Centre of Leafs Nation

The Toronto Maple Leafs' season ends in familiar fashion—a heartbreaking Game 7 loss, this time in humiliating fashion to the Florida Panthers, marking the latest chapter in their long playoff struggles. With the “Core Four” era potentially over, team President Brendan Shanahan out the door, and star forward Mitch Marner likely to test free agency, change is coming to Toronto. In this episode, we break down what went wrong, analyze the fallout for management and the roster, and explore the tough decisions ahead as the Leafs look to rebuild on the fly and keep their Stanley Cup window open. Will John Tavares return? How will the Leafs replace Marner if he leaves? What are the realistic moves Toronto can make with limited cap space and draft capital? Join us as we navigate the Leafs' offseason and preview what could be the most pivotal summer in franchise history.

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a pivotal moment as their tightly contested series with the Florida Panthers is now deadlocked at 2-2. After being outplayed and shut out 2-0 in Game 4 on the road, the Leafs must regroup and adjust quickly to regain control. We dive into Toronto's struggles with discipline and offensive execution, the relentless pressure from Florida's forecheck, and the need for more from stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. With Game 5 returning to Scotiabank Arena, the Leafs' top-seed status is on the line-can they rise to the challenge and silence the Panthers' momentum? Join us as we analyze the key moments, the physical intensity heating up the series, and what it will take for Toronto to push forward in this critical playoff battle.

The Maple Leafs have done it-Toronto clinched a hard-fought first-round series over the Ottawa Senators in six games, with Max Pacioretty's late heroics and William Nylander's offensive surge sealing the deal in Game 6. But it wasn't all smooth sailing: after racing out to a 3-0 series lead, the Leafs let Ottawa claw back and force a tense finish, exposing some cracks that need urgent attention as the postseason heats up.In this episode, we break down what went right for the Leafs-stellar goaltending from Anthony Stolarz, clutch scoring from the Core Four, and a power play that finally delivered. We also spotlight the areas for improvement, including the team's tendency to lose leads, a few too many high-danger chances surrendered, and the need for more secondary scoring and physical pushback as the grind intensifies.Looking ahead, we preview the Leafs' second-round matchup with the defending champion Florida Panthers-a team that ousted Toronto in five games just two years ago. The Panthers bring formidable depth, defensive structure, and a relentless forecheck. Toronto's path to victory? Leaning on home-ice advantage, keeping their composure, and demanding more from their top stars, especially Auston Matthews, who needs to break through against Florida's elite defensive lines.Can the Leafs take the next step and finally break through to the Eastern Conference Final? Or will Florida's depth and playoff pedigree prove too much? We've got your full breakdown, keys to the series, and what Toronto must do to keep their Cup dreams alive.This episode is brought to you by Sittler 10 Point Lager-raise a glass to playoff hockey and legendary performances.

The Battle of Ontario is back—and the Toronto Maple Leafs made a statement in Game 1. On this episode, we break down the Leafs' emphatic 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in their first-round playoff clash. Mitch Marner led the charge with a goal and two assists, while William Nylander and John Tavares each tallied a goal and an assist of their own. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz stood tall with 31 saves, and Toronto's power play was firing, converting three times on six opportunities.We'll dive into how the Leafs' star-studded core finally delivered in the postseason, the impact of special teams, and what this win means for the rest of the series. Plus, we revisit the history of the Battle of Ontario and discuss what's next as the series stays in Toronto for Game 2. Don't miss our analysis, player reactions, and what both teams need to adjust moving forward

With just two games left, the Maple Leafs are on the brink of clinching their first full-season division title since 2000. Under new coach Craig Berube, Toronto has tightened up defensively and looks playoff-ready despite some key injuries. Join us as we break down the final regular-season matchups, Berube's impact, and what to expect in the playoffs. Can the Leafs finally make a deep run? Tune in to find out

This week, we dive into the Toronto Maple Leafs' recent performances, highlighting key victories that have kept them in contention for the Atlantic Division title. With John Tavares enjoying a remarkable resurgence, we explore how his leadership is impacting the team's success. As the Leafs continue their push for the division crown, we analyze what their recent wins mean for their playoff chances and how they stack up against their division rivals. Tune in for all the latest insights and playoff predictions!

