Podcasts about leafs nation

Nick Alberga is joined by newly appointed Hamilton Hammers head coach Jay McKee. First, McKee discusses his decision to leave the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs for the AHL, why the opportunity in Hamilton was too good to pass up, and how difficult it was to move on from Brantford. He also talks about his long-term goal of coaching in the NHL and the differences between coaching junior players and professionals.Additionally, McKee shares his thoughts on Leafs prospect Ben Danford, whom he coached in Brantford. He raves about Danford's character, hockey IQ, and defensive instincts, projecting him as a future shutdown defenseman capable of matching up against the NHL's best players. McKee compares Danford's game to Chris Tanev and Gustav Forsling, while admitting the young blueliner reminds him of himself as a player. He also weighs in on how close Danford is to making the jump to the NHL.Finally, McKee discusses Toronto's ongoing coaching search and the growing trend of NHL teams looking to the minor leagues for coaching talent, including the possibility of Joe Pavelski entering the mix.

Nick Alberga catches up with Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden ahead of the Calder Cup Final. Gruden breaks down the Marlies' playoff run, the team's resilient identity, and the passionate fan support that's helped fuel their success. He also previews the matchup with the Chicago Wolves, explaining why their style closely mirrors that of their NHL affiliate, the Carolina Hurricanes.Plus, Gruden discusses Easton Cowan's impressive postseason, Jacob Quillan's status, Artur Akhtyamov's stellar play between the pipes, and Ben Danford's rapid development since joining the Marlies. To wrap things up, Gruden addresses Toronto's ongoing coaching search, his NHL aspirations, and why he believes he's ready for the next step whenever that opportunity comes.

Nick Alberga recaps Carolina's 4-2 win over Vegas in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Hurricanes moved one victory away from capturing the Stanley Cup. After that, Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden joins the show to preview the Calder Cup Final against the Chicago Wolves and discuss what's fuelled his team's impressive playoff run.Additionally, newly appointed Hamilton Hammers head coach Jay McKee stops by to discuss his move from the OHL to the AHL, his NHL coaching aspirations, and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford's development and NHL potential.Also, Nick weighs in on Joe Pavelski publicly confirming his involvement in the Leafs' coaching search and discusses whether Darnell Nurse, who reportedly wants out of Edmonton, could be a fit in Toronto.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by Toronto Sun Leafs reporter Terry Koshan to break down the latest surrounding Toronto's ongoing coaching search. Koshan weighs in on the Joe Pavelski speculation, explaining why the idea may not be as far-fetched as it first seemed, while sharing insights from conversations with Pete DeBoer and Steve Spott about Pavelski's coach-like approach to the game.They also discuss where the Leafs could ultimately go with the search, Bruce Cassidy's uncertain availability, and why Koshan remains skeptical that Vegas will grant permission for teams to speak with him. Plus, he shares his thoughts on the Mike Babcock-to-Edmonton rumours and why he doesn't understand the fit.The conversation then shifts to the Toronto Marlies' run to the Calder Cup Final. Koshan weighs in on whether John Gruden deserves serious consideration for the Leafs job, while highlighting the outstanding play of Artur Akhtyamov as a major reason for the team's success. He also assesses the development of Easton Cowan and Ben Danford during the playoff run before wrapping up with his thoughts on Toronto's goaltending situation and what the Leafs should do in net this summer.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta tee up a pivotal Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final as the series shifts back to Raleigh with everything on the line. Who has the edge, and what are the biggest storylines to watch as the Hurricanes and Golden Knights battle in a best-of-three?Plus, Pagnotta shares the latest on the Maple Leafs' ongoing coaching search. With several candidates still believed to be in the mix, could former Vegas bench boss Bruce Cassidy emerge as a legitimate option for Toronto? A recent report suggests Cassidy is open to the idea of coaching the Maple Leafs, adding another intriguing wrinkle to a search that continues to evolve. The guys break down what they're hearing and where things stand as the Leafs look for their next head coach.Also, Terry Koshan, Leafs reporter for the Toronto Sun, drops by, too

