Leafs Talk

The Toronto Maple Leafs win their second straight, taking down the New York Rangers 4-3 at home. JD Bunkis and Frank 'Hockey Illuminati' Crupi break down the game and discuss the Leafs' fading chase for a bottom-five finish, the vibes in the arena and the pathways to being competitive next season. Then, they get into Joseph Woll's effort, whether the Leafs should trade a goalie in the offseason, John Tavares' value, and which player — between Max Domi, Mattias Maccelli and Nick Robertson — the team should bring back in 2026-27. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs take down the Bruins 4-2 in Boston. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee and special guest host Jonny Gallant, bass player for Billy Talent, break down the game and discuss how the win impacts the Leafs' tank, Matthew Knies showing off his power, Easton Cowan jumping in against Nikita Zadorov after a dirty hit on John Tavares, Anthony Stolarz's strong play after his injury scare, and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators in the penultimate Battle of Ontario of the 2025-26 season. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the state of the rivalry, Easton Cowan and John Tavares building chemistry, the decision to leave Michael Pezzetta out of the lineup, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's effort level, and William Nylander stinging Anthony Stolarz in warm-ups. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs grab another point as they fall 4-3 to the Carolina Hurricanes at home. Sam McKee and Justin Cuthbert break down the game and discuss William Nylander's late equaliser hurting the tank, Craig Berube's coaching decisions, Bo Groulx's 2026-27 season outlook and John Tavares ending his even-strength scoring slump. Later, they discuss Joseph Woll's increased workload and whether the Leafs are testing him for an increased role next season or showcasing him for a trade in the offseason. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 3-1 to the New York Islanders at home. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss William Nylander's disengaged game, Craig Berube's ice times, Morgan Rielly extending the team's fight streak to five games, and Cal Ritchie stealing the spotlight from Matthew Schaefer as the two Toronto-born players had their first NHL games in their hometown. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs take down the Wild, winning 4-2 in Minnesota on the second night of a back-to-back. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the rise in effort levels since Auston Matthews' injury, Bo Groulx's two-goal night and future with the team, the goalie tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz hurting the tank, and Jake McCabe continuing to sacrifice the body despite the team's spot in the standings. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs push the Sabres to a shootout, but fall 3-2 in Buffalo. Sam McKee and guest host Brent Gunning break down the game and discuss a more visible physical edge from the Leafs after Radko Gudas' dirty hit on Auston Matthews went unanswered. Then, they share their concerns for the tank, discuss the impacts of recent call-ups Bo Groulx and Michael Pezzetta, and weigh in on Joseph Woll's stellar performance. Finally, they react to Gudas' suspension and discuss how his hit and the Leafs' lack of response will factor into Matthews' future as a Leaf. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Anaheim Ducks 6-4 to snap their eight-game losing streak. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the win and discuss Radko Gudas' greasy knee-on-knee hit that injured Auston Matthews, the lack of immediate response, and the delayed response that followed in one of the Leafs' stronger third periods all season. Then, they get into Easton Cowan's fight, Bo Groulx's first goal as a Leaf, and what the win means for the Leafs' tank. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' slide continues in Montreal, as they fall 3-1 to the Canadiens. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the Leafs' standing in their pursuit of a bottom-five finish, the team playing with pride after a rough opening period, and William Nylander leading by example. Then, they chat about Bo Groulx's impactful Leafs debut, Jake McCabe standing up for Easton Cowan, and their thoughts on a rumoured deal between the Leafs and Habs for Matthew Knies before the trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose their seventh straight as they fall 5-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game before looking back on the Leafs' deadline moves. They discuss the returns on Scott Laughton, Nic Roy and Bobby McMann trades, Brad Treliving's future in Toronto, why Craig Berube should stay behind the bench for the rest of the regular season, and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose their sixth straight as they fall 6-2 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss whether these types of results are good because of the tank or bad because of potential lasting impacts on team culture. Then, they discuss Auston Matthews' scoring slump and Easton Cowan getting a larger opportunity up the lineup. Finally, they weigh in on the Nic Roy trade and share expectations for Friday's trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a fifth straight game as they fall 4-3 to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss a new, tanking feel for the team as they sit Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for roster management purposes. Then, they discuss Auston Matthews' recent scoring slump, Anthony Stolarz standing on his head, and what the Leafs should expect in a Nic Roy trade. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a fourth straight game out of the Olympic break, falling 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and take a scouting perspective of players the Leafs may be showcasing ahead of the trade deadline. They discuss the play of Nic Roy, Scott Laughton, Brandon Carlo, and Bobby McMann, then chat about the Flyers' skill in the shootout, Auston Matthews' search for a slump-breaker, and poor discipline from Easton Cowan. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drop their sixth straight on home ice, losing 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the lifeless stretch after the Leafs opened the scoring, Craig Berube's time running out, the team needing more from Matthew Knies, and Auston Matthews' reception for his gold medal. Later, they ask whether the Leafs are closer to a rebuild than a retool, and if Berube will be behind the bench on Monday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs get swept in their back-to-back in the Sunshine State, as they fall 5-1 to the Florida Panthers. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee start with a broader view of the team, how this loss reinforces the case for selling at the deadline, and their levels of trust in Brad Treliving to get it done. Then, they break down the game and discuss the brutal first period, another slow one for Auston Matthews as he works back to speed, William Nylander's costly giveaway, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs return from the NHL's Olympic break with a 4-2 loss to the Lightning in Tampa Bay. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss why the Leafs must be sellers at the trade deadline and how the Lightning have outpaced Toronto in player development. Then, they dive deeper into the game and discuss Auston Matthews' play after being rushed back from D.C., Matthew Knies regaining some pace, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson continuing to elevate his trade value. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee talk about the positive and negative spins from Canada's heartbreaking loss to the United States. JD and Sam split their blame pie, discuss how they think Connor McDavid's perception if shifting, and debate if Auston Matthews, the winner, is a potential conern for Maple Leafs fans.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee chat following Canada's victory over Czechia, thanks to Mitch Marner's overtime goal.   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down Team Canada's final two preliminary games over the weekend, and the biggest storylines heading into the knockout round. The guys discuss Macklin Celebrini's breakout tournament at 19 years old, Tom Wilson dropping the gloves against France, the goalie conversation between Jordan Binnington and Logan Thompson, and the decision to be made about who should come out of the lineup for Brad Marchand in the Quarterfinal.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee banter about what makes Olympic hockey so special and the biggest winners from Canada's first men's game; how Doug Armstrong's selection of Tom Wilson impacts the team, Macklin Celebrini's impressive debut, Mitch Marner credit, and Jordan Binnington's statement. JD and Sam's biggest loser: Maple Leafs fans.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the NHL's Olympic break on a three-game win streak after taking down the Oilers 5-2 in Edmonton. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss what this streak means for the Leafs' direction as they approach the deadline, a much-needed stellar outing for Anthony Stolarz, the team's play without Morgan Rielly in the lineup, Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid's reserved play ahead of the Olympics, and Bobby McMann's Oilers audition.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs make it back-to-back wins on their Western Conference road trip as they take down the Flames 4-2 in Calgary. JD Bunkis and Frank Crupi break down the game and discuss William Nylander's dominant performance, Joseph Woll building momentum before the break, what this winning stretch means for the Leafs as they get closer to the trade deadline, and why now is the perfect time to move Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Later, they share their levels of hope with one game to go before the Olympic break.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs snap their six-game losing skid with a 3-2 shootout win over the Canucks in Vancouver. Sam McKee and Anthony Petrielli break down the game and discuss the Canucks' play after 'bottoming out' and whether the Leafs are ready to go down that route. Then, they discuss the Leafs' apparent boost after Morgan Rielly's exit, the decision to start Marshall Rifai over Simon Benoit, a bounce-back performance for Joseph Woll, Auston Matthews' shootout redemption after a missed penalty shot in OT, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 5-2 to the Kraken in Seattle to kick off their road trip. Sam McKee and Ailish Forfar break down the game and discuss what comes next for Brad Treliving and the Leafs as they head into the Olympic break, Anthony Stolarz still shaking off rust, effort level becoming a larger issue and why Craig Berube should start prioritising player development when it comes to ice times.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 7-4 to the Buffalo Sabres as they fall further from the playoff picture. Sam McKee and Justin Bourne break down the game and discuss why the loss may be a blessing in disguise, why now is the time for the Leafs to sell, and the team's lack of emotion in a crucial game on Darryl Sittler night. Then, they get into the talent discrepancy between the two teams' defence corps, Auston Matthews' future, and whether the Leafs can follow the Bruins' re-tool blueprint.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 4-1 to the Colorado Avalanche, stretching the losing streak to four games. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss another uninspired start, how this recent stretch might define the Leafs' season, a step back for Joseph Woll, the power play falling back on bad habits, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose 6-3 to the Vegas Golden Knights at home as they get swept in the season series. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the multiple levels of embarrassment in the second straight loss against Mitch Marner. They get into the flat start, a rough first frame for Auston Matthews, the decision to start Anthony Stolarz fresh off injury, Marner's reception, Scott Laughton's ice time and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 2-1 in overtime to the Red Wings at home as Detroit completes the season series sweep. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the Leafs' lack of urgency late in a tied game, Easton Cowan's bad look in overtime, Scott Laughton's fumbled penalty shot and Joseph Woll's bounce-back game. Then, they take a bigger picture look at the importance of the Leafs' pre-Olympic break stretch, and share their thoughts on Patrick Kane's U.S.-born record chase.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' home win streak ends at seven games as they fall 6-3 to the Minnesota Wild. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the difference between a playoff defence corps and a contending defence corps, Leafs like John Tavares and Matthew Knies limping to the Olympic break, Jake McCabe's recent step back, Joseph Woll's shaky performance and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finish off their Western Conference road trip with a 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Oliver Ekman-Larsson's unsung impact, what's changed for Auston Matthews, the power play starting to revert to old habits, and another tough look for Morgan Rielly. Then, they get into Nicolas Robertson's maturity, Scott Laughton's intensity, and Max Domi's overtime heroics.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 6-5 in overtime to Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Marner's play in front of a hostile home crowd, Auston Matthews' up-and-down game and the Leafs' multiple blown leads, including a last-second equaliser. Then, they get into John Tavares and Morgan Rielly starting to run out of gas on the road trip, and Easton Cowan's costly penalty. Finally, they reflect on Marner's Leafs departure and project how he will be received in next week's rematch in Toronto.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fall 6-1 to the Utah Mammoth, ending their point streak at 10 games. Sam McKee and Ailish Forfar break down the game and discuss the slow start off a back-to-back, a rough night for Dennis Hildeby, a step back for Morgan Rielly, Auston Matthews staying dangerous, and the case for Scott Laughton to take some shifts from John Tavares on the second line.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs down the Colorado Avalanche in overtime, ending the Avs' 17-game win streak at home and extending the Leafs' point streak to 10 games. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the significance of the win with a challenging January stretch ahead. Then, they get into Joseph Woll's stellar play, Bobby McMann balling out in his contract year, Matias Maccelli's playmaking, Brandon Carlo starting to gain rhythm, Nicolas Robertson's injury and Auston Matthews rolling back into Hart form.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs dominate the Vancouver Canucks, winning 5-0 at home. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss William Nylander's three-point game in his return to the lineup, the third line staying in rhythm, Matias Maccelli swapping in for John Tavares on the top power play unit, Brandon Carlo's turnaround, Max Domi's scrap, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs take down the Flyers in Philadelphia, winning 2-1 in overtime. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Scott Laughton's shorthanded equaliser, his passion, Dennis Hildeby making a case for an evenly split goalie tandem, Easton Cowan's overtime heroics, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs cruise past the Florida Panthers, winning 4-1 at home to extend their point streak to seven games. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee discuss the Leafs matching the Panthers' physical presence, a win for Brad Treliving's 'DNA' group, Matthew Knies continuing his streak of hot play against Florida teams, Auston Matthews' threatening look, a dangerous hit on Scott Laughton, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Auston Matthews scored career goals No. 420 and 421 to break Mats Sundin's franchise record, but the Toronto Maple Leafs fell 4-3 to the New York Islanders in overtime. Back from their holiday break, JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Matthews' return to form, his chemistry with new linemates Bobby McMann and Max Domi, Morgan Rielly's rough night, and Matthew Schaefer's budding super-stardom.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee catch up on Auston Matthews' recent uptick in production, the improved power play, increased pressure on Craig Berube and William Nylander, Chris Tanev's health and contract, the passion factor instilled in the Leafs' fan base, Troy Stecher's prized popularity, and Team Canada's Olympic hockey roster. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a third straight game to close out their road trip, falling 5-1 against the Dallas Stars. In the final Leafs Talk ahead of a Holiday break, Sam McKee and Justin Cuthbert break down the game and discuss Auston Matthews and William Nylander's unmotivated play in December, whether that factors into Craig Berube's future behind the bench, why Matias Maccelli deserves a longer look in the lineup, and Scott Laughton earning a bigger role.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drop a second straight game, losing 5-3 to the Predators in Nashville. Sam McKee and Brent Gunning break down the game and discuss the failure of the Leafs' leadership after being called out by the coach, Craig Berube's future behind the bench, the mixed-up power play units, and Troy Stecher and Jake McCabe proving to be a long-term fit as the shut-down pair.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs get shut out 4-0 by the Washington Capitals. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss whether the Leafs' stars are still playing for their coach, the power play hitting a new low on an 0-5 night, Easton Cowan being tasked with sparking Auston Matthews and William Nylander, and Dennis Hildeby battling despite the loss.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a sleepy first forty minutes, scoring back-to-back goals in the third period to secure a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at home. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the slow start, how the stars responded to Craig Berube's postgame message after Saturday's loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews answering the crowd's boos with a game-tying goal, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson's offensive impact from the blue line.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.