime effort vs. Sharks

When you look at the box score of tonight’s Toronto Maple Leafs game, the numbers aren’t terrible. The San Jose Sharks outshot them 32-30, indicating a strong performance for both goaltenders in regulation, and the Sharks came out on top.

Not a big deal, right? It happens. A young, rebuilding team with some exciting pieces including a recent first overall pick that’s third in league scoring gave a late push against a longtime playoff team who should be in their prime, and they came out on top with the extra point when the ice expanded in overtime. You could make this argument for regulation, but a flat out terrible performance in overtime by the Maple Leafs sealed their fate with a 3-2 overtime loss and completely undid any goodwill the team may have had from their play in regulation.

The Leafs were clearly the slower team in the game, with half of the Sharks’ roster being within a half-decade from high school, but they did a good job of managing things and keeping the game relatively low-event despite some strong goaltending from Alex Nedeljkovic limiting them to two goals. In overtime, the Sharks didn’t have to do anything to keep the Leafs at bay because they didn’t look energized whatsoever.

Despite two shifts for the pair of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, their overtime performance was nothing but a revolving door of entries and re-entries after failing to get set up. Nylander dishing the puck directly to Sharks defenders and Matthews attempting to take on three Sharks players at once despite being tired at the end of a shift kept them from scoring and eventually helped allow the Sharks to steal the extra point.

The Leafs will look to get back in the win column on Saturday when they host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has suffered similarly to them this season.

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/ins...leafs-squander-regulation-effort-lousy-sharks

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs injury news: Carlo underwent foot surgery, Stolarz out indefinitely, Woll won’t play vs. Oilers

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided several injury updates following Friday’s optional practice at the Ford Performance Centre.

Brandon Carlo underwent foot surgery on December 3 and is out indefinitely. Carlo hasn’t played since November 13 against the Los Angeles Kings.

“At some point, he’ll be able to get on the ice and skate. I don’t know that timeline right now,” Berube said.

Chris Tanev will receive a second opinion for an upper-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup since November 2. Tanev sustained the injury during a November 1 game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran defenceman skated in a red non-contact jersey on Friday.

Joseph Woll won’t play against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, but Berube believes he’s trending in the right direction. Woll was a participant in Friday’s practice.

“He keeps progressing the right way here like he has been, he could be a possibility, in my opinion,” Berube said.

Woll spoke to reporters Friday, while praising Dennis Hildeby for his excellent work while being thrust into the starter’s role.

“It’s disappointing to not be able to continue playing,” Woll said. “But I think the real positive is that (Hildeby) has been playing great for us, and I think the team has been playing well. Really tight games that are going either way. So I’m just looking forward to being back.”

Woll also offered high praise to Artur Akhtyamov, who is serving as Hildeby’s backup.

“From the first time I saw him, I thought he was sick,” Woll said of Akhtyamov. “He’s a good goalie, man, you watch him out there. I don’t know, the Russians are feeding their guys something different, he’s great. So it’s been fun out there with him, super laid back guy who’s always smiling.”

“Not bad. Tomorrow, we’ll know. Hopefully, he can get on the ice and see how he feels, and we’ll go from there,” Berube said of Ekman-Larsson.

Anthony Stolarz isn’t close to returning to action from an upper-body injury that he sustained during a November 11 game against the Boston Bruins.

“I wouldn’t go there, but he’s not going to be on the ice anytime soon,” Berube said, when asked if Stolarz suffered a season-ending injury.

Marshall Rifai is closer to returning to action, after undergoing wrist surgery in September. Rifai skated in a regular black practice jersey on Friday, and could be a potential option for the Leafs with several injuries to their defence corps.

Leafs injury updates:

Brandon Carlo underwent foot surgery on December 3, out indefinitely.
Chris Tanev will receive a second opinion.
Joseph Woll is close to returning, but won't play vs. Oilers
Anthony Stolarz isn't close to returning, but it's not season-ending.

— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) December 12, 2025

Leafs injury updates cont'd:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson will need to skate tomorrow before Berube can confirm his place in the lineup Saturday vs. Oilers.

Marshall Rifai is closer to returning to action.

— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) December 12, 2025

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[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Paul Bissonnette Sees a Playoff Sleeper in Toronto — If They Get Healthy: Leafs Morning Take

The Leafs let one slip away on Thursday night against San Jose, but honestly, a lot of conversation coming out of that game seems to be around how they may have managed to dodge a bullet on the Oliver Ekman-Larsson injury front.