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down Carolina's pivotal 5-3 win over Vegas in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to tie the series up a two games a piece.From there, the conversation shifts to the Maple Leafs' ongoing coaching search. Could Joe Pavelski be a legitimate candidate despite his limited coaching experience? The boys debate the merits of bringing in one of the NHL's most respected former players and what Toronto should be looking for in its next bench boss.Later, TSN Hockey Analyst and former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado stops by to share his thoughts on the coaching search, the Pavelski buzz, the possibility of Mike Babcock landing in Edmonton, and the direction of the Leafs under John Chayka.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by TSN Hockey Analyst and former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado to break down the latest in Toronto's coaching search. Corrado weighs in on the intriguing possibility of Joe Pavelski behind the Leafs bench, explaining why recently retired players can bring a fresh perspective to coaching and why the Martin St. Louis model in Montreal is worth examining. He also discusses what Toronto's checklist should be in finding its next head coach, the value of adding an experienced consultant to support a younger hire, and why the organization should be searching for its own version of Spencer Carbery.Later, Corrado shares his thoughts on the growing speculation surrounding Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers. Having played under Babcock in Toronto, he discusses the veteran coach's strengths, shortcomings, and why success behind the bench requires much more than X's and O's.Finally, the conversation shifts to the NHL Draft as Corrado explains why he believes the Leafs will select Gavin McKenna first overall. He breaks down what makes the superstar prospect special and why some players simply "get it" at an elite level.

Fresh off leading the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup championship, Jussi Ahokas joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to reflect on the journey to the top. He discussed the grind of the CHL season, what it takes to win at the highest level, and how his Rangers squad was able to capture junior hockey's ultimate prize.Having coached championship teams at multiple levels, Ahokas shared the common traits every winning team possesses regardless of age group or league. He emphasized the importance of identity, buy-in, chemistry, and culture, while also diving into player development and the value of teaching the small details. Preparation, patience, and steady growth were recurring themes throughout the conversation.The discussion also shifted to the NHL Draft, where Ahokas weighed in on projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna and Toronto's opportunity to select first overall later this month. He praised McKenna's elite vision and skill set, drawing comparisons to his experience coaching Juraj Slafkovský prior to being selected first overall by Montreal in 2022.Additionally, Ahokas revealed that the Maple Leafs have not contacted him regarding their head coaching vacancy. He opened up about his own career aspirations, admitting that coaching in the NHL remains a long-term goal. With one year remaining on his contract in Kitchener, Ahokas discussed what could be next, including the possibility of pursuing opportunities in the American Hockey League as either a head coach or assistant.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill preview a pivotal Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final as Vegas looks to take a commanding series lead over Carolina.The guys also break down the Calder Cup Final matchup, now officially set after Chicago's Game 7 victory over Colorado in the Western Conference Final. It's Marlies vs. Wolves for the AHL championship, and they discuss what Toronto must do to finish off its impressive postseason run.Meanwhile, the NHL coaching carousel continues to spin. Peter Laviolette is headed to Los Angeles, while reports suggest the Edmonton Oilers have interest in the polarizing Mike Babcock. So, where does that leave the Maple Leafs? The boys examine who's still in the mix and what the latest developments could mean for John Chayka and company.Plus, fresh off guiding the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup championship, head coach Jussi Ahokas stops by to discuss the title run, player development, and his coaching future.

