News Maple Leafs Team Notes

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Elliotte Friedman says Maple Leafs are leaning towards becoming sellers

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly leaning towards becoming sellers at the trade deadline, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

“I think you’ll see talks about Toronto’s players intensify,” he said during Friday’s episode of 32 Thoughts The Podcast. “I don’t know if you’ll see anything major before the Olympic freeze, which is on Wednesday. But I definitely think you’re going to start to hear a lot more Toronto names get out there, more than you would have expected this year. I don’t think we’re too far away from that. I think they’re going to put a lot of guys out there and just kind of see what the market is for them.”

The Leafs are coming off their sixth straight loss, falling 5-2 to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday and finding themselves 10 points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. While they are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention just yet, it is becoming painfully obvious that the Leafs are set to miss the postseason for the first time since 2016 and it would be in their best interest to start seriously considering selling off assets.

There are plenty of assets that the Leafs could dangle on the market to kickstart a retool on the fly. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is having a renaissance year and should easily fetch a first-round pick if he is made available. Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton could be an ideal rental for contenders to target, especially with them being at just over a million each. While the Brandon Carlo trade has not panned out, they could redeem themselves with a second trade to get back some assets lost.

That’s only scratching the surface of what the Leafs could ship between now and the March 6th deadline, but they could set themselves up nicely to get back in contention next season if they play their cards right with this retool. Whether that be GM Brad Treliving or someone else navigating the fire sale, this disastrous season could have a silver lining in the weeks ahead.

It is no longer a question of if the Leafs will be sellers at the deadline, but instead who will be the first player that is shipped out of Toronto to the highest bidder.

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS​

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code LEAFSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/ell...-maple-leafs-leaning-towards-becoming-sellers

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs scrape together win vs. last-place Canucks to end 6-game losing streak

In a game between two teams destined to miss the playoffs that seemed like neither team wanted to win, the Toronto Maple Leafs prevailed over the Vancouver Canucks to snap their six-game losing streak with a 3-2 shootout win.

The game was straight-up comedic, particularly the overtime frame between the two teams. The Maple Leafs gave the Canucks at least three high-danger chances and the Canucks simply refused to convert on them. The Leafs failed to convert on the chances they did have, including a whiff on a wide open net by John Tavares and a failed penalty shot attempt by a clearly gassed Auston Matthews, who opted for a backhand-forehand attempt and shoved it directly into the right pad of Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo.

The game eventually went to a shootout where the Leafs ended it within the first four shots. Vancouver’s Jake DeBrusk banked the puck off of both posts and out to kick things off, William Nylander undressed Tolopilo on the Maple Leafs’ first shot, Elias Pettersson was stopped by Joseph Woll on his attempt and Matthews made good on his penalty shot miss to win the game for the Maple Leafs. Toronto got goals from Nicolas Roy and Max Domi in regulation, the latter of whom has been a lone bright spot for the Maple Leafs lately with three goals and four assists for seven points in his last five games.

The win will surely give the dressing room a morale boost, but ‘too little too late’ seems like the understatement of the century for a team whose playoff odds fell to 2.6% following their latest loss against the Seattle Kraken. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated during second intermission’s ‘Saturday Headlines’ segment, that the Leafs have begun the process as a deadline seller, so these two points will serve as a moral victory and not much else for the Maple Leafs of 2025-26.

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/instant-reaction-toronto-maple-leafs-scrape-win-last-place-canucks

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Brad Treliving’s history as a trade deadline seller hints at small moves only for Maple Leafs

Brad Treliving’s philosophy that he has frequently stood by is that the offseason is the time for overhauling the roster not the regular season. That maybe a philosophy inherited from his time spent under Brian Burke in Calgary, and you could argue that there should be some evidence of this philosophy being successful before committing so firmly to it.

In the past Treliving’s history at the trade deadline has been about tempering expectations on who Brad Treliving would bring in to help the Leafs, this time as the Leafs are progressing towards seller status, the Leafs’ GM’s past shows that a fire sale isn’t likely occurring either.

Years the Flames missed the playoffs under Brad Treliving:

Season	Flames traded	Flames Acquired
2015-16	Markus Granlund	Hunter Shinkaruk
Jiri Hudler	2nd and 4th round picks
Kris Russell	Jyrki Jokipakka Brett Pollock Conditional 2nd or 3rd round pick (ended up 2nd)
2017-18	Eddie Lack	Dalton Prout
7th rd pick	Nick Shore
2020-21	David Rittich	3rd rd pick
Sam Bennett 6th Rd pick	2nd Rd Pick Emil Heineman
2022-23	Radim Zohorna	Dryden Hunt
Brett Ritchie Connor Mackey	Troy Stecher Nick Ritchie
Future Considerations	Kristians Rubins

The 2015-16 trades of Kris Russell and Jiri Hudler in what ended up being the worst season the Flames had under Brad Treliving were the closest thing the Flames had to a sell off. The Flames would walk away with three second round picks and a couple of prospects and ideally this would be the results that Leafs fans should be hoping will be repeated. The reasonable sell off of veteran assets brought in some useable futures and freed up key spots in the lineup that were addressed in the offseason and along with the convenient ability to draft Matthew Tkachuk (not really an option for the Leafs), the team turned itself around from a 77 point team to a 94 point team by 2016-17.

