Leafs Talk

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.

JD Bunkis is joined by Maple Leafs defensemen Troy Stecher, to chat about his newfound success with the Leafs, his style and motivation on the ice, as well as his relationships with Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe.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 6-3 to the Edmonton Oilers on Hockey Night in Canada. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the loss and discuss Auston Matthews' decline, William Nylander getting benched, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's down game despite a goal, and Connor McDavid's dominant play.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 surrendered a two-goal lead, falling 3-2 in overtime to the San Jose Sharks at home. JD Bunkis and Jackie Redmond break down the game and discuss another stellar outing for Dennis Hildeby, first impressions of a William Nylander-led third line, Auston Matthews snapping the power play's slump and Oliver Ekman-Larsson's injury.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 pitch a shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning, closing out with a 2-0 win at home. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the playoff feel, Dennis Hildeby's first career shutout, Auston Matthews' encouraging performance, Bobby McMann's game misconduct, 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 to the Montreal Canadiens in a shootout in their return to ScotiaBank Arena. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the Leafs' power play running out of possible answers, the bottom six creating an identity behind Nicolas Roy, Scott Laughton and Dakota Joshua, Dennis Hildeby's statement game in goal, 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 close out their road trip with a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Joseph Woll's second-period injury, Troy Stecher spearheading a sharper defensive structure, Matthew Knies' dominant play on both ends 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 win 4-1 over the Florida Panthers while on the road. JD Bunkis & Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the Leafs' most complete effort of the season, Troy Stecher outperforming all expectations, and offensive contributions from Dakota Joshua and Scott Laughton.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 win 7-2 on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sam McKee & Brent Gunning break down the game and discuss Dakota Joshua finding the scoresheet while tallying seven hits, a busy -- yet impressive -- night for Dennis Hildeby, and Easton Cowan fitting in alongside William Nylander.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 4-2 to the Washington Capitals in D.C. JD Bunkis & Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Morgan Rielly's up and down night, another solid performance from Joseph Woll, and whether Craig Berube is inching closer to the hot seat.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 squeak out a 2-1 win in Columbus, beating the Blue Jackets in overtime. JD Bunkis and Justin Bourne break down the game and discuss Joseph Woll's shut-down performance, Easton Cowan's electrifying game-tying goal, Max Domi's fit on the top line and Auston Matthews' play in his return from injury. Then, they discuss the good, bad and ugly of William Nylander before JD shares some thoughts on the Blue Jays signing Dylan Cease.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 Montreal Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the talent disparity between the two teams, the Leafs' second-period collapse, a lack of passion at the top of the lineup, and why expectations for Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies' return are rising.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 3-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss Max Domi's egregious turnover in overtime, Joseph Woll back in top form despite a heavy workload, Easton Cowan finding a fit on the top line, 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 win 3-2 in overtime over the St. Louis Blues to end a five-game losing streak. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss whether a win against a bottom-ranked team can spark a turnaround, John Tavares' effort on the game-winning goal, and Joseph Woll's stellar play in net. Then, they debate whether William Nylander can change his defensive zone ways and if Craig Berube's call-outs are wearing him down. Finally, they review Jacob Quillan and Troy Stecher filling in nicely as the Leafs went without seven regular starters.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 in a fifth straight game, losing 3-2 to the Blackhawks in Chicago. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the team's persistent issues in their own zone, Easton Cowan's heavy usage, Joseph Woll's return to the ice, Nick Robertson finding his game, and Connor Bedard pushing for Team Canada.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.