Nick Alberga & Bruce Boudreau weigh in on the passing of legendary Maple Leafs executive and Hockey Hall of Famer Cliff Fletcher, reflecting on his impact on the organization and the game of hockey.After that, they recap an absolutely wild Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in double overtime to take a 2-1 series lead. Mitch Marner stole the show with a hat trick and an assist, further cementing himself as the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy through three games.The boys also break down the Toronto Marlies' thrilling run to the Calder Cup Final after punching their ticket with a series-clinching victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they discuss the newest developments in the Maple Leafs' coaching search and sift through the biggest takeaways, rumours, and storylines coming out of the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger for a jam-packed interview.To kick things off, Pronger weighs in on Dylan Larkin's reported desire to leave Detroit and discusses potential landing spots for the 29-year-old star centre. While he sees a fit in Toronto, Montreal, and several other markets, Pronger stresses that acquiring a player of Larkin's calibre would come at a significant cost—especially in a weak free-agent class.From there, Pronger reflects on his experience interviewing for the Maple Leafs' President role and shares his thoughts on the direction of the organization under John Chayka. He believes winning the draft lottery was a massive boost and likes several of the moves the Leafs have made since Chayka took over.The conversation then shifts to David Pagnotta's report that Toronto and Montreal had a Matthew Knies trade completed at the deadline before complications prevented it from being finalized. Pronger isn't convinced the Leafs were getting enough value in the reported package and cautions against moving a player like Knies unless the organization is committing to a full-scale rebuild. In his view, if you're trading Knies, you need proven NHL talent coming back—not just futures.Pronger also discusses Auston Matthews' influence on the franchise moving forward, suggesting the Leafs likely have two separate long-term plans: one with Matthews and one without him. Plus, he weighs in on what Toronto should do with the No. 1 overall pick, the ongoing coaching search, and whether he believes the Leafs can get back into the Stanley Cup Playoff picture next season.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap Carolina's thrilling 4-3 overtime win over Vegas in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, as the Hurricanes tied the series at one game apiece. They also preview a pivotal Game 5 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Toronto Marlies continue their battle with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.On the Leafs front, the boys debate whether Toronto should make a play for Dylan Larkin after reports surfaced that the 29-year-old All-Star centre has requested a trade out of Detroit. Plus, David Pagnotta dropped a bombshell on Thursday afternoon, revealing that the Maple Leafs had a trade framework in place with Montreal prior to the deadline involving Matthew Knies. The proposed package reportedly included Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and two first-round picks before the deal ultimately fell apart due to "complications." Nick and Rosie break down the stunning revelation and discuss what it could have meant for the future of the franchise.They also sift through all the latest news and notes from the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo, including what they're hearing as the Leafs prepare to make the first overall selection later this month.Meantime, Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger stops by to weigh in on the Stanley Cup Final, Toronto's coaching search, the Leafs' offseason outlook, and all the chaos surrounding the organization.

Jackie Redmond joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation centered around the Maple Leafs and a pivotal offseason ahead.First, she weighed in on Toronto's ongoing coaching search. Interestingly, Redmond identified Patrick Roy as one of the more intriguing candidates, suggesting he's a rare personality who could walk into the Toronto market completely unfazed by the pressure—and perhaps even thrive in it.From there, she discussed what the Leafs could be looking for in their next head coach. As for new GM John Chayka, Redmond admitted she finds him difficult to get a read on, noting that he tends to be very corporate in his public messaging.Later, she offered a Leafs mood check. Thanks in large part to Toronto winning the draft lottery, she's feeling much more optimistic about the organization's direction. Unsurprisingly, Redmond made it clear she'd select Gavin McKenna first overall without hesitation.The conversation also touched on Mitch Marner's "dark times" comment during Stanley Cup Final media day. Redmond didn't hold back, venting about what she views as the hockey world's continued obsession with and criticism of Toronto. At what point, she wondered, are people satisfied?Plus, Redmond weighs in on Morgan Rielly's future, the challenges awaiting the Leafs this summer, and much more.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill tee up Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Vegas Golden Knights look to build on their thrilling 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the series opener. They also react to Jon Cooper capturing the first Jack Adams Award of his coaching career.Back in Toronto, the boys recap a tough 4-3 loss for the Marlies in Game 4 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins tied the series at two games apiece. They break down what went wrong and what Toronto must do to regain control heading into the pivotal Game 5.They also sift through the latest from the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo as well as developments in the Maple Leafs' coaching search. Reports suggest Toronto has conducted as many as 15 Zoom interviews to this point, while TSN's Darren Dreger has linked both Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette to the current stage of the process. Nick and Rosie share their thoughts on the search, the candidates, and why the Leafs continue to take their time.Plus, NHL on TNT host Jackie Redmond stops by to discuss the coaching search, the Leafs winning the draft lottery, the direction of the franchise, and much more.