The next biggest push came during the strange COVID North Division season and the Flames cashed out on Sam Bennett in addition to getting a decent return for David Rittich from the Maple Leafs. Second and third round picks along with a player that was a fairly highly regarded prospect as the return is decent and given the Leafs current situation is the low bar for what should be expected from the Leafs as sellers.

The other two playoff missing seasons are a bit more concerning. The 2017-18 season where only Eddie Lack was moved and for a minimal return was partially because the Flames were tied for the final wild card spot on deadline day. No matter what happens between now and the trade deadline, the Leafs are very unlikely to be that close to a playoff spot.

The 2022-23 season trade deadline for the Flames was littered with Leafs moves. Acquiring Dryden Hunt from the Leafs, picking up former Marlie Kristians Rubins for Future Considerations, and bringing in current Leaf Troy Stecher and former Leaf Nick Ritchie. The bizarre thing about this is that none of these moves were about bringing in assets for helpful future assets for the Flames or clearing out any veterans despite being five points behind the final wild card team on deadline day. Interestingly enough the Flames had a .540 points percentage then which mirrors the .538 point percentage the Leafs presently have (although the Leafs eight points back right now.)

2023 Treliving would eventually trade Tyler Toffoli at the draft and perhaps that could be the better play for the Leafs with under contract players like Stolarz, Domi, Ekman-Larsson, and Carlo, but Laughton and McMann need to get the Bennett or Hudler treatment.

There are opportunities for the Leafs to go big as sellers and unless the Western road trip is dramatically different their disastrous homestand, that seems like the situation calls for but if the Leafs are looking at an overhaul, the question also needs to be asked if the person responsible for the failing roster is the right guy to fix it. Pushing Brad Treliving outside his comfort zone doesn’t seem like the right course of action either.

Something needs to go right for the Maple Leafs and with the 2015 trade deadline sell off as Toronto’s gold standard, it will be interesting to see if the trade deadline can provide some positives to a very disappointing season.

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/bra...ler-hints-at-small-moves-only-for-maple-leafs

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Craig Berube credits William Nylander’s leadership for propelling Maple Leafs over Canucks

The Toronto Maple Leafs were back in the win column Saturday night, as it took a complete team effort to come out on top of the Vancouver Canucks with a 3-2 shootout win. Auston Matthews enjoyed some revenge after missing on a penalty shot in overtime to secure the win in the breakaway challenge. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made things very clear after the game that it was William Nylander who gave the Leafs’ lineup the boost it needed.

“It was a great effort by our team. It’s great to have Willy back. We got it done. It took a bit.” stated Berube postgame.

Nylander returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 15, playing over 20 minutes against the Canucks, and while he didn’t hit the scoresheet, Berube could feel the boost as the skilled winger helped generate offence, something the Leafs have lacked during their six-game losing streak.

“I thought he was really good tonight. He skated extremely well, competed, and created offense. Overall, hearing him on the bench talking, he brings leadership and things like that. I thought he elevated everybody on the team, to be honest with you.”

The Maple Leafs entered Vancouver searching for answers as they just went through a dismal home stand, lost the first game of the road trip in Seattle, and then entered the third period against the Canucks down 2-1. Berube made things very clear during the second intermission, the third period against the Canucks had absolutely everything riding on it.

“We talked before the period about how it had to be our best period of the year. For me, it was pretty close. We had the puck the whole period and couldn’t find the back of the net.”

With the two points against the Canucks, the Maple Leafs leapfrogged the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference standings, and now sit eight points out of a playoff spot. It’s tough sledding ahead, there’s no doubt about it, but perhaps the two-week Olympic break can help the team reset ahead of the homestretch of the 2025-26 season. Berube knows in order for the Maple Leafs to have any chance, they’ll need the Joseph Woll he saw against the Canucks, the entire rest of the season.

“That three-on-three sometimes gets a little wild, but Woll made some big saves. He made a huge save late in the third period when they had an odd-man rush. For me, that is a save that wins the hockey game. Well, it’s huge. Both of our goalies are. In this league, you need solid goaltending night after night. We had that combination going last year, all year. It put you in a really good spot. We need both of them to play well”

The Leafs continue their western swing against the Calgary Flames on Monday, followed by facing off against the Edmonton Oilers the very next night, and then have 22 days off between games. Four more points ahead of the break would do wonders for this hockey club, and put GM Brad Treliving in a very interesting spot ahead of the trade deadline.

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS​

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code LEAFSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/cra...pelling-toronto-maple-leafs-vancouver-canucks

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Around the NHL: Stadium Series game for the ages, Kadri, Panarin trade talks heating up

Welcome back to another edition of Around the NHL, as there’s only a couple of more games before the Olympic break, which includes a roster freeze set for Wednesday. Trade talks have been heating up of late, and there’s certainly a ton of ground work being laid at the moment.

