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[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Mitch Marner and the corrosion of the Ontario Dream

How many of us get to live out our dreams in actuality? It may be reductive, or perhaps somewhat outdated, but the idea that every Ontario kid wants to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs still largely holds true in this hockey-mad market. Mitch Marner was afforded the chance to live out this dream during his nine seasons with the Maple Leafs, and the erosion of goodwill from the fan base lays squarely on the star winger. There will be a lot of bad blood ahead of Friday’s return game, and it’s entirely self-inflicted.

Marner was ordained from greatness, starting from his minor hockey career. I accidentally scouted Marner, playing for the Vaughan Kings, while waiting for an older age group to get underway in Mississauga. Marner skated circles around everyone on the ice, and a few years later, following an excellent U15 season with the Don Mills Flyers, Marner was selected 19th overall by the London Knights, rebuffing the University of Michigan in 2013.

We won’t go into exhaustive detail, but Marner went onto a tour-de-force career with the Knights, winning Memorial Cup MVP in 2016, a year after being selected fourth overall by the Maple Leafs. Marner was living out the Ontario Dream in real-time, a homegrown top-five pick for the Maple Leafs after winning everything under the sun for the crown jewel of the Ontario Hockey League.

Marner should’ve known better. He knew exactly what comes with the territory of being a homegrown star for the Maple Leafs. Marner indeed had every right to maximize the value of his labour, but his camp made it clear that it was always about money, rather than a sense of inherent loyalty. Perhaps this should’ve been evident from Marner’s contract negotiations in 2019, but when you’re a homegrown star for a contending Leafs team, the benefit of the doubt is naturally extended.

There’s a natural debate here: Marner was well within his rights to ask for the most handsome contract imaginable. He doesn’t have the right to be considered a fan favourite simultaneously, if that’s the case. And it’s not like Marner arrived in Toronto as an outsider. He was a household name in Southern Ontario after the 2016 season, with his profile growing tenfold upon suiting up for the Leafs. He knew what came with the territory.

Several well-connected sources around the league square the blame on Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, but at what point does the player take some responsibility, for a deteriorated relationship with the fans? Marner refused to speak about his contract negotiations during his final season with the Maple Leafs, even when there were natural entry points. After it was reported that Marner refused to waive his no-movement clause in order to facilitate a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes centred around Mikko Rantanen, many of the card-carrying optimists (myself included) finally had to reckon with the idea the entirety of Marner’s career was about maximizing his contract value, rather than being considered one of the all-time great Leafs.

If you’re going to bet on yourself, you can’t play the worst two games of your career in Game 5 and 7 of a second-round series against a heated rival, refuse to take accountability, and expect the world’s largest hockey market to be content with the circumstances. And now Marner has the circumstances of his choosing, starring for a contending Vegas Golden Knights team that is often an ancillary option among the city’s nightlife and entertainment holdings.

Marner had the Ontario Dream handed to him, and he voluntarily rejected it. There are other shining examples on the team — namely, but not exclusively John Tavares — that illustrate how to thrive in Toronto. Tavares voluntarily signed with the Maple Leafs, inviting further pressure on a career where he has been in the spotlight a full two years before his OHL Draft year, let alone going first overall in the 2009 NHL Draft several years later.

Maybe you can’t have it all in Ontario, but Marner came as close as anyone could’ve. He categorically rejected the idea, growing hostile over routine questions about his upcoming contract, wanting the adoration that comes with being the sixth-leading scorer in franchise history and none of the consequences. After this week, Marner will be out of sight and out of mind, but he’ll live forever as a case study on the corrosion of the Ontario dream.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/mitch-marner-corrosion-ontario-dream

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson out vs. Red Wings with lower-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson left Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period with a lower-body injury, and will not return.

Ekman-Larsson went to the dressing room midway through the frame. It appeared that Ekman-Larsson sustained an injury after getting tangled up with Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond. Here is a video of the incident:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been in the dressing room for some time pic.twitter.com/Bf5uxVmAga

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 22, 2026

Ekman-Larsson played five shifts, totaling 1:50 of game-time, while his last shift ended with 11 minutes and three seconds remaining in the first period. He did not join the team for the start of the second period and was ruled out shortly thereafter.

It would be a crushing loss if Ekman-Larsson missed any time at all. The 34-year-old has arguably been the Maple Leafs’ most impactful defender, registering eight goals and 31 points in 50 games. Ekman-Larsson earned a spot on Sweden’s Olympic team, where he will be joined by William Nylander. Nylander is also out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

“I always came into the season wanting to play good for the Leafs and for my teammates here and give me a chance to be on that team,” Ekman-Larsson said to reporters on January 6. “So I’m lying if I’m saying I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest with you. But very proud of myself of being named and getting a chance. With that being said, my teammates and the organization have been able to help me out.”

Chris Tanev is still working his way through a groin injury which may require surgery, which further underscores Ekman-Larsson’s impact on the 2025-26 Leafs. Toronto is still fighting for a playoff spot, a task that becomes all the more complicated if Ekman-Larsson misses any time at all.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube will likely provide an update on Ekman-Larsson’s status post-game. The Leafs Nation will update this story as more details emerge.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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...ekman-larsson-out-red-wings-lower-body-injury

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Scott Laughton pokes fun at unsuccessful penalty shot during loss to Red Wings

On Wednesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings in overtime.

Speaking after the game, Leafs forward Scott Laughton lamented the loss of a crucial point, but said he liked the team’s game overall, especially with Oliver Ekman-Larsson going out with an injury.

“You wanna get the extra (point), especially within the division, but we didn’t, and we keep moving forward,” Laughton said. “I thought we played a better game than (against) Minnesota, we were tighter, our D grinded. You go down to five D that early, it’s a grind, and they played really well for us.”