Long-time NHL head coach Gerard Gallant joined Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to discuss his coaching future and the Leafs' vacancy.Firstly, Gallant provided an update on his health after stepping away from his coaching position in Shanghai due to health reasons back in January. He revealed he's feeling 100 percent and eager to get back behind an NHL bench. Gallant also reflected on his time in the KHL, what he learned during his break from the NHL, and his desire to return to coaching.The conversation then shifted to Vegas' Game 1 victory over Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final before Gallant candidly discussed his frustration with the lack of NHL interest despite his lengthy résumé and track record of success.Naturally, the Leafs' coaching opening came up. Gallant admitted he was somewhat surprised by Craig Berube's dismissal, called Toronto one of the most desirable jobs in hockey, and acknowledged his interest in the position. He also shared his thoughts on the Leafs' roster, their defensive shortcomings, and his overall coaching philosophy.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta break down an entertaining Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final as Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights outlasted Frederik Andersen and the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 to take a 1-0 series lead.The guys also dissect all the fallout from Gary Bettman's annual State of the Union address, including the NHL's revamped All-Star Weekend format and other key league-wide developments.Meantime, Pagnotta provides the latest on Toronto's coaching search, including Darren Dreger's report that Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette are part of the current stage of the interview process.Plus, veteran NHL bench boss Gerard Gallant stops by to discuss the Leafs' head coaching vacancy, what it would mean to coach in Toronto, the challenges facing the franchise, and much more.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down all the Leafs-related chatter that emerged from Stanley Cup Final media day, including comments from Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Kelly McCrimmon, and others. They also react to locker cleanout day in Montreal, where the Leafs somehow found themselves part of the conversation once again.Meantime, the boys dissect the Toronto Marlies' 5-3 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Game 3 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final. Despite the setback, Toronto still holds a 2-1 series lead heading into a pivotal Game 4.Plus, Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky stops by to discuss projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, his development, what makes him special on and off the ice, and what the Maple Leafs could be getting if they select him later this month. Gadowsky also weighs in on the changing landscape of college hockey and the growing influence of NIL and the transfer portal.

Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to talk all things Gavin McKenna.Fresh off the Maple Leafs winning the NHL Draft Lottery, Gadowsky shared his immediate reaction and explained why he believes Toronto would be the perfect fit for the projected first overall pick. He detailed the recruitment process that ultimately brought McKenna to Penn State and discussed the star forward's impressive freshman campaign, including a dominant second half after a relatively slow start.Gadowsky also touched on McKenna's unique ability to learn and adapt, his natural instincts on the ice, and what makes him so effective when he's playing at his best. Furthermore, he raved about McKenna's coachability, describing him as respectful, humble, easygoing, and eager to improve.Unsurprisingly, Gadowsky made it clear that he believes the Leafs should select McKenna first overall. To wrap things up, he discussed the ever-changing landscape of college hockey, the transfer portal, and the challenges of building and sustaining a successful program in today's game.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill weigh in on the Stanley Cup Final matchup after Carolina steamrolled Montreal 6-1 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final to punch its ticket to the championship round. The boys also preview Game 3 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Toronto Marlies look to grab a commanding 3-0 series lead over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.Meanwhile, there was no shortage of Maple Leafs news over the weekend. First, they react to the revelation that David Carle has informed Toronto he's not interested in the club's head coaching vacancy. What does it mean for the Leafs' coaching search, and where do they go from here?Additionally, they discuss the Leafs' reported interest in Minnesota's Judd Brackett for an assistant general manager position and what his addition could mean for the organization's future. Plus, they debate Morgan Rielly's status moving forward amid reports that both sides could work toward a potential trade this offseason.On top of that, they break down the latest on Max Domi after Steve Simmons provided further clarity on the surgery complications that have left the Leafs forward sidelined indefinitely.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta react to Carolina's dominant 4-0 Game 4 win over Montreal as the Hurricanes grabbed a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they dive into the Toronto Marlies' impressive 4-2 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Game 1 of the Calder Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final.Also, Pagnotta shares the latest surrounding the Maple Leafs' ongoing coaching search, including where things stand with some of the top candidates currently on Toronto's radar.Meantime, Daily Faceoff Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis stops by to discuss his freshly updated top 100 NHL Draft rankings, the intrigue surrounding the first overall pick, and what he believes the Maple Leafs should do with it.

Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Housley joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to discuss his coaching future, what he's been up to since parting ways with the New York Rangers, and his brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs.To start, Housley touched on the added intrigue surrounding Toronto's head coaching vacancy now that the organization holds the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. From there, he discussed the importance of defense and puck movement in today's NHL, while outlining his overall coaching philosophy and what he's looking for in his next opportunity.Additionally, Housley broke down his approach to running a power play — a particularly relevant topic given Toronto's long-standing inconsistency with the man advantage. He also reflected on his experience playing in Toronto, the intense media spotlight that comes with wearing the Maple Leaf, and how players handle that pressure.Finally, Housley shared his thoughts on Jake McCabe, whom he's coached before."Just courage. The way he plays the game..."