That’s where the conversation started on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. At this point, OEL, who left the game with a lower body injury, is hopeful he can play against Edmonton. Watching the injury in real-time, there was serious concern that the Swede, who’s been Toronto’s top D this season, could miss significant time. Great on that front. Additionally, we did discuss some of the updates to Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev. It just feels like every time the Leafs get someone back, someone else goes down. The injury bug has hammered this team hard this season.

At any rate, we got into full analysis and breakdown of their 3-2 OT loss against San Jose. Firstly, they got a point, so that means the point streak is now up to six games (4-0-2). That said, there’s no question that they let that game slip away. John Klingberg tied it with 1:25 left in regulation, then Alex Wennberg potted the OT winner. And yes, we did discuss the carelessness with the puck from William Nylander and Auston Matthews late in the game. Bottom line: The Leafs need to find a way to win games like that. They controlled the night, but ultimately, they fell just short of the two points. Dennis Hildeby was fantastic again making 29 saves. Meantime, the Joshua-Roy-Nylander trio actually looked pretty good. Overall, Nylander – despite the ugly final few shifts – had himself a great bounce-back effort after being demoted to the third line. The Leafs even scored a power play goal, which was great to see. On top of all that, we talked quickly about Henry Thrun’s Leafs debut. We didn’t notice him that much, so that’s good.

After that, the incomparable Paul Bissonnette stopped by. All in all, he share does still have the PASSION. Biz broke down the OT loss, his opinion on Nylander/Matthews, and where he thinks the Leafs are headed long-term. On top of that, he dished on what he thinks this team needs. Also, he hit on OEL’s evolution as a player, the struggling power play, and the Nylander-Berube dynamic. Lastly, Biz dissected the crease and how he thinks it could be smart for the Leafs to use one of their goalies as a potential trade chip moving forward.

Lastly, we weighed in on the Oilers rolling into town Saturday. Troy Stecher will play his former team for the first time. Meantime, it will be fascinating to see if Tristan Jarry, Edmonton’s new No. 1 goalie, gets the call for that one. Bobby McMann will presumably draw back in after serving his one game suspension. The Alberta native’s notched five goals in four career games against the Oilers.

Zack Phillips and Jay Rosehill will have you covered the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join them as they recap Leafs/Oilers, plus look ahead to the final game of Toronto’s five game homestand on Tuesday night against Chicago.

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/pau...oronto-if-they-get-healthy-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Marlies’ Michael Pezzetta suspended 3 games for illegal check to the head

Toronto Marlies forward Michael Pezzetta has been suspended for three games, for an illegal check to the head of an opponent, the American Hockey League announced Saturday.

Pezzetta skated across the ice and connected with a shot to the head of Laval Rocket defenceman Marc Del Gaizo. Del Gaizo took a minute to get up from the hit, and did not return to the contest with an undisclosed injury. Pezzetta immediately entered a fight with Laval’s Florian Xhekaj after the hit on Del Gaizo.

Marlies forwards Rhett Parsons and Cedric Pare were issued five-minute majors for fighting, and game misconducts for secondary altercations, but did not receive supplementary discipline from the league.

Here is the play in question:

The AHL has suspended Toronto’s Michael Pezzetta (3 games) and Laval’s Alex Belzile (3 games), Laurent Dauphin (3 games), Joshua Roy (3 games) and Samuel Blais (1 game) as a consequence of this incident @InsideAHLHockey https://t.co/7RQUTlGyVe

— Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) December 13, 2025

Laval’s Alex Belzile, Laurent Dauphin and Joshua Roy were all issued three-game suspensions for their roles in the ensuing scrum. Sammy Blais was suspended one game for leaving the bench. Blais played eight games for the Maple Leafs this season, recording a goal and four points, before he was claimed off waivers by the Montreal Canadiens on November 27.

Pezzetta was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs on October 5 but went unclaimed. The 27-year-old recorded three assists in 17 games with the Marlies this season. He is eligible to return on December 26, when the Marlies square off against the Belleville Senators.

Toronto signed Pezzetta to a two-year deal worth $788K per season. Pezzetta did not record a point in 25 games with the Canadiens last season, and the Maple Leafs were effectively betting on his stellar defensive metrics translating in a fourth line role.