Don’t expect much movement before Wednesday. Once the Olympics wrap up, expect to see a flurry of activity. With some surprising teams in playoff spots at the moment, it sets up for an entertaining trade market and the Toronto Maple Leafs are clear sellers.

While there’s lots to talk about surrounding Leafs Nation, here’s the very latest from around the NHL.

Boston/Tampa Bay Stadium Series game for the ages​

The Tampa Bay Lightning hosted the Boston Bruins in the NHL’s latest edition of their Stadium Series, and the two teams did not disappoint. In what was an absolute instant classic that had a little bit of everything, as the Lightning rallied to win 6-5 in a shootout, after being down 5-1 earlier in the contest.

All the talk after was about the goalie fight between Bruins starter Jeremy Swayman, and Lightning legend Andrei Vasilevskiy. There was a wild scrum halfway through the second period, with the Lightning down 5-2, and Vasilevskiy and Swayman decided to meet in the middle to drop the gloves for the first goalie fight in Stadium Series history:

WE GOT AN OUTDOOR GOALIE FIGHT!!!

ANDREI VASILEVSKIY VS. JEREMY SWAYMAN pic.twitter.com/eFavhXQEVD

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 2, 2026

Vasilevskiy got the better of Swayman, thanks to those left hands, and the best part of it all, it sparked the Lightning. Tampa Bay went on to score three unanswered goals to tie the game, and eventually sealed it, thanks to a Jake Guentzel shootout winner.

Nazem Kadri and Artemi Panarin trade talks heating up​

Two of the biggest players on the trade market have been the talk of the league the past few days, as Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri, and New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin continue to be discussed in potential deals.

The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta confirmed recently that Kadri was open to a trade from the Flames. The veteran centre is signed through the 2029 season at $7 million AAV, and owns a 13-team no-trade list. Kadri has scored nine goals and 35 points in 54 games. There’s been a ton of speculation brewing that the Colorado Avalanche could be circling back on reuniting with Kadri, who won a Stanley Cup with the franchise before signing a long-term deal in Calgary.

As for Panarin, he controls his entire destiny as he owns a full no-movement clause, and while the Rangers have been keeping him out of the lineup the past few games, it’s highly unlikely a deal materializes before the Olympic roster freeze kicks in Wednesday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Panarin has a strong market of interest but has already rejected a trade to the Seattle Kraken.

Potential landing spots include the Stars, Red Wings, Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, Kings, Avalanche and Florida Panthers. Friedman confirmed over the weekend that the Avalanche, Stars, Ducks, and Hurricanes are all willing to do this trade without an extension in place. Panarin’s camp prefers an extension at this time.

Quick hits from around the NHL​

• There’s brewing speculation that the Minnesota Wild are using Jesper Wallstedt as a trade chip, and will eventually sign Marc-Andre Fleury as the team’s backup goaltender down the stretch. General manager Bill Guerin is in search for an impact, top-six forward.
• St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas underwent a minor leg procedure, and is out until after the Olympics.
• Winnipeg Jets are receiving a ton of interest in defenceman Logan Stanley, who is having a career year, making a very reasonable $1.25 million AAV.
• While Panarin is seemingly finished in New York, there’s a lot of chatter about Alexis Lafreniere being in play, in a potential swap for Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright. It sounded like in a perfect world, the Kraken dealt Wright for Panarin, and signed the Russian winger to a contract extension. Panarin had other ideas.
• Edmonton Oilers waived goaltender Calvin Pickard on Sunday.
• It’s going to come down to the wire in Nashville, as several teams have called about Predators’ centre Ryan O’Reilly, but to this point, it’s likely Barry Trotz keeps O’Reilly in Nashville, where he and his family prefer.
• And, in the best news of the week, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to action over the weekend, and was named the first star after a a 26-save performance to top the Devils 4-1. “At the end there, also during lineup, it was really hard holding it together,” UIlmark said postgame, per Coming In Hot. “I didn’t want to hold it together, also. It’s one of the things I’ve been working on, is letting the feelings flow a little bit. There’s nothing bad about that. I was really happy that we got a win today as well.”

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/aro...arin-trade-talks-heating-up-nhl-trade-rumours

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Leafs practice notes: Joseph Woll projected to start vs. Flames, Morgan Rielly out through Olympic break

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to kick off a back-to-back in Alberta to close out the pre-Olympic portion of the 2025-26 season, beginning with the Calgary Flames on Monday night. It appears that Joseph Woll is set to make his second straight start, two days after he backstopped the Leafs to a 3-2 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks to break a six-game losing streak.

#Leafs lines during morning skate @ VAN Feb. 2/26

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

McCabe-Carlo
OEL-Stecher
Benoit-Myers
Extra: Rifai

Woll
Stolarz@BodogCA pic.twitter.com/3jiafhjDwP

— David Alter (@davidalter) February 2, 2026

Woll has had some forgettable starts lately, but getting a shot in the crease again is a notable vote of confidence from head coach Craig Berube, and one that he’ll look to use to stir up some positive momentum before the three-week Olympic break. He stopped 28 of 30 shots in the win on Saturday including some incredible saves in overtime to keep the team alive.

