RSS Maple Leafs Team Notes

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Peter Laviolette breaks down what a coach expects when a superstar goes down: Leafs Morning Take

In one fell swoop, the Leafs jumped from 25th to 20th in the league.

The reality is that Toronto’s goaltending is simply too good for this team to finish in the bottom five.

On top of all that, the Leafs seem to do better without their star players, it doesn’t make sense.

That’s where the conversation started on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take as we discussed the fallout from the Radko Gudas hit on Auston Matthews. Toronto’s captain is done for the season after tests revealed he suffered a torn MCL along with a quad contusion. Meanwhile, Gudas was handed a five-game suspension for the hit. Many people — including Matthews’ agent Judd Moldaver — believe the punishment wasn’t nearly enough. Can you blame them?

At any rate, we spent a good deal of time talking about how Leafy that weekend was. No Matthews, no problem? It’s been a theme for the past decade, but weirdly, the Leafs tend to play better without their star players. It makes no sense. Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz were superb. In fact, they’re the biggest reason Toronto managed to grab three of a possible four points against Buffalo and Minnesota. Bo Groulx’s been a great story, too. The 26-year-old now has three goals in four outings since being recalled from the AHL. Additionally, we gave some love to Jake McCabe, who blocked a season-high nine shots on Sunday against the Wild. What a warrior. As expected, the Leafs brought the physicality, showing exactly what they’re capable of. If anything, it highlighted that they’re not playing consistently for their coach on a nightly basis.

After that, veteran NHL head coach Peter Laviolette dropped by to weigh in on the fallout from Gudas’s hit on Matthews. Laviolette shared what he expects from a team when a superstar goes down, offered insight into Craig Berube’s current situation, and reflected on lessons from his own recent coaching experiences — plus, he opened up about what he’s looking for in his next head coaching opportunity.

Looking forward to the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll preview Matthew Schaefer’s first game in Toronto as the Leafs host the Islanders. Also, free agent NHL head coach Dean Evason, who was let go from Columbus in January, will drop by the show to dish on the Maple Leafs.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/pet...when-a-superstar-goes-down-leafs-morning-take

 

[Toronto Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs prospect Tyler Hopkins raves about close friend Matthew Schaefer ahead of Toronto homecoming

All eyes will be on New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer, when he takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Schaefer is the runaway favourite to win the Calder Trophy, as the Islanders are in a playoff spot in large due to the rookie sensation’s outstanding campaign. The 18-year-old has recorded 20 goals and 48 points, while his all-world skating has allowed him to control the game from the blue line.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Tyler Hopkins has a unique perspective on Schaefer. Hopkins and Schaefer are dear friends, growing up playing minor hockey with the Halton Hurricanes. Ahead of Tuesday’s game, Hopkins provided his perspective on Schaefer’s excellent rookie season.

“It’s pretty incredible. He’s a pretty special person, as a lot of people are starting to learn about him, as he’s made his way into the NHL,” Hopkins said of Schaefer in a recent interview with TSN’s Mark Masters. “He’s a really special person and a very gifted hockey player. As much as everyone’s pretty surprised about what he’s done, and it’s incredible, a lot of us growing up with Matt, I’ve known him since I was six years old, he’s a special person, special player like I said. I’m sure he’s going to continue to keep building. He’s a winner, so we’ll see what the future has for him.”

Hopkins was selected in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft and is one of the ascendant prospects in the Maple Leafs organization. Although he’s busy starring for the Guelph Storm, Hopkins will try to join a large cheering section for Schaefer.

“I think it will be a lot of fun. I know his (father and brother) will be there as well. He’ll have his family there. I’ll see if if I can find some tickets, if I can get out to the game if I have some time. It’s always fun coming back to your home town. I’m sure it’s a little different in the NHL but even in the OHL, it’s always fun to play those hometown games. I’m sure he’ll be excited to go.”

It could be a few seasons before Hopkins joins Schaefer in the NHL. Until then, at least for one night only, Schaefer will have the support of his former minor hockey teammate, who happens to be one of the brightest prospects in the Maple Leafs organization.

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Source: https://theleafsnation.com/news/tor...aves-close-friend-matthew-schaefer-homecoming