“I loved my time there.  The organization’s first class and the boys were always great,” Pezzetta said of his tenure with the Canadiens’ organization, on July 2. “ Pretty much grew up there in pro hockey, and have nothing but good things to say about them. Definitely be weird come home opener time and starting the season playing against all those guys and having to try to run them all through the glass, but it’ll be fun and there’s no hard feelings.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-marlies-michael-pezzetta-suspended-3-games-illegal-check

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ Ekman-Larsson says poor puck play led to third period collapse vs. Oilers

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson cited poor puck management as a key factor in the team’s collapse in the third period against the Edmonton Oilers.

A nearly three-minute stretch of game split between the second and third period saw the Leafs lose control of the game in the blink of an eye with neutral zone turnovers, odd-man rushes against, and poor reads around the net. After being up 2-1 at one point, they allowed five unanswered to make it a 6-2 deficit before a Steven Lorentz goal in stoppage time made the final score a little more palpable.

“I don’t know, we were just not taking care of the puck,” Ekman-Larsson said to reporters after the game. “ Turning the puck over and obviously not playing hard enough in front of our net.  That’s what happened in the last games in the third.”

The passive play in the third period of Saturday’s game was eerily similar to what transpired on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, with the main difference being that the Leafs only allowed one goal that counted two nights prior. Instead of dictating the pace of play and putting the pressure on the opposition, they instead allowed the Oilers to put it in cruise control before the third period was two minutes old.

By the time Zach Hyman scored the sixth tally of the night, Dennis Hildeby was mercifully pulled from the contest in favour of Artur Akhtyamov. But in Ekman-Larsson’s eye, this loss does not fall on the shoulders of the towering goaltender.

“ Yeah, I think there was some goals that we probably want to do a better job in front of him for sure,” he said. “ We win as a team and lose as a team, so we need to start to get better.”

Ekman-Larsson says that it starts with working hard to own the puck and supporting one another in maintaining it. But at the end of the day, he feels that it boils down to execution, and things won’t improve until they make good on their chances when they do get the puck. They will have a few days to sit on the loss before they wrap up the home stand on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“ I think we take the bad and learn. Obviously, we did some good things in the first and second, I felt like as well,” he said. “ We gotta keep in mind that we’re doing some good stuff as well,  but obviously that third period is not good enough.  We gotta do something about that.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-ekman-larsson-poor-puck-play-collapse-oilers

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Morgan Rielly, Scott Laughton rip into Maple Leafs’ 3rd-period effort in loss to Oilers

For the second consecutive contest, a poor third period effort from the Toronto Maple Leafs cost them a game.

Toronto surrendered a two-goal lead and lost in overtime against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. On Saturday night, the Leafs entered the third period down a goal to the Edmonton Oilers, but allowed three goals in the first ten minutes of the final frame. In the end, the Leafs fell 6-3 to the Oilers, taking their first regulation loss in two weeks.

Speaking to media after the game, veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly didn’t mince words in calling out the team’s lack of effort through the final frame.

“It’s not that different from the San Jose game,” Rielly said. “Going into the third period in a good position and you don’t execute, you don’t play the way you need to to win the game.”

Scott Laughton echoed similar frustration with how the Leafs approached the third period, breaking down how he feels the team needs to approach these situations differently.

“It’s hard to understand, we just have to be better,” Laughton said. “We have to better managing games in certain situations. You see those guys, you know how good they are in moments, and it can turn on you that quick. We just gotta know. We don’t have to make the perfect play every shift, it’s a 60-minute game for a reason. You gotta wear the team down and go the other way, play north, make them come to you. I don’t think we did enough of that.”

Maybe most frustrating for the Leafs this year is the inconsistency on a nightly basis. Often it’s the middle frame where the team has struggled, but on Saturday the team kept in it through the first 40, only to fall apart in the third.

“They’re a good offensive team, I thought we did a decent job within our structure,” Rielly said. “But when you’re outmanned at the net, there’s obviously something going on with structure, communication, execution, whatever it is. So we’ll fix that.”

Toronto was bested by a strong offensive group in Edmonton led by two of the top players in the NHL right now, in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Laughton acknowledged that fact as well, alluding to a lack of resiliency in this Maple Leafs group in stepping up to that kind of challenge.

“I think sometimes when things go a little bit south, you start standing and watching. They make it look like that too sometimes when their guys get going,” Laughton said. “So time to pick ourselves up and pick up some points here at home. We gotta start pushing and have some urgency.”