Morgan Rielly is the latest player to be hit by the injury bug after leaving Saturday’s game in Vancouver with an upper-body injury. Rielly will be held out through the Olympic break with a lingering issue that he aggravated. The longest-tenured Leaf has seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 54 games this season.

Aside from Rielly not skating with the main group, there appears to be one final tweak, with Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers skating together on the bottom pair after both of them sat against the Canucks. Marshall Rifai made his season debut on Saturday and struggled a little bit, given it was his first NHL game since 2023-24, so it looks like Berube will return to leaning on his veterans to fill out the bottom of the defensive corps.

The Maple Leafs will look to head into the break on a winning streak after a horrendous stretch in late January that threw a wrench into their playoff hopes. While they’re not eliminated from playoff contention, they will need to start winning games soon, and a lot of them, if they want to keep the dream alive.

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...tice-notes-woll-projected-start-rielly-misses

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Troy Stecher continues to prove value to Maple Leafs teammates: ‘Thank god Edmonton let him go’

When the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up Troy Stecher on waivers from the Edmonton Oilers in mid-November, nobody could have predicted the value he’d bring to the defensive corps. Having played for six different teams before his arrival in Toronto, he came at a time when Leafs defencemen were dropping like flies and instantly jumped in and played tough minutes to weather the storm while the back end got healthy.

Stecher scored the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night in what was part of a unique road trip for the 31-year-old, with all three of the Leafs’ final games heading into the break coming against former teams of his. When asked about the emotions he feels in these games, he admitted that it hangs in the back of his mind but reaffirmed his commitment to his current team.

“I mean, I’m a suitcase obviously,” Stecher said to a room of laughter. “Yeah, I don’t know. It’s unique…I loved being a Canuck, I loved being a flame, I loved being an Oiler, and now I love being a Maple Leaf. And that’s where my pride and joy lies. But, I’m not oblivious to the memories that I have in the past, and I’m very fortunate for those memories.”

It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs have a steep uphill climb in front of them if they want to make the playoffs, putting a serious dagger into their playoff chances with a six-game losing streak before snapping it against the Canucks on Saturday. But, Stecher, like his teammates, continues to express belief that this team can go on a run and make it to the dance.

“I mean, the 25 guys in that room, we have a belief and that’s all that matters,” Stecher said. “And the east is tight, man. Like, we’ve got an important one tomorrow. You don’t want to look too far ahead, but I think we’ve got, like, 18 games against our conference after the break. So, there’s a lot of belief in that room and a lot of hockey left to play.”

Defencemen who play a style of game like Stecher’s always have a special relationship with their goaltender, and Joseph Woll exemplified that when discussing Stecher’s play following the win.

“Thank god Edmonton let him go,” Woll told reporters with a laugh. “Yeah, he’s a great guy. I really enjoy having him here, obviously he’s a great player on the ice and I trust him a lot back there. He’s really good with our goalie calls, too. He talks a lot and I feel like he’s smooth back there, so I feel like our chemistry is building as well.”

The Maple Leafs will travel north for one final game before the break with a tilt against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.

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/troy-stecher-continues-prove-value-toronto-maple-leafs-teammates

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs head into Olympic break on a high note with sweep of Western Canada

January has been a month of ups and downs, and while the Toronto Maple Leafs very much remain on the outside of the playoff picture (five points back of a playoff spot), a three game winning streak on the road is a reminder that course corrections, not a complete overhaul, is what the doctor ordered for Toronto.

The Leafs, thanks to a rare third period 5-on-3 power play, pushed past the Oilers 5-2. It was another strong night from William Nylander. It was another big night for Matias Maccelli with a pair of goals. It was Matthew Knies at his best, and most importantly, it was the strong night that Anthony Stolarz desperately needed to get back on track, stopping 34 of 36 shots.

The Olympic break might still be an important time of reflection for the Maple Leafs and with a number of their Eastern Conference rivals still having the opportunity to gain ground on the Maple Leafs in the Wednesday and Thursday night games, the reality is that the Maple Leafs are still a team that will be selling and needing some new personnel both on and off the ice, though arguably this time it shouldn’t just be change for the sake of change.

Back to the game, as an Edmontonian who shudders every time I hear the Oilers goal horn, this win feels good. The Leafs played McDavid aggressively, they didn’t take any nonsense when the Oilers got in the face of Anthony Stolarz, and the Leafs blueliners have continued to rise to the occasion with Rielly joining Chris Tanev on the injured reserve.

Some other notes:

• I’m not sure if Matthew Knies benefits from the reduced pressure of the third line but it is nice to see what Nic Roy can do when he’s given a bit more talent to work with. Keeping Roy and Knies together has been enjoyable but if McMann is traded, the Leafs will likely decide to either put Knies back with Matthews or let him have some time off to completely recover from his injury.
• Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s mean streak being on full display in Edmonton was encouraging to see, and will either remind rival GMs what OEL can bring to a playoff bound team or remind people like me that keeping him on the Leafs isn’t the worst thing either.
• Another strong night from Scott Laughton, but he needs to be a part of the trade deadline plans for the Maple Leafs.
• Nylander’s defensive play has definitely improved since his return from injury and his read on McDavid was a low key highlight of the night.