Laughton had Toronto’s sole goal against the Red Wings on Wednesday, burying a puck fanned on by Calle Järnkrok to give the Leafs an early lead.

Laughts to like about the start!!!!

: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/yqX8YVri5A

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) January 22, 2026

Earning his seventh goal of the year, Laughton shared how he saw it go down.

“He fans on it, tried to go in for a rebound, and I was lucky enough that it bounced off a stick and I had a wide open net,” he said.

Late in the third, Laughton almost added a second. While shorthanded, the 31-year-old was hooked on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. Unfortunately, he couldn’t convert, mishandling the puck.

Oooof Laughton loses the puck on the penalty shot pic.twitter.com/3jofnExDF6

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 22, 2026

After the game, he was asked if he considered a slap shot (a move he’s had success with on shorthanded breakaways this season) and he poked some fun at his attempt.

“I was too tired, I should have faked a broken stick and let Matthews go or something,” he joked. “I’ve done that move before, just lost the puck. That’s pretty much it. I could probably shoot it there, it’s easy to say once I watch it again, slow it down, do all that, but that doesn’t go in. Sun comes up tomorrow and we get back at it.”

The Leafs have a day off on Thursday, but then it’s back to business for a showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, as Mitch Marner returns to Toronto for the first time since departing the Maple Leafs. Asked about Marner’s return, Laughton previewed what he expects to be a passionate home crowd.

“I’m sure it’s gonna be… loud,” Laughton said.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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/scott-laughton-pokes-fun-unsuccessful-penalty-shot-detroit-red-wings

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Elliotte Friedman details reaction of Maple Leafs players to Marner/Rantanen drama at 2025 deadline

On the eve of Mitch Marner’s return to Scotiabank Arena as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights to face the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell of a piece detailing Marner’s final season with the team.

While the article looked as far back as Marner’s early days with the Maple Leafs, before any of the contract drama or the playoff failures, he dropped some interesting tidbits about the vibe around the Maple Leafs when they tested the waters on a potential three-team swap involving Marner and then-Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen. In the piece, Friedman highlighted the speculation fatigue from Marner’s teammates as well as the shock when they realized that there were no negotiations taking place between the two sides.

Suspecting his interest in Vegas, the Leafs tried a three-way with the Golden Knights and Hurricanes. There just wasn’t a match. About eight hours before the trade deadline, they were told Rantanen wouldn’t be coming north. Twenty-four hours later, the story broke. Teammates had two reactions. First: “Oh God, we thought the trade deadline meant all of this was over.” And, second: “Wait, there are no ongoing negotiations? No contract is being discussed, at all?” It was then that other players realized the true circumstances. -Friedman

The Maple Leafs evidently returned to work and kept playing, leaving this speculation in the rearview mirror, but it’s hard to imagine that this information didn’t stick with them at all in the months that followed.

Friedman also dropped an interesting nugget from the time of the calendar switch that season, noting that there was belief Marner would have been interested in a move that would have sent him out west.

According to several sources, the Maple Leafs were told sometime before the New Year by Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, that the winger might consider a trade to a Western Conference contender. (Ferris did not agree to be interviewed for this story.) No specific team and it was not a demand, but the message was received. -Friedman

Of course, this is moot information at this point considering that no such trade happened, but it’s interesting to know that these talks had been developing long before Rantanen was even made available.

You could make the argument that all of this is moot information now that it’s been almost a year since all of this drama went down, but it’s intriguing information to know with Marner’s impending return to Toronto.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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/ell...ion-toronto-maple-leafs-marner-rantanen-drama

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Report: Maple Leafs still in on Luke Schenn, a team to watch for Dougie Hamilton

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly still interested in acquiring Winnipeg Jets defenceman Luke Schenn while they are on the list of teams Dougie Hamilton would approve of going to, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

“ Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been sizing up the market on defence.  Looking at his options, we mentioned, for example, potential interest in Luke Schenn. I think that’s still there,” LeBrun said during an appearance on Early Insider Trading on Thursday. “ Toronto’s a team to keep an eye on with Dougie Hamilton. I don’t know if the Leafs can make that work and where that’s headed with Dougie Hamilton, but I think that Toronto is on the list of teams that Dougie Hamilton has approved, among many other teams, obviously, on his list.”

This comes in the wake of further injuries to the backend this week, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson leaving Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings with a lower-body injury and Brandon Carlo‘s health status in question. Reports have already emerged that Treliving’s current priority is to add a right-shot defenceman to augment the backend, and perhaps the piling ailments may accelerate talks to get something done.

As far as the options the Leafs are connected to, this isn’t the first time both of their names have been brought up. TSN’s Chris Johnston reported on January 12th that the Leafs were considering bringing back Schenn for a third stint with the team. TSN’s Darrer Dreger speculated on OverDrive on January 8th that if the Leafs wanted to reunite with Schenn, he could be had for a ‘lower-round pick’.

Trade talks with Hamilton have intensified this month after he was a healthy scratch by the Devils for a game against the Jets. LeBrun listed the Leafs as among the potential fits along with the Carolina Hurricanes on January 12th, noting that the Leafs would want the Devils to retain part of Hamilton’s $9 million to get a deal done.

It is worth noting that LeBrun reported that the Devils wish to get a Hamilton trade done before the Olympic roster freeze on February 4th, leaving the window of opportunity at the time of filing at under two weeks. Johnston also noted on The Chris Johnston Show on January 19th that the Jets are dangling Schenn in trade talks and expects the veteran blueliner to be moved soon.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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/rep...ill-in-luke-schenn-team-watch-dougie-hamilton

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Riccio not sold on Leafs starting Stolarz against Vegas: Leafs Morning Take

For the first time since signing in Sin City last summer, Mitch Marner will play his first NHL game in Toronto as a member of the opposition.