Join us as we dive into the latest developments with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In this episode, we discuss the team's recent performance and the challenges they face in their quest to win the division. We analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and explore what they need to do to elevate their game and secure a top spot in the standings. From their inconsistent play to their potential playoff run, we cover it all. Tune in for in-depth analysis, expert insights, and lively discussion about the Blue and White. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a hockey enthusiast, this podcast is for you. Let's break down the Maple Leafs' journey and see if they can turn it up a notch to achieve their divisional ambitions.

Join us as we dive into the world of the Toronto Maple Leafs with special guest Kyle Cushman from TheScore. In this episode, we explore the Maple Leafs' recent trade deadline acquisitions and what they mean for the team's future. We also discuss the ongoing health concerns surrounding Auston Matthews and the latest rumors surrounding Mitch Marner's uncertain future with the team. From potential trades to free agency speculation, Kyle shares his insights on all things Maple Leafs. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the NHL's most talked-about team.

In this action-packed episode, we dive into the Toronto Maple Leafs' latest roster shake-up as they place enforcer Ryan Reaves on waivers just hours before the NHL trade deadline.We'll explore the implications of this move and how it frees up valuable cap space for potential trades. Plus, we'll dissect the hottest Leafs trade rumors, including their interest in Brayden Schenn and the steep asking price that comes with him.From Scott Laughton speculation to the Leafs' willingness to part with top prospects, we'll break down all the buzz surrounding Toronto as the deadline approaches. Don't miss this essential guide to the Maple Leafs' trade deadline strategy and what it means for their playoff push.

In this episode, we dive into the Toronto Maple Leafs' exciting win over the Carolina Hurricanes this weekend, where they triumphed 6-3. We highlight the standout performances of Nick Robertson, who scored two goals, and Alex Steeves, who not only netted his first NHL goal but also contributed an assist.Join us as we discuss the implications of these performances for the team's dynamics moving forward, especially with trade deadlines approaching. We'll also touch on the broader themes of secondary scoring and what this means for the Leafs' playoff aspirations. Tune in for insights, analysis, and a look ahead at what's next for the Maple Leafs as they aim for the top of the Atlantic Division!

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. We discuss Auston Matthews' unexpected absence from Team USA's lineup due to upper-body soreness, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the championship game against Canada.We'll analyze how this injury might impact both Team USA's performance and the Toronto Maple Leafs' season. Plus, we explore the Maple Leafs possibility of making a move to acquire Dylan Cozens to bolster their roster. Join us as we break down the tournament's exciting matchups, injury concerns, and potential trade implications in the world of hockey.

Join us as we dive into the Toronto Maple Leafs' thrilling 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames, highlighted by William Nylander's electrifying hat trick. We'll explore how Nylander's performance has catapulted him to the top of the NHL scoring charts. Additionally, we'll discuss Joseph Woll's impressive goaltending, which has been a key factor in the Leafs' recent success. The power play is hitting its stride, but we'll also examine the challenges facing the penalty kill unit. From the highs of Nylander's goals to the areas needing improvement, we cover it all—and so much more. Tune in for in-depth analysis and lively discussion about the Maple Leafs' season so far.

Join us as we dive deep into the Toronto Maple Leafs' potential trade deadline moves, focusing on the possibility of Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly becoming trade chips to make a roster defining move to bolster the team's chances in the playoffs. We'll break down the implications of the recent blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes and explore how this massive offensive boost might impact the Leafs' trade strategy. With the March 7 deadline approaching, we'll analyze the team's critical decisions, potential trade scenarios, and the pressure mounting on GM Brad Treliving to make a game-changing move.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been on a tear since and holding steady at the top of the Atlantic Division. We'll analyze standout performances from players like William Nylander and Auston Matthews, and discuss the team's improved defensive play under Joseph Woll's goaltending. As the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, we'll explore potential blockbuster acquisitions that could elevate the Leafs to Stanley Cup contenders. Could Brad Marchand bring his gritty play and scoring touch to Toronto? Might Ryan O'Reilly make a return to provide veteran leadership? Or will Nazem Kadri come full circle and rejoin his former team? We'll examine the Leafs' cap space, draft pick situation, and weigh the pros and cons of these potential moves as Toronto gears up for what could be their most aggressive deadline in years.