It is nice to have some good feelings about the Leafs this week but hope and optimism still need to be checked at the door.

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/instant-reaction-toronto-maple-leafs-head-olympic-break-high-note

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Craig Berube proud of how Maple Leafs responded after six-game losing streak: ‘Good boost for our team’

The Toronto Maple Leafs responded to their worst stretch of the season with one of their best, sweeping their Western Canada road trip with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. It very well may be too little too late for a Maple Leafs team that currently sits five points out of a playoff spot with the three-week Olympic break pending, but that doesn’t mean the mindset in the dressing room should change.

Head coach Craig Berube expressed pride in how his team responded in the three games to lead into the break amid all the adversity they’ve faced.

“It’s a lot of confidence,” Berube told reporters after the win in Edmonton. “Coming up after the break, we have to be prepared and ready to go. We have some catching up to do here. Three wins going into the break is a good boost for our team, I’m proud of the team and how they competed on the road trip.”

Berube spoke favourably about his whole team, but gave a specific shoutout to defenceman Jake McCabe, who logged an assist and over 25 minutes of ice time in the win. The defenceman has been leaned on heavily for most of the season, especially without defensive stalwart Chris Tanev, which he noted in his media availability.

“He’s been excellent all year,” Berube said. “He’s had different partners throughout the season with Tanev being out. It doesn’t change his game, he just does all of the dirty work for us and goes up against top lines. He’s been excellent for us.”

With trade rumours swirling and the growing sense that the Leafs will be selling at the deadline for the first time in the Auston Matthews era, Berube stressed that his team can’t give into the noise from outside the dressing room. Each game has to carry one focus, which is winning games for the uniform they’re wearing.

“This is part of the game, right?” Berube said. “Even more so in Toronto. They understand that, I think. You can’t read all of it, you have to avoid it as best as you can. It’s hard, I know. I know it’s out there, and you’re going to hear and see it, but that’s part of being a good pro. Those are things that you have to put behind you and focus on what you need to do for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

The Maple Leafs will enter a break for the majority of February before returning to action on February 25 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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/craig-berube-proud-toronto-maple-leafs-responded-losing-streak

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

David Pagnotta says Leafs willing to buy & sell ahead of deadline: Leafs Morning Take

Are the Toronto Maple Leafs back?

At the very least, Anthony Stolarz sure is. What a performance in Edmonton. The 32-year-old made 34 stops as Toronto smothered the Oilers 5-2 for its third straight victory.

That’s where the conversation started on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. After their dreadful five game homestand from hell, the Leafs went 3-1-0 on their four game road trip ahead of the Olympic break. That’s what this team does, right? It’s been such a rollercoaster season.

So, Stolarz was great, Toronto’s power play, which has struggled to get chances recently, stepped up large. Unequivocally, the Jay Rosehill turning point of the game happened in the third period when the Leafs got essentially a full two minutes of 5-on-3 time. Full credit to them, too, they made it count. John Tavares connected on a back door tap in and Matias Maccelli hammered home a Max Domi cross ice pass. That was the difference. Just for good measure, Bobby McMann, the pride of Wainwright Alberta, iced it with an empty netter for the second straight game. His price tag continues to go up. Additionally, Rosey broke down the Brandon Carlo/Darnell Nurse scrap. He thought it was a nothing burger hit on Connor McDavid, but respected the fact that both Carlo and Nurse addressed the situation.

Just like that, the Leafs enter the Olympic break on a semi-heater. Speaking of which, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta dropped by to dish on the looming trade freeze and also the trade deadline. He hit on Toronto’s game plan, where they go from here, and who could be on the most. Most specifically, he dished on Bobby McMann and Morgan Rielly. On top of that, Pagnotta broke down what he’s heard when it comes to Brad Treliving’s future as GM. Ditto for Craig Berube as head coach.

Be sure to join us for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll discuss any trade freeze activity plus break down some talking points as the Leafs get some much-needed time off.

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/dav...buy-sell-ahead-of-deadline-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Bobby McMann headlines 4 Maple Leafs on latest trade board from The Athletic

The National Hockey League trade deadline is fast approaching, as March 6 sits just over one month away. The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves six points out of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot with 25 games to play, leaving the door open for the team to sell off some assets to help recoup some draft picks and prospects to a farm system that is quite bare.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston recently wrote an article outlining the top 50 players that could be moved prior to the March 6 deadline. Four Maple Leafs players, including Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit, were listed as potential new candidates to find new homes for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

McMann is a strong candidate to be moved at this year’s deadline. A pending unrestricted free agent with a $1.35 million cap hit, this is the type of player that many teams would want for a playoff run, due to McMann’s size, offensive ability and cheap price tag. Through 56 games, McMann has recorded 19 goals and 13 assists, two points off the career high of 34 points the 29-year-old set last year.