Fresh off a 4-3 loss in Boston Thursday night, the Vegas Golden Knights are town to tangle with the Leafs for the second time in eight days. Back on January 15th, Jack Eichel notched the OT winner as the Golden Knights overcame three multi-goal deficits to outlast Toronto 6-5. Marner had two apples in that one.

Needless to say, all angles were covered for the most anticipated game of the season on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take as Zack Phillips filled in for Jay Rosehill. We kicked things off by breaking down Elliotte Friedman’s excellent piece for Sportsnet.ca, which detailed where things ultimately went off the rails for Marner in Toronto. The article offered a retrospective timeline of the key moments that led to the local product reaching free agency and eventually signing with the Golden Knights. Honestly, the piece probably infuriated people more than they already were. It should be a fascinating atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena.

Lost in the shuffle of all the Marner hoopla is the fact that this is a massive game in the standings for Craig Berube and company. They need this one in the worst way, especially with Buffalo, Boston, and Florida all picking up wins on Thursday night. On the injury front, it appears the Leafs may have dodged a bit of a bullet. After exiting Tuesday night’s game against Detroit early with a lower-body injury, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is expected to play. Meanwhile, despite reports that he tweaked something last game, Brandon Carlo also took the morning skate and is expected to suit up, too— which speaks to the magnitude of this game. In addition to that, to the surprise of many, fresh off his AHL conditioning stint, Anthony Stolarz occupied the starter’s crease at the morning skate, which suggests he’s ready to return. Due to a lingering nerve issue, Stolarz hasn’t played since November 11th.

At any rate, to help tee things up further, Dan Riccio, co-host of OFF THE ROSTER, then dropped by the show. We touched on Marner’s legacy, if the fan base will ever get over how he handled his departure out of town, and what to expect at Scotiabank Arena for this one. It won’t be John Tavares’ return to Long Island, but there should be a few boo birds, that’s for sure.

Big weekend ahead for the Leafs. They have the Vegas game, then Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche will invade Scotiabank Arena for a matinee affair on Sunday. We’ll break everything down on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Also, David Pagnotta will be in as co-host for Jay Rosehill.

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/ric...ting-stolarz-against-vegas-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Scott Laughton calls Leafs performance ‘concerning’ in loss to Golden Knights

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a third straight loss on Friday night, falling 6-3 to the Vegas Golden Knights amidst Mitch Marner‘s return to Toronto.

Coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, the Golden Knights still managed to come out of the gate hot, scoring two goals in the first five minutes. After that, Toronto was never able to fully get back into it. Speaking to media after the game, Leafs forward Scott Laughton expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance.

“We didn’t start on time,” he said. “They played a back-to-back, we didn’t pressure them enough. Had good spurts throughout the game, second period in particular, but it’s not good enough.”

Just as Toronto was beginning to string together some wins and fight their way back into a wild card spot, their current losing streak is pushing them out of contention once again. As they search for crucial points, Laughton was blunt in his assessment of how the Leafs showed up (or didn’t) on Friday.

“It’s concerning,” Laughton said. “They come in off a late night, we know how that feels. (Anthony Stolarz)’s first game in two months. And that’s what we put out.”

In the loss, Laughton found his third goal in five games, scoring on a breakaway in the second period.

A Laught better breakaway move!!!!

: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/0UmCgr8z3o

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) January 24, 2026

After Laughton’s missed penalty shot last game, it was somewhat of a moment of redemption. But while he was happy to bury one, he said it doesn’t make much of a difference considering the end result.

“It’s nice to score and contribute, you wanna contribute always to help this team. But if you don’t get the result, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

After Friday’s loss, the Leafs continue to sit three points back from a wild card spot. Asked how they can turn things around heading into the final two games of their homestand, Laughton talked about the importance of starting on time.

“That’s a good question, it needs to happen from the start of the game,” he said. “You can’t get down a couple goals. That’s when teams sit back, you start chasing, and it’s hard to play that way. They’re a good team, they make good plays, we gotta stay over top of them, make it hard on them, and we didn’t do that.”

The Maple Leafs return to the ice on Sunday afternoon to face the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. Puck drops at 1:30 pm.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER​

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/sco...fs-performance-concerning-loss-golden-knights

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs practice news: William Nylander, Dakota Joshua resume skating, Woll to start vs. Avalanche

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Dakota Joshua resumed skating, prior to Saturday’s practice.

Nylander has been out of the Maple Leafs’ lineup since aggravating a groin injury against the Vegas Golden Knights on January 15. He previously missed six games due to the injury. The 29-year-old leads the Maple Leafs in scoring with 17 goals and 48 points.

Craig Berube on William Nylander: "I haven't talked to the trainers yet or him, but we'll see how he felt. Hopefully he can keep getting on the ice here & be ready to go. I can't give you a timeline on that yet"@TSN_Sports https://t.co/xwpD9qljN2

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 24, 2026

Joshua also resumed skating for the first time since sustaining a lacerated kidney on December 28 against the Detroit Red Wings. The 29-year-old initially stayed in Detroit, before returning to Toronto, and Berube indicated Saturday that he’s not close to returning. Joshua has recorded six goals and 10 points in 36 games this season.

The Leafs Nation’s Nick Alberga reports that Joshua should be close to returning after the Olympic break.

Joshua on the ice today prior to practice.

If everything goes according to plan, he should be very close/ready to go after the Olympic break. https://t.co/kz4FARzhkn

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) January 24, 2026

Toronto hosts the league-leading Colorado Avalanche on Sunday evening, where it will look to snap a three-game losing skid. During their previous matchup on January 12, the Maple Leafs emerged with a 4-3 victory in overtime. Joseph Woll will start Sunday’s game.