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/mor...eafs-third-period-effort-loss-edmonton-oilers

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Around the NHL: Ducks’ Strome is prime trade candidate, Penguins could flip Skinner ahead of deadline

Welcome back to another edition of around the NHL, after one of the craziest weeks of transactions in recent memory. The Vancouver Canucks weren’t interested in losing Quinn Hughes for nothing after next season, and decided to trade him to the Minnesota Wild. Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas decided to cash in on Tristan Jarry’s recent hot streak, and now has some options to get creative ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

There’s plenty on deck, here’s the very latest from around the NHL.

Anaheim Ducks could move struggling Ryan Strome​

The Anaheim Ducks are one of the NHL’s surprises this year, as they’ve exceeded expectations posting a 19-12-1 record through 32 games. The Ducks sit second in the Pacific Division and have been doing so with a number of players struggling to produce this season, including centre Ryan Strome.

Strome has dressed in just 14 games this season, scoring one goal and adding four assists, for five points. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Strome’s becoming a prime trade candidate to keep an eye one.

“Ryan Strome, I think that one’s obvious; the team got hot when he was still hurt and everybody kinda lined up their spots; it was harder to find his way back into it.”

The 32-year-old Strome is signed through next season at $5 million AAV. He doesn’t have any trade protection on his contract and can be moved at will. The veteran forward has spent the past three seasons in Anaheim, and is coming off a 41-point campaign. As far as potential destinations go, the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils are two teams who are in the market for help down the middle.

Stuart Skinner not likely in Penguins’ long-term plans​

Stuart Skinner didn’t request a trade out of Edmonton, but it seemed like if the perfect deal came around the Oilers were going to pounce, and Skinner would be open to it. Oilers’ GM Stan Bowman brought Jarry back to his roots, meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins may have other plans with their new goaltender.

With the Penguins having a young talented duo in Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov, Skinner could become an asset for Dubas to dangle ahead of the trade deadline, regardless if the Penguins are in a playoff spot or not. Dubas has been trying to re-tool on the fly and make his roster younger, and with a thin goalie market, Skinner has the experience several contenders will be looking to add.

Skinner’s a pending free agent and carries just a $2.6 million cap hit. He doesn’t have any trade protection, and doesn’t have much say in what Dubas winds up doing. As far as destinations go, injuries could change everything, but it feels like the Vegas Golden Knights will be circling, even with Carter Hart in the mix. The Tampa Bay Lightning love to surprise with bold trades and could see Skinner as the perfect backup. A wildcard team could be the Utah Mammoth, who are trying to make some noise this season and could use some more Stanley Cup playoff experience.

One thing’s for sure, don’t expect to see a contract extension announced in Pittsburgh anytime soon.

Quick hits from around the NHL:​

• • Quinn Hughes made it clear a few weeks ago that he was not going to re-sign in Vancouver, and the Canucks management team went to work. They received six offers for the former Norris Trophy winner, including from the Wild, Red Wings, Hurricanes, Sabres, Rangers, and Devils, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
  • Hughes made his Wild debut on Sunday night and was sensational. Minnesota beat the Boston Bruins 6-2. Hughes played 26:55, scored a goal, and had three shots on net.
  • Wild GM Bill Guerin feels Hughes will enjoy his time in Minnesota and is of course interested in re-signing him. Hughes’ agent informed all teams interested in acquiring him that an extension is not guaranteed, regardless of where he ended up.
  • Vancouver’s new trio of Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and Liam Ohgren all made their Canucks debut in New Jersey on Sunday, defeating the Devils 2-1. Buium scored the winner and finished the night with a goal, and an assist, playing close to 20 minutes. Rossi and Ohgren were both held pointless.
  • The Los Angeles Kings are rumoured to be listening to trade offers on centre Phillip Danault, and the Canadiens could be in the market for a reunion with the two-way, struggling centre. Danault is under contract through next season at $5.5 million, and has produced just five points in 30 games, all assists.
  • An interesting save the date, as Team Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey will be announced on New Year’s Eve.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/aro...te-penguins-could-flip-skinner-ahead-deadline

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs practice notes: Chris Tanev resumes skating in regular jersey, Joshua returns after illness

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be getting a pivotal piece of their defensive corps back, as Chris Tanev returned to the ice for the Maple Leafs on Monday morning.

Tanev was seen skating in a regular jersey at practice, which indicates that he’s been cleared to resume contact at practice and in games. Despite this, Tanev won’t play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday and wouldn’t commit to a firm date for his return.

Chris Tanev called his current situation “fluid” but nice to get back to a full practice.