Daily Faceoff Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis joined Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to break down his latest top 100 NHL Draft rankings and everything surrounding the upcoming draft. The conversation started with Ivar Stenberg's impressive showing at the World Championship and what it's done for his stock. That said, Ellis still has Gavin McKenna atop his board and believes the Leafs should select him first overall. He explained what makes McKenna such a special talent, what Toronto fans could expect from him in his rookie season, and weighed the pros and cons of McKenna versus Stenberg.Additionally, Ellis touched on Leafs prospect Tinus Luc Koblar, who's having a strong World Championship representing Norway. The conversation then shifted to the Toronto Marlies' playoff run, where Ellis praised the play of Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. He also discussed the crease, highlighting Artur Akhtyamov's stellar postseason and why he believes Dennis Hildeby should be with the Leafs next season. In fact, Ellis said there's a world where Hildeby and Akhtyamov eventually become Toronto's NHL goalie tandem.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta react to Carolina's dominant 4-0 Game 4 win over Montreal as the Hurricanes grabbed a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they dive into the Toronto Marlies' impressive 4-2 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Game 1 of the Calder Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final. Also, Pagnotta shares the latest surrounding the Maple Leafs' ongoing coaching search, including where things stand with some of the top candidates currently on Toronto's radar.Meantime, Daily Faceoff Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis stops by to discuss his freshly updated top 100 NHL Draft rankings, the intrigue surrounding the first overall pick, and what he believes the Maple Leafs should do with it.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down a packed episode centered around Mitch Marner's immediate impact in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas edged the Colorado Avalanche 2–1 in Game 4 to complete a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Final and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.The boys also react to the Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of Game 3, dig into Ivar Stenberg's strong performance at the World Championship, and continue to track the latest on the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching search — including ongoing buzz around David Carle. They also discuss whether Jared Bednar is still safe in Colorado moving forward. Plus, pending UFA Troy Stecher stops by to preview free agency and a possible return to Toronto ahead of July 1.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by pending UFA defenceman Troy Stecher. To start, Stecher discusses his trademark compete level and what he wanted to bring to the Maple Leafs after being claimed off waivers from Edmonton back in November. From there, he reflects on his overall experience in Toronto, calling it a “world class organization,” while admitting there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding the team's offseason changes. Most notably, Stecher made it clear he'd love to return, saying: “I hope I'm back, I really enjoyed being a Leaf.”Additionally, Stecher weighs in on the pressure and media spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto, his reaction to Craig Berube's firing, and why he believes the responsibility ultimately falls on the players. He also shares the team's reaction to winning the draft lottery and touches on the latest surrounding Max Domi.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta break down Carolina's 3-2 overtime win over Montreal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final as the Hurricanes grabbed a 2-1 series lead. Additionally, they preview Game 4 of the Western Conference Final in Vegas, where the Golden Knights will look to complete the sweep of Colorado and punch their ticket to the third Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.Meantime, Pagnotta shares the latest surrounding the mysterious Max Domi injury situation along with fresh insight into Toronto's ongoing coaching search.Also, former Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting stops by ahead of NHL free agency to discuss his future, his time in Toronto, and much more.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by former Maple Leaf Michael Bunting, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Scarborough native discusses the upcoming free agent market, the NHL salary cap boom, and what he's hearing ahead of a massive summer around the league.Additionally, Bunting weighs in on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his experience playing for Rod Brind'Amour in Carolina, and Mitch Marner's strong postseason showing in Vegas. He also reflects on his time playing alongside Marner and Auston Matthews in Toronto, where he posted back-to-back 23-goal seasons with his hometown team.Meantime, Bunting shares stories about his relationship with Leafs GM John Chayka dating back to their time together in Arizona, the pressure and spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto, and why he actually embraced the market as a local product. He also revisits his 2023 free agency departure from Toronto, admitting the Leafs never really circled back due to cap constraints, while emphasizing how much he loved playing for his hometown team.