Following a 6-3 loss to the Golden Knights, in an emotionally charged game where Mitch Marner returned to Scotiabank Arena, Berube expressed his frustration with his team’s effort in the third period.

“We got the momentum, and it doesn’t look like we carried the momentum into the third period,” Berube said. “That’s what I’m talking about. This team played last night in Boston, we had an opportunity to really put the pressure on them here in the third period and carry the play for 20 minutes.”

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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...william-nylander-dakota-joshua-resume-skating

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Why are the Leafs not playing Scott Laughton more?

Scott Laughton was a polarizing figure in his first few months as a Toronto Maple Leaf. The team paid a lot to get him, and to make matters worse, he struggled offensively and never truly found his footing with the club in 2024-25. But, that would have looked much worse had he been a rental. In his second year as a Leaf and the final one of his current contract, Laughton has emerged into the effective middle-six forward and fan favourite the team was hoping he would be.

While his ten points in 33 games this season aren’t anything that will wow you, eight of those ten points are goals, and his excellent performance on the defensive side of the puck have made those limited offensive totals easily forgettable. He’s scored three times in his past five games, and yet, on Friday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, Laughton registered only 9:28 of time on ice (TOI). And this was one of the games he scored in.

His lack of usage in that game particularly was mind-boggling, and even in the games where he’s closer to his average TOI of 14:39, he hasn’t been given a look anywhere outside of the fourth line, even with William Nylander and Dakota Joshua out of the lineup. So, why? Especially in the context of the three-game losing streak the Maple Leafs are on, why is Laughton not being given a shot higher in the lineup?

Head coach Craig Berube was asked about Laughton’s limited usage at practice on Saturday and said that he was making an effort to run the top two lines more often in an effort to get back in the game.

“Well, he’s been playing 14 minutes a night for the most part,” Berube said. “Last night, we were down in the game, I went with two lines in that second period a little bit to get caught up. That’s what happened there.”

In a vacuum, Berube’s rationale makes sense. Every coach shortens their bench when you desperately need a boost of offence. But this begs another question – why is Laughton never considered for a promotion into the top six?

Over the past couple of weeks, he has demonstrated an ability to not only score goals, but score them at crucial times. His breakaway goal against Vegas helped get them back into the game. He scored what should have been an insurance goal in their last meeting with the Golden Knights before the team blew the lead (and he wasn’t on the ice for either Vegas goal that followed his). And it’s not like playing in the top-six is a foreign concept to him. He was frequently one of the Flyers’ top candidates to jump onto one of the top lines when he was in Philadelphia, and he’s scored as many as 18 goals in a season for them.

Sure, maybe it’s a little bit of a questionable call to promote him in favour of somebody like Matthew Knies, but why are players like Bobby McMann, who has the same amount of goals as Laughton in his last ten games, or Max Domi, who has two goals in his last 15? To Domi’s credit, he has eight assists in that span, but their production alongside Auston Matthews has been far from consistent, or at bare minimum not consistent enough to warrant shielding them from any changes.

Laughton was visibly frustrated about the Maple Leafs’ lack of urgency following Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s far too good a teammate and too humble to ever raise any concerns about his ice time, but he seemed to have a pretty solid grasp on why the Leafs let that game slip away from them so early for a guy who played under ten minutes.

“It’s simplicity, too. I mean, your D are tired,” Laughton said. “You don’t need to come back with the puck and make it harder. You chip pucks in, you fill lanes, you make it easy on your D, and you make it hard. That’s how you win at this time of year, and that’s how you win in the playoffs.”

The Maple Leafs currently sit five points back of the Boston Bruins for the second wildcard spot, and they have to take on the juggernaut of the league in the Colorado Avalanche in their next opportunity to gain some ground. As time ticks by and and days pass with fewer and fewer opportunities to gain said ground, the least the Leafs can do is give one of, if not their biggest heart and soul guy a proper shot higher in the lineup. Or, at bare minimum, don’t keep his ice time below double digits in a game he contributed to.

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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/why-toronto-maple-leafs-not-playing-scott-laughton-more

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

John Tavares calls Maple Leafs’ needed urgency ‘a choice’ after fourth straight loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs brought a busy week to a disappointing close on Sunday afternoon, falling 4-1 to the league-leading Colorado Avalanche.

Brock Nelson tallied two goals in the opening eight minutes, and the Leafs weren’t able to find any life in the match from there on out. Speaking after the game, John Tavares highlighted some of Toronto’s issues as they were chasing this one from the start.

“Obviously, getting behind early is not ideal, against a team that’s very good,” Tavares said. “They really test you with their speed and their ability to spread you out. I think we created some looks at times, just not able to break through earlier to change the momentum of the game. And then, unfortunately, we just didn’t execute as well as they did, and they just made some better plays with the puck. At times our puck play wasn’t as sharp and it slowed us down a bit. Obviously, somewhere, we’ve got to get better.”

The Leafs have now dropped four in a row, going winless through their current home stand. Collecting just one point this week, they’ve once again fallen further from a wild card spot, now tied with four teams at five points behind playoff position. With 30 games remaining in the season, Tavares was asked how the team can find the needed urgency.

“I think it’s just a choice,” Tavares said. “You come in, you get focused, you prepare the way you need to prepare, take what’s in front of you and not focus on what’s in the past or what’s down the line. No worrying about the big picture too much. We’ve played a lot of good hockey this year and put together some really good stretches. Obviously, the results this week haven’t been great, but a great chance to turn that around.”

With another matchup quickly on the way, Tavares stressed the importance of putting this week behind them while learning the necessary lessons.

“It’s a quick turnaround, so there’s no time to hang our head and be frustrated about things,” he said. “You got to continue to work at it, use tomorrow as the day to reset, and get ready for Tuesday.”