Craig Berube says he won’t play tomorrow. Asked if he would return before Christmas, he wouldn’t commit to a timeline. @BodogCA

— David Alter (@dalter) December 15, 2025

The soon-to-be 36-year-old defenceman has been out of the lineup since he collided with Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov on Nov. 1. It was an awkward hit that ultimately proved to be more serious than initially expected, and the Leafs have been hurting without his steady presence on the back end. Head coach Craig Berube mentioned last week that Tanev was seeking a second opinion on his injury.

In other news, the flu bug appears to be making its way through the Maple Leafs dressing room. William Nylander and Dakota Joshua were both game-time decisions for Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, with the former playing despite clearly not being healthy and the latter missing the game altogether. Both Nylander and Joshua were present for practice on Monday, but forward Matias Maccelli seems to be the latest victim of the illness. Maccelli hasn’t played to begin with since Nov. 28 after a slew of scratches.

While much was made of Tanev’s age and durability when the Maple Leafs initially signed him, he had a relatively injury-free 2024-25 season with the team. He played in 75 regular season games for them and all 13 of their playoff games, putting up three goals and 18 points in those 75 games. He had one goal and two assists in their playoff run.

#Leafs lines during practice Dec. 15/25

Knies-Matthews-Nylander
Robertson-Tavares-McMann
Joshua-Roy-Domi
Lorentz-Laughton-Cowan
Extra: Jarnkrok

Rielly-Benoit
McCabe-Stecher
OEL-Tanev
Thrun-Myers

Hildeby
Woll
Akhtyamov@BodogCA pic.twitter.com/mBLZjBaJns

— David Alter (@dalter) December 15, 2025

The return and absence of certain players combined with a lacklustre third period effort against the Oilers has seen some changes throughout the Leafs lineup. Nylander is now on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, with Joshua returning to his third line role alongside Nicolas Roy and Max Domi, who was bumped from the top line. The fact that Rielly is skating with Simon Benoit likely indicates that Tanev was just getting reps in at practice and won’t be ready for action this week.

The Maple Leafs host the Blackhawks on Tuesday night as they look to snap a two-game losing skid.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...ce-notes-tanev-skating-regular-joshua-illness

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Oliver Ekman-Larsson opens up on injury scare, Berube calling out Leafs leaders: Leafs Morning Take

The big night is finally here for legendary Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game against Chicago, the Leafs will honour their long-time play by play voice as part of “Holy Mackinaw Night.” Bowen, who’s called over 3800 games for the Maple Leafs, will be retiring at the conclusion of this season.

We talked about that, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz in the opening block of the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. After missing four games with a lower body injury, Woll will make his return. Also, Craig Berube provided a bit of an update on Anthony Stolarz, and it’s not good. Berube revealed two things: 1. It’s not a concussion, and 2) Stolarz needs to see a specialist because he’s not making progress. This development is so unfortunate. Stolarz was incredible last season. Hate to see it.

Any rate, we spent considerable time breaking down this match-up with Chicago. The Hawks will be without Connor Bedard, who suffered an upper body injury over the weekend against Detroit. Simply put, it’s time for the big boys – specifically Auston Matthews – to rise up to the occasion. They need a signature Papi performance badly. Through 26 outings, he’s looked like a shell of himself. He’s lacked the pop and explosiveness that once made him one of the most feared players in the NHL. For what it’s worth, Matthews will start the night on a line with Matthew Knies and William Nylander. We’ll see how it goes. It feels like a sneaky big game for the Leafs, who already are in a precarious position in the Atlantic Division. Everyone around them is collecting points, so they need to continue to do the same. They’re 1-1-2 on this five game homestand —with the capper coming against the Hawks.

After that, we played my 1-on-1 from Monday’s practice with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who’s probably been Toronto’s top blueliner through 31 games thus far. The 34-year-old dished on his injury scare and coming back from that to face off with Connor McDavid. Additionally, he talked about his hot play to start the year and if this is the most complete version of himself. We also got into the Olympics. He would love to represent Sweden in February in Milan. OEL also hit on fashion sense, Berube calling out the team’s leaders, and Christmas traditions. He was a lot of fun. Thank you to the Leafs, Nick Caroli, and Colin Outridge, among others, for making this interview possible.

Plenty coming your way on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Firstly, Zack Phillips will be in for Jay Rosehill as co-host. We’ll recap Leafs/Hawks, plus also start to look ahead to Toronto’s visit to Washington. Speaking of which, 2018 Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie is expected to drop by the show.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/oli...-calling-out-leafs-leaders-leafs-morning-take