Sid Seixeiro joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from Mitch Marner's dominant postseason run with Vegas to the nightmare Stanley Cup Final scenario Leafs fans are trying to avoid.To kick things off, Sid dissected Marner's incredible showing in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Golden Knights. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn't think Marner is playing angry — and openly wondered why so many Leafs fans seem miserable watching his success. Rosie countered by suggesting the frustration stems from years of watching Marner fall short in the playoffs in Toronto.The conversation then shifted to the very real possibility of a Vegas-Montreal Stanley Cup Final, which Sid labeled a worst-case scenario for Leafs Nation. He didn't mince words on Carolina either, calling the Hurricanes “frauds” and predicting a Golden Knights-Canadiens Final. Naturally, the guys debated the impossible question for Leafs fans: if that matchup happens, who are you rooting for — Marner and Vegas, or the Canadiens? Sid admitted he'd probably lean Montreal, believing Marner winning the Stanley Cup in Year 1 with Vegas would be beyond embarrassing for the Maple Leafs organization.Additionally, Sid weighed in on the Max Domi injury news and Toronto's slow-moving coaching search. While David Carle stands out as an intriguing option, Sid doesn't want to see the Leafs begging anybody to take the job. In his view, the organization needs to show a little more ego and confidence throughout the process.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down the latest from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Vegas Golden Knights taking a commanding 3-0 series lead on Colorado, with Mitch Marner now just one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. Plus, they weigh in on Easton Cowan's clutch series-clinching goal against Cleveland, sending the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final. What does Cowan's impressive postseason run mean for his future with the Maple Leafs?Additionally, Sid Seixeiro drops by to hit on Marner Mania + all things Leafs.Lastly, they discuss the latest developments in Toronto's coaching search, including where things stand and which names continue to surface.

JD reacts to the Blue Jays splitting their four game series against the New York Yankees. JD then switches gears to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and wonders if you can be really be a Maple Leafs fan if you are rooting for Mitch Marner or the Montreal Canadiens. Jackie Redmond of the NHL on TNT gets into the weird fan dynamic for Leafs Nation right now, why the revisionist history about Marner's tenure in Toronto is wrong, and how Auston Matthews may feel about seeing his former linemate making a potential cup run.  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.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap Montreal's dominant 6-2 win over Carolina in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final and discuss whether the Canadiens are officially turning into a team of destiny. Additionally, they preview a pivotal Game 2 in the Western Conference Final between Colorado and Vegas as the Golden Knights look to grab a 2-0 series lead.Meantime, Mike Gillis dropped major insight during his appearance on Sekeres & Price, detailing exactly what went down behind the scenes during the Maple Leafs' GM search while calling much of the reporting “inaccurate.” The boys react to the revealing comments and what it says about Toronto's front office process.They also dive into the changing discourse surrounding Auston Matthews. More and more, it sounds like the Leafs captain isn't going anywhere despite the outside noise and speculation.Plus, SiriusXM NHL Network Radio host Steve Kouleas stops by to tackle all things Maple Leafs.

SiriusXM NHL host Steve Kouleas stopped by for a brutally honest conversation about the current state of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In short, Kouleas believes the Leafs' Stanley Cup window is officially closed — and that the organization should seriously consider a rebuild. He explained why he doesn't see Toronto as a legitimate contender right now, what they can learn from the surprising playoff run of the Montreal Canadiens, and why patience may be the only path forward.Additionally, Kouleas weighed in on Mitch Marner's playoff resurgence in Vegas, the Leafs' ongoing coaching search, and why Jay Woodcroft could make sense if the organization is truly pivoting toward a reset. He also questioned why a coach like Bruce Cassidy would want the job in Toronto right now. In one of the more memorable moments of the interview, Kouleas joked that the team the Leafs eventually win with is probably made up of “12 or 13-year-old kids playing major peewee right now.”Plus, he shares his thoughts on what Toronto should do with the No. 1 overall pick.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down Vegas' convincing 4-2 win over Colorado in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, including what the Golden Knights did to take early control of the series. They also preview Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, as Montreal visits Carolina. Speaking of which, the guys then dive into a nightmare scenario for Maple Leafs fans: a potential Vegas-Montreal Stanley Cup Final. Who would Toronto fans even cheer for in that situation? Plus, they discuss the latest buzz surrounding the Leafs and continue to analyze the organization's evolving offseason plans.Additionally, former NHLer & ESPN NHL analyst Ray Ferraro stops by to discuss the conference finals & Toronto's outlook moving forward.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former NHLer and current ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro. To begin, Ray weighs in on Mitch Marner's dominant postseason run, what's changed in his game during these playoffs with Vegas, and the Golden Knights' Game 1 victory over Colorado in the Western Conference Final.After some Conference Final chatter, the conversation shifts to the Maple Leafs and their ongoing coaching search. Ferraro admits he's not exactly sure which direction Toronto is leaning, but notes that Jay Woodcroft would make plenty of sense behind the bench.Later on, Ray delivers a blunt reality check for Leafs Nation when discussing the No. 1 overall pick and Toronto's offseason outlook. He questions whether the current core is truly close to contending and wonders what meaningful assets the organization even has available to improve the roster via trade. In Ferraro's eyes, a rebuild may make more sense than sacrificing future assets just to remain a fringe playoff team.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill dissect Vancouver's decision to move on from Adam Foote, and whether it effectively takes Manny Malhotra off the board for the Leafs' vacant head coaching position. Plus, they break down Jay Woodcroft as a potential fit in Toronto, and debate whether he could be the right guy to guide this group moving forward. Also, the guys weigh in on Chris Johnston's reporting that suggests the Leafs are willing to discuss anybody on their roster outside of Auston Matthews. Meantime, former NHLer and co-host of Morning Cuppa Hockey Colby Cohen drops by the show.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former NHLer and Morning Cuppa Hockey co-host Colby Cohen. To kick things off, Colby breaks down Toronto's blue line and explains why he believes the Leafs need more puck movers on the back end — comparing their situation to what Philadelphia Flyers have built defensively. He also stresses the importance of properly slotting players like Jake McCabe alongside the right partner, while admitting he didn't love the way Toronto deployed its defence corps this past season.The conversation then shifts to reports that the Leafs are willing to discuss anyone except Auston Matthews. Colby weighs in on whether Toronto can realistically address its needs on the trade market without moving one of the organization's core pieces, suggesting it may be difficult unless names like William Nylander or Matthew Knies are involved.Later, the guys dive into Toronto's ongoing coaching search. Colby shares his thoughts on David Carle and why he believes there's only a slim chance the Leafs can lure him away from Denver, emphasizing that money isn't the driving factor. With that in mind, he identifies Jay Woodcroft as a coaching candidate who really stands out to him for Toronto.To wrap things up, Colby discusses Gavin McKenna and his tremendous season at Penn State, plus whether he would take him first overall. While hesitant to make a definitive statement without seeing more of the other top prospects, Cohen notes that McKenna is “still a boy, not a man,” making his long-term upside even more enticing.