Join us in this episode of "Maple Leafs Momentum" as we dive deep into the thrilling world of the Toronto Maple Leafs! With the team currently sitting atop the Atlantic Division, we celebrate the clutch performances of captain John Tavares, who continues to show his skill on the ice. However, it's not all smooth sailing; we discuss the recent injury to goaltender Anthony Stolarz and what it means for the team's lineup and playoff aspirations. How will this impact their strategy moving forward? We'll analyze key games, highlight standout moments, and share insights on how the Leafs can maintain their momentum in a competitive division. This episode is packed with analysis, excitement, and everything you need to know about your favorite team. Don't miss it!

Join us in this episode of "Maple Leafs Unplugged" as we dive deep into the current challenges facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. We discuss their recent struggles, including a disappointing record of 0-9-1 when scoring two goals or less, highlighting the urgent need for secondary scoring to bolster their offensive output. Additionally, we explore the controversial snubs from the Four Nations tournament, examining why key players like John Tavares, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Morgan Rielly, and Chris Tanev were left off the roster. Tune in for insightful analysis, player performances, and what these decisions mean for the team's future prospects!

In this episode, we welcome Mike Commito, the esteemed author of the Hockey 365 series published by Dundurn Press. Join us as we dive into a lively discussion about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their promising start to the season despite facing numerous injuries.We explore William Nylander's remarkable performance, highlighting his hot start and his status as a leading vote-getter for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game. The conversation also touches on Mitch Marner's contract situation, as he enters the final year of deal, and what that could mean for both him and the team moving forward. Additionally, we'll cover various other topics related to the Maple Leafs' current dynamics and prospects for the season. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to hockey, this episode promises insightful commentary and engaging stories from one of hockey's passionate historians. Tune in for an exciting look at the team's journey this year!

The Toronto Maple Leafs are surging with a stellar 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games, including an impressive 7-1 run without Auston Matthews in the lineup. Join us as we break down the exceptional goaltending led by Joseph Woll, who earned NHL Third Star of the Week honors with a .967 save percentage, a 2-0 record, and a shutout. We'll also highlight the incredible performances of Mitch Marner and William Nylander, as they continue to lead the charge for this resilient Leafs squad. Are we witnessing a new level of depth in this team? Tune in now!

The Toronto Maple Leafs face mounting challenges as Auston Matthews and David Kämpf join the injury list. How will the team fill the void left by key players? Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves' suspension for a controversial hit raises questions about discipline and roster depth. We're breaking down the Leafs' response to these setbacks, the emerging opportunities for depth players, and what lies ahead for the team. Don't miss this action-packed episode of Leafs Under Pressure!

In this episode, we're digging into the hard truths about the Toronto Maple Leafs' performance this season. From William Nylander's impressive consistency to Mitch Marner's struggles under pressure, we're dissecting how each key player is impacting the Leafs' shaky start. We also take a deep dive into Toronto's ongoing power play issues—why can't this talent-packed lineup find the back of the net? And where's the accountability? We explore the team's culture, calling out the need for stronger leadership and grit if they hope to be real contenders. Tune in as we break down what's working, what's not, and what it will take to finally turn this season around.

In this special episode, we sit down with Mike Wilson and Rick Vaive, hosts of the Squid and the Ultimate Leafs Fan Podcast, to dive deep into the Leafs' season so far. We cover everything from Mitch Marner's play and Jake McCabe's role to the challenges and opportunities the Leafs face as they aim for greatness. Mike and Rick share insights from their decades-long connection to Leafs Nation, offering takes and stories that every fan will appreciate. Tune in for a conversation packed with expert analysis, fan insights, and a few surprises along the way.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a hot 3-1-0 start, with Auston Matthews scoring his first goal of the season and William Nylander posting back-to-back multi-point performances. The team has shown strong offensive output and commitment to Coach Berube's system. However, despite the solid start, there are still areas where the Leafs can fine-tune their play, particularly with special teams and overall consistency. We break down what's clicking early and what they need to build on to keep the momentum going this season.

Get ready for the 2024/25 Toronto Maple Leafs season with in-depth analysis, player updates, and expert predictions. Join us as we break down what's ahead for Leafs Nation, from a change behind the bench to roster changes, and everything in between.

In this week's podcast, we have interviews with Maple Leafs' Legends and Alumni Mats Sundin, Curtis Joseph, Gary Roberts, Kris Versteeg and Sportsnet's own Elliotte Friedman! Toronto Maple Leafs, Mats Sundin and Curtis Joseph reminisced about the 2000 All-Star Game and stories from their stellar careers. The evening was hosted by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

In this week's episode we grade the Maple Leafs' first quarter of the season, we discuss the continued themes that have come up at the quarter mark. We look at some possible trads scenarios, and room for improvement. We also offer up grades for the GM, coach and so much more!