Toronto wraps up its home stand on Tuesday night, facing an Atlantic division opponent in the Buffalo Sabres.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/john-tavares-calls-toronto-maple-leafs-needed-urgency-choice-loss

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Auston Matthews laments Maple Leafs’ mistakes vs. Avalanche: ‘It’s on all of us’

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their fourth straight game, losing 4-1 to the National Hockey League’s first-place team, the Colorado Avalanche. The Maple Leafs have one more game on this current five-game homestand against the Buffalo Sabres to get back on track before heading on the road for four games prior to the Olympic break.

“We got one more game before we go on the road here, we want to get back on the winning track,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said. “Especially when things are tough, and things are a grind, you’ve got to push even harder.”

A week that saw the Leafs come out with slow starts twice, first against the Minnesota Wild on Monday and then again against the Vegas Golden Knights, was a cause for concern for the Maple Leafs team. Matthews thought the team had a better approach to open Sunday’s contest.

“I think earlier in the week, just coming out flat in games, didn’t feel like we had the energy that we needed to compete at a high level,” Matthews said. “I thought today we came out better, forechecked better in that first period, then just made mistakes, and the puck ends up in your net.”

The mistakes allowed Avalanche forward Brock Nelson to score twice in a span of 1:12 in the first period, giving the Avalanche a lead they would not relinquish.

“There’s just mental mistakes and times when we shoot ourselves, and then you’re down 2-0 to the best team in the league, and you end up having to chase the game the rest of the night,” Matthews said. “I think that the most frustrating part is just going through this adversity. It’s on all of us, we all need to be better and execute.”

The Maple Leafs need players to step up to help dig themselves out of this ugly stretch, as they sit five points back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot in the crowded Eastern Conference.

“Everybody just has to be better, has to play better, has to do the little things a little bit harder and a little bit better,” Matthews said. “When it’s hard, and you are going through adversity, it’s bringing everybody up and pushing yourself harder.”

Matthews, who has now failed to record a point in three straight games and is a minus-three over that span, touched on the dry spell over the past three outings.

“I mean, you want to see the puck go in, but just trying to be better in the other areas and get the opportunities. One’s going to go in eventually,” Matthews said. “It’s tough when it’s not going in and you’re going through adversity, but you can’t compound that with being negative or trying to do too much. It’s just getting back on the horse and keep riding, keep working and pull yourself out of the hole.”

With 30 games left to play, the Maple Leafs need to get going if they want to return to the playoffs for a 10th straight season.

“It’s about this next game now and pulling each other up, helping each other when things aren’t going well,” Matthews said. “You can’t get down, start to have a bad attitude or try to be on your own program.”

The Maple Leafs return to action Tuesday night against the Sabres. Puck drop set for 7 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/auston-matthews-laments-toronto-maple-leafs-mistakes-avalanche

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs’ William Nylander fined $5,000 for flipping middle finger at camera from press box

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been fined $5000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for an inappropriate gesture he made to a camera on Sunday.

Oh Willy

: TSN | NHL pic.twitter.com/7w8bW1C5xg

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) January 25, 2026

During Sunday afternoon’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche, one of TSN’s cameras was pointed at the press box, where Nylander and a number of other injured players and healthy scratches were taking in the game. Nylander noticed the camera and flipped his middle finger at it. He later apologized via his Instagram story and offered a more public apology to a scrum of reporters at practice on Monday morning.

“Yeah, first off, I just wanna apologize for my actions,” Nylander said. “It’s a lot of frustration, so I’m sorry about that.”

The action caught the eyes of just about every fan across the league, with some finding it humourous and others taking offence to it, whether it be because of the middle finger itself or the optics behind it, considering the state of the game and the Leafs’ season. He admitted that he did it out of frustration due to the amount of time he’s spent on the injured reserve this season, having missed more games this season than any other game this year.

“Just not, you know, playing,” Nylander continued. “You know, I want to be out there with the guys, and, yeah, just frustrated.”

Head coach Craig Berube defended his star forward, chalking it up to a mistake and not something that needs to be dwelled on.

“He made a mistake, he owned up to it,” Berube told reporters on Monday. “Things happen, people make mistakes, players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes, it happens. He knows it’s wrong and he owned up to it.”

Nylander remains sidelined with a groin injury that has kept him out of action since January 15’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...am-nylander-fined-5000-flipping-middle-finger

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs Prospect Roundup: Leafs’ lack of assets, Quillan knocking on the door

The Toronto Maple Leafs wallowed in mediocrity for years before the arrival of players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander ushered in a new era for the franchise. Those three in particular represented the homegrown star power the organization had sought for decades, and there were other promising young players making their way up the ranks to supplement that fresh core of talent.

Connor Brown went from being a seventh-round pick to scoring 20 goals as a rookie for the Maple Leafs, spending much of his first season alongside fellow rookie Matthews. Another rookie, Zach Hyman, was the third member of that line on a lot of nights, and his potential as a heart-and-soul player was evident from day one, even if his offensive abilities weren’t as apparent just yet. Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson cracked the roster full-time a couple of seasons later, with each of them notching 20 goals in their first full campaign. They had Travis Dermott giving them quality minutes on their third pair, and undrafted free agent signing Trevor Moore bringing energy in spot duty on their fourth line. Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin eventually joined the fold, and while they weren’t perfect defenders, they both played some good hockey for the Leafs as young players in the league.

None of those players were going to put the Leafs over the top at that point in their careers, but they all made contributions to the team while counting for very little against the salary cap. That salary cap flexibility and organizational depth allowed them to sign free agents like John Tavares and Patrick Marleau, or to trade other prospects like Sean Durzi to acquire a player of Jake Muzzin’s stature.