On January 19, the San Jose Sharks acquired Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for two second-round draft picks, one in 2026 and again the following year in 2027 and American Hockey League defenceman Cole Clayton. Sherwood, like McMann, is also a pending UFA at season’s end and could be a starting point for what the Maple Leafs put McMann’s price tag at.

Closing in on a second straight 20-goal season, McMann is one of the most appealing trade chips the soon-to-be retooling Leafs have to cash in. He skates extremely well for a man of his size, is unafraid to take the body and get in on the forecheck, and has authored a great story of perseverance – going undrafted before working his way up from the ECHL. McMann also carries the unofficial distinction of having the most team-friendly contract among players available at this deadline, which will be important to contenders as the NHL institutes a playoff salary cap for the first time. Add it together and it’s going to be tough for Toronto to justify hanging onto him. -Johnston

Benoit comes with an extra year of control for teams looking to add more than just a rental for this upcoming postseason. The 27-year-old has a cap hit of $1.35 for this season and next, making Benoit a cheap option for teams that desire him as an addition to their club. Through 49 games played, Benoit has recorded three assists and a minus-five rating. The Maple Leafs leader in hits with 128, Benoit doesn’t shy away from any opportunity to make his presence felt physically on any given night.

A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts. -Johnston

Johnston also listed Scott Laughton and Calle Järnkrok as potential options to be moved, as both players are also on expiring contracts and are UFAs at season’s end. Laughton has recorded eight goals and three assists through 39 games played, with a cap hit of $1.5 million. Järnkrok has appeared in 37 games, posting six goals and one assist, while making $2.1 million.

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...rumours-mcmann-headlines-trade-board-athletic

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Anthony Stewart predicts the Leafs WILL make the playoffs: Leafs Morning Take

The Toronto Maple Leafs did not make a move prior to Wednesday’s 3 PM ET Olympic trade freeze.

Quite honestly, it didn’t make sense for them to make one this early anyway.

Despite the three game win streak to hit the break, according to multiple reports, deadline plans haven’t changed for the Maple Leafs, who find themselves six points out of a playoff spot with 25 games remaining. Boston’s the closest playoff team to them, but the bigger issue is the teams Toronto would have to climb to get in. Yeah, their chances remain grim. All this was self-inflicted, though. Never forget.

At any rate, we kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by discussing a variety of different topics. Firstly, we talked Gavin McKenna. What a bizarre story. Then, we hit on the Panarin trade, and what it could mean for the Bobby McMann market. For the record, we both think the Leafs should deal the 29-year-old winger. Brad Treliving needs to win this trade. It’s important.

We spent a good chunk of the podcast talking about the post-season. Are the Leafs done? The numbers seem daunting, but ultimately, we agreed that they definitely still have a shot. That said, they’re going to need an epic run to get back in this thing. Furthermore, the Leafs have six games remaining prior to the March 6th deal. We figure they should have a better understanding of where they’re at following the first three games of that stretch. Toronto’s expected to buy and sell, whatever that means.

After that, former NHLer and TSN Leafs Analyst Anthony Stewart dropped by for a chat. Long story short, Stew still believes. In fact, to wrap the interview, he predicted that Toronto WILL make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to that, he doesn’t think the Leafs should trade McMann. In fact, he would re-sign him. Stew feels that the Leafs have been missing middle level guys in their lineup over the past decade. On top of that, he wondered what would be available this summer to replace McMann with. Additionally, he dished on who he thinks is the most catchable team in the standings, and what gives him belief that the Leafs can get this done.

Following the interview, we debated what the Leafs should do with Easton Cowan. Right now, it sounds like the rookie won’t be sent to the American Hockey League for the Olympic break. Instead, the Leafs will give him to chill and rest. We’re not crazy about that decision. Meantime, we think Matthew Knies and John Tavares will benefit the most from the time off.

No show on Friday, ditto for Monday. As mentioned on the podcast, we’re scaling down our programming for the Olympic break. We’ll be back with you for another edition of Leafs Morning Take on TUESDAY at 11 AM ET. Talk then!

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/ant...afs-will-make-the-playoffs-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs assign Marshall Rifai to Toronto Marlies

Marshall Rifai has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies, from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies announced Friday.

Rifai played 9:40 during his lone appearance with the Maple Leafs this season, in a 3-2 shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The 27-year-old has been considered a potential third-pair option at the NHL level, but he’s spent the majority of his year with the Marlies, recording four assists in 12 games. Rifai underwent wrist surgery to begin the year, after sustaining an injury during a preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I like his feet and competitiveness. Those are two things that stand out to me. He has really good feet, and he is a highly competitive guy,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Rifai on January 31.

“Since I’ve been here from last year to this year, this guy is highly prepared. You notice the little things with some of these guys: how early they get to the rink every day, and their preparation. He is a good pro. He does all of the right things.”

During the Olympic break, Rifai will be afforded some playing time, as the Marlies continue their schedule Saturday, hosting the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Rifai is a physical presence on the Leafs’ blue line, and could potentially be recalled to the NHL, as the organization navigates the final 25 games of the year, in an uphill battle to make the playoffs.