DJ Smith joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation. Firstly, he discussed his experience so far in Switzerland serving as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championship. Along those lines, Smith talked about reconnecting with both Morgan Rielly and John Tavares, who are representing Canada at the tournament.Additionally, Smith reflected on how he's evolved as a coach over the past few years. He also weighed in on the Maple Leafs' head coaching vacancy, admitting the opportunity to coach in Toronto would definitely interest him, while remaining very complimentary of the Los Angeles Kings organization, where he finished this past season as interim head coach.Furthermore, Smith discussed the pressure that comes with the Toronto market, what it's like to work and play in the city, and how his familiarity with the organization could be an asset if he lands an interview for the open position.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down a stunning Game 7 as Alex Newhook buried the overtime winner to send the Montreal Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they discuss the he latest surrounding Toronto's head coaching search and the Leafs granting the Edmonton Oilers permission to speak with Craig Berube. Plus, former Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith — who could be in the mix for the Toronto job — drops by the show.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta weigh in on a Leafs fan's worst nightmare: Montreal is now just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, while Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights are headed to the Western Conference Final. Meanwhile, Pagnotta dishes on the early stages of Toronto's coaching search and some names to keep an eye on. Plus, Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and GM Willie Desjardins stops by the show to discuss coaching projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna and what makes the phenom so special.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by Willie Desjardins to discuss the NHL coaching carousel and why the Toronto Maple Leafs job remains one of the league's most coveted positions. Desjardins also dives deep on coaching projected superstar Gavin McKenna in Medicine Hat, explaining why McKenna's elite vision separates him from the pack and how he believes the young phenom would handle the pressure and spotlight that comes with playing in a market like Toronto. Plus, Desjardins shares insight on coaching in Canada and the intense scrutiny that follows every move behind an NHL bench.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill welcome free agent veteran head coach Peter Laviolette to Leafs Morning Take for an interview that essentially doubles as a job interview for Toronto's vacant head coaching position. Laviolette shares his reaction to the firing of Craig Berube, explains why the Maple Leafs job is one of the most intriguing openings in hockey, and compares the pressure and spotlight in Toronto to coaching the Cowboys and Yankees. He also dives into what makes high-pressure markets appealing, the behind-the-scenes process of interviewing for NHL jobs, and why he believes his coaching style and experience would mesh well with this Leafs core. Plus, Laviolette discusses the luxury of Toronto owning the No. 1 overall pick — potentially landing Gavin McKenna — his track record working with young players, and how much a franchise player's long-term commitment, specifically Auston Matthews, factors into evaluating a coaching opportunity.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down John Chayka's media availability following the firing of Craig Berube. The boys dissect the key takeaways from Chayka's comments, what they could mean for the direction of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and identify some intriguing replacement candidates as the coaching search officially gets underway. Plus, veteran NHL bench boss Peter Laviolette stops by to discuss the opening and why Toronto could be the perfect fit for his next opportunity.Also, NHL Insider David Pagnotta drops by to dissect the news.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill welcome NHL insider David Pagnotta to break down the firing of Craig Berube in Toronto. He discusses how the decision came together behind the scenes, the role the players may have played in the process, and where the Maple Leafs go from here as the search for a new head coach begins.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill react to the firing of Craig Berube by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The boys break down what led to the decision, what it means for the future of the franchise, and who could be next behind Toronto's bench. Plus, they discuss some intriguing replacement candidates and what direction the organization should take moving forward.Also, NHL Insider David Pagnotta drops by to dissect the news.