Sure, the club would probably like a do-over on the Zach Hyman departure, but the issue for the Leafs isn’t that they let go of the Kapanens and Sandins of the world – it’s been their inability to backfill the organizational pipeline behind them as that core of star talent begins to age, or in the case of Marner, leave altogether.

Through a couple of different regimes now, the Leafs haven’t been precious with their draft picks or prospects when it comes to trying to upgrade their roster in an effort to get over the postseason hump. Some of those deals have worked out, and some haven’t, but it has left this iteration of the Leafs in a tough spot.

Beyond Matthews, Nylander, Morgan Rielly, the only skaters on the current roster who were drafted by the Leafs are Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson, and Easton Cowan. Throw Bobby McMann in there as an undrafted free agent signing who has worked out, but he’s a pending UFA who will turn 30 before next season. Knies is obviously a budding star, and he has remained effective despite battling an injury for a large part of the season. It’s taken a while, but Robertson is having the best season of his career and looks like a quality middle-six forward. Cowan has real potential as an offensive creator, but he has probably been forced into a larger role with the Leafs this season than they would have liked.

The current roster feels somewhat cobbled together, with imperfect fits like Max Domi, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua all accounting for more against the salary cap than their on-ice contributions are worth most nights. Then there is the sunk cost of a player like Brandon Carlo, who hasn’t lived up to the acquisition price of Fraser Minten and what has the potential to be an early first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Scott Laughton has been a quality bottom-six piece for the Leafs, and one that might be worth keeping around beyond this season, but he didn’t come cheap, either, with another first-rounder and Nikita Grebenkin heading out the door.

Injuries haven’t helped, but this Leafs team is on track to miss the playoffs as we close in on the Olympic break, and they’ll need to go on a serious run down the stretch to leapfrog the teams ahead of them in the Wild Card race. Unfortunately for the Leafs, there is no obvious help coming from the Marlies right now, and they have depleted their draft capital to the point that it’s going to be difficult, and perhaps ill-advised, to make a significant addition to this lineup before the trade deadline.

Chances are the Leafs’ management group will still make an effort to improve this roster for a late push, but that might delay the next wave even further. And if the Leafs do decide to embark on a retool, can they expect to reap the benefits while Matthews and Nylander are still in the prime of their careers?

The organization is facing a lot of difficult questions right now, and there are no easy answers coming from within.

Notes from the rest of the prospect pool:​

• The Leafs do have one young player knocking on the door who could be a part of the solution eventually, but opportunities have been tough to come by for Jacob Quillan. He has checked off nearly all the boxes at the AHL level, leading the Marlies in points per game with eight goals and 19 assists in 28 games. He has speed and plays a responsible defensive game with some physicality mixed in, but as much as he has earned a real look at the NHL level, Craig Berube has been hesitant to give him a real chance with the season hanging in the balance. Quillan drew into the Leafs’ lineup for the fourth time this season against the mighty Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, and with Toronto chasing the game almost from the outset, he saw just over six minutes of ice time. It’s nearly impossible to make an impact in such a small role, and Quillan’s best moment of the game came late in the third when he flew in on the forecheck to land a big hit on an Avalanche defender. It looks as though Calle Jarnkrok will draw back into the lineup in Quillan’s place on Tuesday, but it might soon be time for the Leafs to see what they really have in Quillan.
• Ben Danford could be a part of the solution down the road, too, but he is also one of the very few assets the Leafs have at their disposal as it stands right now. He’s played just three games with Brantford in the OHL since the World Juniors wrapped up, and he notched an assist in Friday’s overtime win against Sudbury, bringing him to 13 points in 18 games with his new club. Danford will be the biggest name to watch for the Leafs as trade talks continue to ramp up, but at some point, they need to start integrating these young pieces into their lineup, rather than shipping them out for marginal upgrades to a flawed roster.

20 GOAL CLUB #BFD pic.twitter.com/crTAi7wSLv

— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) January 24, 2026

• Dennis Hildeby has stepped up for the Leafs in a big way this season, and his play has gone a long way towards establishing himself as a quality NHL option. He was reassigned to the Marlies this past week as Anthony Stolarz made his long-awaited return to the Leafs’ lineup, but the Leafs have to be looking ahead to next season when they will no longer have the option of sending Hildeby to the minors without having him go through waivers. Trading a young goaltender with the potential Hildeby has already shown isn’t the most appealing idea for a team in flux, but the crease has become a position of strength for the organization, and they will be forced to make a decision at some point in the next few months.
• Tyler Hopkins has been lining up as Guelph’s first line center, and he had a productive week, tallying a goal and three assists over his last three games. For the season, Hopkins has totaled 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 games between the Kingston Frontenacs and Guelph Storm.

From the Fronts to the Royal City!

to = #IoftheStorm | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/vLPCsWaQ5Y

— Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) January 17, 2026

• It was a relatively quiet week for Miroslav Holinka, and he still managed to pot a pair of goals over the course of three games, including a shorthanded marker against Regina on Wednesday. Holinka has been a star for the Oil Kings all season, and currently sits in a tie for fifth in WHL scoring with 28 goals and 34 assists in 42 games. He is looking more and more like a legitimate NHL prospect, but as a later-round pick, his value to the Leafs is probably higher than it would be should they throw his name into trade talks.

Shorthanded goal?
Czech @EdmOilKings | @MapleLeafs | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/vc3XC4qFYL

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) January 22, 2026

• It took a while for Victor Johansson to earn a real opportunity in the SHL, but he has taken advantage of his minutes recently. He has averaged around 15 minutes of ice time on Leksands’ back end over the last three games, notching three assists and launching five shots on goal in the process. Johansson still has plenty of maturing to do physically, but the mobility, vision, and willingness to compete are all there. He’s still a long-term project for the organization, but he is trending in the right direction.