“He had some games up with us last year and he worked so hard,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said of Rifai during the 2024-25 training camp. “You can just see he wants it and continues to progress, and I’ve been pretty impressed with him and the way he plays hard on both sides of the puck.”

Rifai will get some valuable playing time with the Marlies and given that he’s been called up several times by the Maple Leafs over the past two seasons, this may be a strategic move more than anything.

PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE​

Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-assign-marshall-rifai-toronto-marlies

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Former NHLer Anthony Stewart still believes in Maple Leafs as season hits Olympic break

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in an unfamiliar position as the National Hockey League rolls on with February. Currently six points back of the Boston Bruins with 25 games to play, the Maple Leafs are going to need to start accumulating wins when the NHL season resumes from the Olympic break if they want to find themselves in the hunt for Lord Stanley.

On Thursday, former NHL player Anthony Stewart joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss the current state of the Maple Leafs. While still facing an uphill battle, Stewart believes that the signs shown during the recent road trip could be an indicator of more success to come.

“I think it’s going to come down to the wire,” Stewart said. “I think the number one thing was goaltending last year, you had a 1A, 1B situation between Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, but that just hasn’t happened. The last couple weeks, they’ve started to get in there and get their rhythm back. If you get the goaltending you got from Stolarz and Woll these last couple games, they’re going to have a chance.”

Bobby McMann has found himself continuously in the trade rumours these past few weeks, as the deadline approaches and the Maple Leafs sit on the outside of the playoffs looking in, McMann’s time in Toronto could be coming to an end. With a trade freeze in effect until 11:59 p.m. on February 22, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will have just under two weeks to decide what to do the pending unrestricted free agent before the deadline hits on March 6.

“I think Treliving is going to toe the line and make some minor adjustments,” Stewart said. “If you look at this roster, what are they missing? You’re missing that $5 million winger that can go up and down the ice and put the puck in the net. So if I’m Treliving, I’m finding a way to sign McMann.”

The Maple Leafs have the top-end players in place, with captain Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but much has been made of the lack of supporting cast built around the two this season.

“You break it down to rebuild around superstars. You have two of those guys already. I think you need to build around them, but you’ve got to be better with the guys you bring in,” Stewart said. “You need guys to get you through the playoffs, that play that heavy style of hockey, and you know exactly what you are going to get.”

As of Thursday morning, moneypuck.com listed the Maple Leafs’ playoff odds at 9.6%, far from an easy task of reaching the playoffs for a 10th straight season. Stewart, though, has belief in this year’s group that a run can still be put together when asked if he thought they could make the playoffs.

“I’m going to say yes, one of these teams are going to fall,” Stewart said. “I think it’s going to come down to the wire, and if they miss out, it’s going to be by one or two points.”

You can watch the full interview below:

PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE​

Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/for...eves-toronto-maple-leafs-season-olympic-break

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Olympic Hockey: Where and when to watch each Leafs Olympian’s games

The Milan Games are officially underway, and The Leafs Nation will be following along avidly. Auston Matthews, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and William Nylander are the three Toronto Maple Leafs participating in the men’s hockey tournament for their respective countries.

In case you were wondering when Matthews, Ekman-Larsson and Nylander play, we’ve got you covered here. Games can be watched on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada. And for easy viewing, we’ve also included Canada’s preliminary round schedule.

The women’s hockey tournament is already underway, with the Canadian women’s national team scheduled to face Switzerland on Saturday afternoon.

For everything you need to know about the Milan Games, we highly recommend viewing Daily Faceoff’s men’s and women’s Olympic hockey hubs.

SWEDEN

Wednesday, February 11th: Italy vs. Sweden @ 3:10 PM Eastern (Preliminary)
Friday, February 13th: Finland vs. Sweden @ 6:10 AM Eastern (Preliminary)
Saturday, February 14th: Slovakia vs. Sweden @ 6:10 AM Eastern (Preliminary)

UNITED STATES

Thursday, February 12: Latvia vs. United States @ 3:10 PM Eastern (Preliminary)
Saturday, February 14: Denmark vs. United States @ 3:10 PM Eastern (Preliminary)
Sunday, February 15: Germany vs. United States @ 3:10 PM Eastern (Preliminary)

CANADA

Thursday, February 12: Czechia vs. Canada @ 10:40 AM Eastern (Preliminary)
Friday, February 13: Switzerland vs. Canada @ 3:10 PM Eastern (Preliminary)
Sunday, February 15: France vs. Canada @ 10:40 AM Eastern (Preliminary)

Elimination rounds​

Tuesday, February 17th: TBD vs. TBD: 6:10 AM (Qualifying)
Tuesday, February 17th: TBD vs. TBD: 6:10 AM (Qualifying)
Tuesday, February 17th: TBD vs. TBD: 10:40 AM (Qualifying)
Tuesday, February 17th: TBD vs. TBD: 3:10 PM (Qualifying)