In this week's podcast, We look at the trade winds blowing in Toronto, as Nikita Zadorov's name has been linked to the Maple Leafs and what that trade may look like and so much more!

In this week's podcast we continue our conversation on the Maple Leafs issues with scoring, and some flat performances against Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings. For how much longer can this team keep with these issues before alarm bells need to be rung and so much more!

In this week's episode, we look at the hot start by Joseph Woll and the Maple Leafs top four continue to shine. We continue our discussion on some solutions for depth scoring in the Maple Leafs bottom six and so much more!

Mike Commito is a writer from Sudbury, Ontario. He is the Team Historian for the Sudbury Wolves and the author of the Hockey 365 series on Dundurn Press. His latest book is Leafs 365, which features 365 short stories about the Toronto Maple Leafs, one for every day of the year. We discuss the Maple Leafs start, areas of improvement, and his books and so much more!

In our first episode of the season, we look at the Maple Leafs moves from the summer and what their impact might be come playoffs and so much more!

In our final podcast of the 2022/23 season we discuss the loss to the Florida Panthers and what that means for the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise and the direction it may go in this offseason of unrest and some big changes on the horizon and so much more!

The Toronto Maple Leafs exorcise their demons as they defeat their divisional rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning with a historic 2-1 in overtime. We discuss the series MVP, what this series means for round two and so much more!

In this week's podcast we look at the Maple Leafs play in games 3 and 4, the miraculous comebacks, Michael Bunting and so much more!

After a disaster game one against Tampa Bay, the Maple Leafs stars shine in game two. We look at the contrasting between the game, Bunting, Knies and so much more!

In this week's podcast we have Ben Dowsett, Freelance writer for ESPN/538. Mostly NBA and lifelong Maple Leafs fan. We discuss issues with the officiating in the NHL, how the NHL deals with its biggest market and so much more!

In this week's podcast we discuss the dust up between Coach Keefe and Michael Bunting, Auston Matthews finding his game, Morgan Rielly and so much more!

In this week's podcast we look at the post NHL trade deadline storylines, Auston Matthews, Ryan O'Reilly, Morgan Rielly and so much more!

In this week's podcast we discuss the Maple Leafs acquisition of Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari, and how this trade set off an arms race we the league turns to the NHL Trade Deadline and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we look at the Maple Leafs play against the league basement dwellers and the rhetoric that comes with each loss or win and so much more!

NHL facing drops in sponsorship revenue and t.v. ratings. In this podcast we look at the causes and possible solutions to what has been a NHL Season under so much scrutiny, everything from the Provorov controversy, NHL's continued distance with the Hockey Diversity Alliance, the Playoff format and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we discuss Timothy Liljegren's ascension into untradable status, William Nylander on fire, Ilya Samsonov going on a run in net and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we discuss the Maple Leafs goaltending as of late, defensive lapses and the constant issues with the officiating that has become a story across the league and so much more.

In this week's podcast we have Rick Vaive and Mike Wilson of the Squid and Ultimate Leafs Fan Podcast, we discuss everything from the Maple Leafs defence, to goaltending, and so much more!

In the first podcast of 2023, we look at the Maple Leafs play as of late, the recent struggles of Ilya Samsonov and so much more!

In our last podcast of 2022, we look at the Maple Leafs steller defensive play as of late, we tackle the tired media narratives and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we discuss with JD Bunkis his thoughts on the Maple Leafs start to the year, Sheldon Keefe, Mitch Marner and William Nylander's season to date and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we look at the Maple Leafs steller play as we head into December, Mitch Marner's point and so much more!

In this week's podcast we look at the Maple Leafs scorching November, the play of Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov, Alexander Kerfoot's standing on the roster and so much more!

In this week's podcast, we interview Kyle Cushman. We cover everything from the rash of injuries on the Maple Leafs rosters, the prospect pool and which prospects Kyle is tracking that could fill a role in the upcoming years and so much more!

In this week's podcast, We talk about why the Leafs struggle against fast teams, the line combinations / defence pairings, goalie carousel, and so much more!

In this week's episode of the podcast, we look at the issues facing the Maple Leafs after a very unsuccessful West Coast trip, Who is to blame for the early results and where the solutions are to get the team back on track and so much more!