#LeafsForever Victor Johansson picked up two primary assists playing 17:05 (TOI) yesterday in SHL action.

Since being called up to Leksand after the WJC (3 games) he has 3 points. pic.twitter.com/33q1jrinZA

— MatthewsFan (@Matthewsfan_) January 25, 2026

• Borya Valis has put together a solid rookie season in the AHL after signing as an undrafted free agent. His goal in Friday’s contest was his 10th of the season and third in two games, but it appears he will have to wait a while to improve upon those totals. The team announced on Sunday that Valis is out week-to-week, as injuries continue to pile up throughout the organization.

BORYA GETS US GOING pic.twitter.com/ehvJ00eeA2

— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) January 24, 2026

Statistics from EliteProspects.com

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...ect-roundup-lack-assets-quillan-knocking-door

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs swept on home stand as playoff picture looks more bleak than ever

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost their fifth game in a row, this one to a divisional rival ahead of them in the standings, while the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins both won. If it wasn’t already low, the belief that this Maple Leafs team has what it takes to make the playoffs is closer to rock bottom than ever after a 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

The optics of this game were just plain awful, in hindsight. Several players spoke about the importance of this game along with head coach Craig Berube, and the result was another effort that saw them outshot by double the amount they managed. They only scored the amount of goals they did because they were able to pounce on Sabres netminder Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen before he left with an injury, and backup goaltender Colten Ellis wasn’t tested whatsoever.

The Leafs got goals from Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, Bobby McMann, and Max Domi, but it wasn’t enough to hold off a hat trick and five-point night for Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin. In goaltender Joseph Woll’s defence, who allowed six goals on 30 shots, each of the Sabres’ first two goals were banked in off of Maple Leafs players, but at this point, nobody on the team is safe from criticism. They blew the benefit of the doubt with their poor play throughout the entire homestand.

With the Maple Leafs continuing to forfeit ground as the rest of the teams in their division play their best hockey of the season, the outlook on a potential playoff berth seems bleaker than ever. They have four games on the road to try and make up some ground before a much-needed Olympic break, but at this point, the team might be faced with some tough questions about how to approach the rest of the season even if they win all four of those games.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/ins...-leafs-swept-home-stand-playoff-picture-bleak

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Craig Berube frustrated after dismal homestand: ‘The guys need to do what they’re supposed to do’

The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing some of their worst hockey of the season, and head coach Craig Berube is growing frustrated with his team’s lack of urgency, and attention to details, with and without the puck.

The Maple Leafs dropped to 0-4-1 on their five-game homestand, thanks to the Buffalo Sabres converting on the extra point to handedly defeat the Leafs 7-4 on Tuesday night at Scotiabank arena. Berube spoke to reporters following their latest drubbing and discussed how this game got away from his hockey club.

“We had a couple of bad breaks go off our guys, but at the end of the first period, we turned the puck over, and they scored,” Berube said postgame. “At the end of the second period, it is a shot from the point, but we don’t have our guys in front of the net, and they score. That is the difference in the game for me. We came out in the third, and we got scored on on the first shift. Two or three mistakes, and they’re in our net.”

Berube has been trying to defend his hockey team all week but hasn’t been shy to call out their mistakes as well, as the Maple Leafs now drop to 24-20-9 on the season, sitting eight points out of a playoff spot, with two teams to leapfrog. Berube can’t understand why his hockey club continues to make costly mistakes that wind up in the back of their net.

“Keep trying to work on things, and stop making them, first of all. On a couple of them, the guys need to do what they’re supposed to do — do your job. We are not getting any breaks right now, so we have to earn them. All we can do is push forward and focus on the next game. We have to clean things up. We’ll look at it, try to clean things up, and go from there.”

The hardest part to comprehend at the moment is how bad the Maple Leafs are playing at the moment, considering how well they played on the prior road trip. It’s been a complete 180. Toronto had swagger during the road trip, they had confidence, and they had all the facets of their game rolling at the same time. Now, it feels like they’re at the other end of the spectrum, and everyone is shaking their heads wondering – what’s going on right now?

“It is [puzzling], coming off the road trip and how good we had been playing. It is puzzling, for sure,” Berube said.

The Leafs head coach feels in order to get back into the winners circle, his hockey team is going to need to realize it’s going to take a full 200-foot game and a consistent effort in all three zones.

“The way I look at it: We looked at scoring as everything, and it is not everything. You are not going to consistently win in this league by focusing on scoring goals. You have to play the full rink. Right now, we are not doing a good enough job without the puck. That’s it.”

While the Maple Leafs search for answers, they’ll head west for a four-game trip, followed by two more on the road in the sunshine state, Berube has some pretty straight forward advice on his hockey club, which could remind some people of the simple motto of the New England Patriots football team for years.

“I’ve said it before. Confidence… You have to go, work, and compete. Your confidence will be fine. I mean, I get it, but we’re in the NHL. You’re getting paid to play hockey. You have to go and do the job. That’s your job. Do your job.”

Now we wait to see on Thursday night in Seattle, which Maple Leafs show up and do their job.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/craig-berube-frustrated-dismal-homestand-guys-need-supposed-do

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs assign Henry Thrun, Dakota Mermis to Toronto Marlies, call up Marshall Rifai

Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Seattle Kraken, the Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defencemen Henry Thrun and Dakota Mermis to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. In a corresponding move, the Maple Leafs called up defenceman Marshall Rifai from the Marlies.

Thrun did not record a point in four games with the Maple Leafs this season, while recording three goals and 14 points in 28 games with the Marlies. He was acquired in a trade with the San Jose Sharks last summer, in exchange for Ryan Reaves. Thrun has been afforded an opportunity to carve out a third-pair role with the Maple Leafs, and could be back in the NHL shortly if injuries continue to mount.