Wednesday, February 18th: TBD vs. TBD: 6:10 AM (Quarterfinal)
Wednesday, February 18th: TBD vs. TBD: 10:40 AM (Quarterfinal)
Wednesday, February 18th: TBD vs. TBD: 12:10 PM (Quarterfinal)
Wednesday, February 18th: TBD vs. TBD: 3:10 PM (Quarterfinal)

Friday, February 20th: TBD vs. TBD: 10:40 AM (Semifinal)
Friday, February 20th: TBD vs. TBD: 3:10 PM (Semifinal)

Saturday, February 21st: TBD vs. TBD: 2:40 PM (Bronze Medal Game)

Sunday, February 22nd: TBD vs. TBD: 8:10 AM (Gold Medal Game)

PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE​

Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/oly...n-to-watch-toronto-maple-leafs-olympics-games

 

[JJ]

OH MAN HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH THE LEAFS AND THEIR ANNUAL "WILL THEY OR WON'T THEY" PLAYOFF DRAMA

Look, I gotta be honest with you Leafs fans - and I say this with all the love in my heart (which is exactly zero when it comes to Toronto) - watching Anthony Stewart say he STILL BELIEVES in this team is absolutely hilarious to me. The man has more faith than a preacher on Sunday morning!

Six points out with 25 games to play? Those are some ROUGH odds, my friends. And moneypuck putting them at 9.6% playoff odds? That's basically saying "yeah, you're cooked but we don't want to hurt your feelings."

Now about Bobby McMann - Stewart saying they should RE-SIGN him instead of trading him is wild to me. The dude is having a solid year, almost at 20 goals again, and you're telling me Treliving shouldn't cash in on that value while he can? The Sherwood trade got TWO second-rounders! You know what you can do with draft picks? BUILD A TEAM THAT DOESN'T COLLAPSE EVERY FEBRUARY.

The goaltending excuse is getting old too. Every year it's something - goaltending, depth, the sun was in their eyes, whatever. At some point you gotta look at the core and ask some hard questions.

But hey, at least you got Matthews, OEL, and Nylander playing in the Olympics so you can watch ACTUAL winning hockey for a couple weeks!

GO BILLS... err, wrong sport. But still, GO BILLS MENTALITY - REBUILD AND DO IT RIGHT!

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs prospect checkpoint: How has Dennis Hildeby fared through 5 months of 2025-26?

Like Easton Cowan, this will likely be Dennis Hildeby‘s final season seen as a prospect in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. The hulking 6-foot-7 goaltender got his first taste of NHL action in 2024-25, only two years after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL draft, and while his short stint last season revealed that he still needed some seasoning in the AHL, he has shown through 19 games in 2025-26 that he’s ready to be an NHL goaltender. And, if he wasn’t a victim of the numbers game with both Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz signed to multi-year deals, he’d probably still be with the team.

When Woll left the team to attend to a personal matter at the start of the season, the Maple Leafs initially played the caution card with Hildeby, opting to claim a more seasoned goaltender in Cayden Primeau off waivers to back up Stolarz and allow their young goaltender to continue growing his game in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies. When the Primeau experiment failed after only three games, Hildeby was recalled just a week before Woll’s return to the NHL, and cruelly enough, three days before Stolarz would suffer a long-term injury.

The Swedish netminder made his season debut on November 8 against the Boston Bruins after Stolarz was pulled following four goals on 19 shots, and stopped 19 of 20 shots in a 5-3 loss to the Bruins. Hildeby started his first game of the season on November 9, allowing five goals on 47 shots against the Carolina Hurricanes, and in the Maple Leafs’ next game, another tilt against Boston, Stolarz once again left early, this time due to an injury that would keep him on the shelf for a little over two months.

The story of Hildeby’s season has been providing relief for a Leafs goaltending tandem that was nowhere near as reliable as they were the year prior, sometimes to the fault of their own and sometimes due to uncontrollable circumstances like injury. Hildeby’s best stretch came in late November/early December, when he stopped 133 of 139 shots to the tune of a 3-0-2 record with a .957 save percentage (SV%).

Woll suffered an injury in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes not long after returning from his leave of absence, where Hildeby once again relieved him and finished the job, stopping all nine shots he faced in the third period of a 5-1 win. This was the only game of that five-game stretch that saw him enter the game in relief – he started each of the other four, picking up a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a 29-save shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and two overtime losses against the Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks. The Maple Leafs’ home game against the Vegas Golden Knights on January 23 marked the first time all season that the Leafs had both Woll and Stolarz dressed for a game, and Hildeby was sent to the Marlies shortly thereafter.

Hildeby’s progression to the NHL has been a quick one, going from an overager who put up stellar numbers as a backup in Sweden’s pro league in his draft year to a readily capable NHL goalie in the span of three years. His performance in 2025-26, a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.84 and a .910 SV% that outshines his record of 5-6-4 on paper, will likely force the Maple Leafs to have some conversations about how to manage their goaltending situation in the offseason, or perhaps as soon as the trade deadline.

PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE​

Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!

Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-prospect-checkpoint-dennis-hildeby-2025-26