Bruce Boudreau joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to react to the Leafs' decision to fire Craig Berube, sharing his surprise that Toronto moved on so quickly and suggesting he expected the organization to take more time before making a change.Boudreau dives into what may have changed behind the scenes, including the possibility that John Chayka and Mats Sundin spoke with players about their comfort level with the direction of the team. He also discusses whether coaches can sense when their job security is slipping, pointing to his own experience that most behind the bench do.From there, he breaks down what went wrong for Toronto this season, pointing to defensive breakdowns and injuries as key factors rather than a single issue. He also weighs in on whether having the No. 1 pick could have influenced the timing of the move, and outlines why he doesn't believe it played a major role.Finally, Boudreau addresses the coaching search, saying there's no real rush on a replacement, and makes the case that the Maple Leafs job remains one of the most attractive in hockey despite the pressure that comes with it.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill dive into the uncertainty surrounding Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube and superstar Auston Matthews, while discussing the news of Shane Doan mutually parting ways with the organization. Plus, former Leafs GM Brian Burke joins the show to weigh in on the draft lottery fallout, the additions of John Chayka and Mats Sundin, and much more.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by Brian Burke for a conversation on the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Burke shares his thoughts on Auston Matthews and why he believes the Leafs captain still wants to stay in Toronto. He also weighs in on the draft lottery and what landing the No. 1 pick could mean for the franchise —calling it a complete game changer. Burke explains why he would aggressively shop the pick, citing the lack of a clear-cut top prospect in this year's draft, before telling the legendary story of how he landed both Sedin twins in Vancouver, while giving credit to Marc Crawford and Thomas Gradin. Additionally, Burke discusses Craig Berube's future behind the Leafs bench, outlines his biggest offseason priorities for the organization, and reveals that if Toronto ultimately keeps the top pick, he believes the selection should be Gavin McKenna.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta recap all the latest from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The guys also break down the Toronto Marlies advancing to the AHL North Division Final after outlasting the Laval Rocket 3-2 in their best-of-five series. Plus, they weigh in on Craig Berube, Auston Matthews, and all the latest surrounding what the Toronto Maple Leafs are up to as another pivotal offseason continues in Toronto.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former MLSE President & CEO Richard Peddie for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, pressure, and the evolving landscape of running one of the biggest sports conglomerates in North America. Peddie offers perspective on Keith Pelley and the challenges that come with the role in today's social media-driven world, while discussing the balance between winning, business success, and managing a passionate fan base.The conversation also dives into ownership expectations, coaching contracts, GM hiring processes, and maintaining confidence during organizational change. Peddie reflects on his experience hiring John Ferguson Jr., weighs in on the scrutiny surrounding John Chayka, and shares insight into how ownership approaches major franchise decisions like rebuilding, retooling, and drafting first overall. Plus, he explains why he believes Pelley has been too visible publicly in recent weeks.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down the latest from the Stanley Cup Playoffs and discuss the news that Joseph Woll is heading to the World Championship to represent Team USA—leading into a bigger conversation about the Maple Leafs' goaltending situation moving forward. The guys also react to Pierre LeBrun's report that newly hired Leafs executive John Chayka is set to meet with both Auston Matthews and Craig Berube in the coming days. Plus, former Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Richard Peddie stops by to discuss the current state of the organization, leadership, and the direction of the franchise.