Mermis cleared waivers Tuesday after recording one goal in 11 games with the Maple Leafs this season. He has not recorded a point in three games with the Marlies.

Rifai has recorded four assists in 12 games with the Marlies this season. The 27-year-old missed the start of the season, after suffering a wrist injury during a preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens. Rifai underwent wrist surgery, was eventually called up to the Maple Leafs, but cleared waivers in December. Rifai presents a physical presence for a Maple Leafs’ team that is among the worst defensive teams in the NHL, while mired in a five-game losing streak.

“We need more desperation defending, and the goalies need to stop the puck,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. “That’s it. We can score goals. We score goals. But until we want to keep the puck out of our net, this is what we’re going to get. It is no more than that. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. That’s all it is. I don’t need to learn anything about our team. I know our team, and we’re capable of doing it. We can do it.”

Rifai will now join the Leafs on a road trip leading into the Olympic break, which could dictate the Maple Leafs’ strategy at the deadline, while looking to cement his role on a defence corps looking for answers.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...mermis-toronto-marlies-call-up-marshall-rifai

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs can sell high on Max Domi and others to have something to show for the season

I’m not sure how 2025-26 can be labelled as anything other than a disaster for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A predictable disaster? Sure, but a disaster, nevertheless.

Admittedly, I’m not normally a silver lining type guy, but the Maple Leafs are in a surprisingly good place to be sellers at the trade deadline with a number of useable middle of the lineup players including a couple of pending unrestricted free agents (Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann) and the Leafs can recoup some assets without touching any of their most impactful players.

The name that immediately comes to mind, and it seems like it came to most people’s mind during the Sabres-Leafs game on January 27th, is Max Domi.

Domi has a lot of underachieving to his name during his time in Toronto but has been on a heater of late. With 20 points in 27 games through December and January so far, Domi is producing at a pace that matches some of his best seasons and at the very least his season numbers are now in line with what can reasonably be expected from Domi throughout his career.

Domi’s $3.75M cap hit no longer looks burdensome and instead is in line with what his results are and as a potential centre option for some clubs, there might be legitimate interest in Domi if the Leafs were to make him available, possibly even creating the opportunity for the Leafs to get a meaningful return if they were to retain some of the cap hit as well.

The inconsistency that Domi has become known for is why the Maple Leafs should explore selling when he’s producing (similar to what Chicago did with him previously), and given that the Leafs have other all offence no defence players who bring similar attributes like Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli, moving on from Domi would be wise at a time when the team clearly needs to make some roster room for a 2026-27 overhaul.

It’s not going to be lost on teams around the league that his resurgence coincides with him playing with Auston Matthews but come playoff time, a player who can fit into existing top six or top nine situations with players already producing is probably what buyers are looking for.

The Leafs know that Domi isn’t their ideal option in their top six going forward whether Berube is the coach or not, cashing out when he has value makes sense.

In addition to Domi the other sell high option the Leafs need to be open to is moving on from Oliver Ekman-Larsson. While the bar could not have been set lower for him after 2024-25, Ekman-Larsson’s 2025-26 is exceeding expectations to an unsustainable degree.

It is hard to imagine that there will be many better offensive defencemen options available heading into the trade deadline, and Oliver has outperformed players like Dougie Hamilton at almost a third of the price.

The Leafs need to ask themselves if Ekman-Larsson is likely to repeat this success with the coach they envision for the team in 2026-27, and if the answer is even maybe, it’s time to move on.

Outside of the selling high options, the Leafs have a slew over other contracts that they need to decide whether there is more value with them remaining with the Leafs or if the space to try something different in the summer is more critical. Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, Jake McCabe, Brandon Carlo, and Anthony Stolarz are additional options the Leafs need to explore, although with less of a sense of urgency. Roster flexibility over the summer is something the Leafs need to attach value to and regaining some futures in the process makes sense.

While the Leafs won’t trade absolutely everyone, taking a good look at who is overperforming or still carries a positive reputation around the league will benefit Toronto, and give the team some cap space they can weaponize at the trade deadline and into the offseason.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...-domi-others-to-have-something-to-show-season

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs lineup news: Stolarz to start vs. Kraken, Nylander skates among extras

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz will start Thursday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

Stolarz returned to action on January 23 against the Vegas Golden Knights, following a two-month absence while he was dealing with a nerve issue. The 32-year-old allowed five goals on 30 shots, as the Maple Leafs lost 6-3. Stolarz has posted a 6-6-1 record in 14 appearances with an .880 save percentage this season.

William Nylander skated among the extras as a full participant but will not play in Thursday’s game. Nylander has been out of the lineup since aggravating a groin injury during a January 15 game against the Golden Knights. The 29-year-old met with reporters on Monday, discussing his irritation with being out of the lineup.

“It’s been frustrating,” Nylander said, while apologizing for giving the middle finger to a TSN broadcast camera during the third period of Sunday’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche. “I haven’t missed this amount of time since I can remember.”

“Willie’s gone a long time in his career without missing games and it’s been different this year for him so it’s something new that he’s going through,” Berube said Monday. “He came back and then re-injured it again pretty quickly so it is frustrating.”

Jacob Quillan also skated among the extra forwards. Quillan played sparingly during Sunday’s loss against the Avalanche, and was a healthy scratch for Tuesday’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Marshall Rifai skated among the extra defencemen with Philippe Myers. Rifai was called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Wednesday, and could provide the Maple Leafs’ defence corps with some much-needed physicality and net-front defending.

Maple Leafs’ projected lines vs. Kraken​

Bobby McMann-Auston Matthews-Max Domi

Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-Matthew Knies

Nick Robertson-Nicolas Roy-Calle Jarnkrok

Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Easton Cowan

Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo

Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher

Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)

Joseph Woll

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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...d-start-seattle-kraken-nylander-skates-extras