The Toronto Maple Leafs are Looking for a Top-Four Defenseman
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a top-four defenseman, something that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
Maple Leafs
Latest news and updates about the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are Looking for a Top-Four Defenseman
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a top-four defenseman, something that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Sissons, Paul, Blueger, Matthews, Cowan & McCabe
The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to find their footing after a three-game losing streak. Two straight wins, including Tuesday’s 6–2 victory over Columbus, have given the team some momentum…
Former head coach Dean Evason on Kirill Marchenko: ‘When he’s at his best, he gets after it’
Former NHL coach Dean Evason praises Toronto’s early‑season resurgence, noting the Leafs sit 5‑4‑2 after back‑to‑back wins over San Jose and Columbus and now boast the league’s top penalty kill (97.4%) and a 27.5% power play. He highlights recent additions—Colton Sissons, Brandon Duhaime, Vinni Lettieri, Jack Roslovic—and lauds Kirill Marchenko, who posts 11 points in 11 games and adds a new threat on the power play. Evason says Marchenko’s biggest flaw is waiting for the puck, but when “at his best he gets after it.” Confident the Leafs can clinch a playoff spot in the competitive Atlantic, Evason sees a different, winning feeling in Toronto.
Maple Leafs finally met the moment in Kirill Marchenko’s return to Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally rose to the occasion on Oct. 22, 2026, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets in a game that carried extra weight after the recent blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus and brought Kirill Marchenko to Toronto. Marchenko’s first return to his old arena sparked strong emotions from both clubs, and the Leafs honored the moment with a convincing win, showing they can back a new teammate in high‑stakes matchups. The victory, highlighted by coach Craig Berube’s decision to start Anthony Stolarz, signals a shift in Toronto’s approach to emotionally charged regular‑season games.
Maple Leafs assign Artur Akhtyamov to AHL’s Toronto Marlies
The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov back to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies after he briefly backed up veteran Sergei Bobrovsky in a 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 22. The recall was purely to give Bobrovsky rest during a back‑to‑back stretch, marking the first time the 30‑year‑old has sat out in his nearly 20‑year NHL career. Akhtyamov, a 2020 fourth‑round pick, posted a 2.22 GAA and .923 SV% in the Marlies’ Calder Cup run, and Bobrovsky praised mentoring the 24‑year‑old. The Leafs now host the New York Rangers before heading west to play the Edmonton Oilers.
“I’m Out of Patience With It”: Rick Bowness Warns Blue Jackets on Ice Time
The Columbus Blue Jackets appeared to have all the ingredients Tuesday night to win a big game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They wanted to win for Matthew Knies. They…
Maple Leafs’ Penalty Kill Has Elevated to New Heights
The Toronto Maple Leafs special teams has had its ups and downs over the last few seasons. It has either gone hot for a stretch of games or extremely cold.…
For better or for worse, the Maple Leafs are fun to watch again
Seven games into the 2026-27 NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs sit at 5-4-2, a record that mirrors their traditional October form but feels more exciting under new coach Jim Hiller. After a disastrous 2025-26 campaign that led to GM Brad Treliving’s firing, Hiller replaced Craig Berube, bringing a more creative system reminiscent of Sheldon Keefe’s style. Star power resurfaces as Auston Matthews ties for second league scoring with eight goals, while William Nylander ranks eighth with 15 points. The team shows resilience, rallying from multiple deficits, though defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending remain concerns. Fans note the renewed energy and higher shot totals, making the Leafs fun to watch again.
Sabres notes: Josh Norris scoring after slow start, showcasing grit
Sabres center Josh Norris, who suffered a freak collision with Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman‑Larsson in overtime Thursday, was forced into concussion protocol despite wanting to stay in the game. The incident came as Buffalo completed its comeback 5‑4 win in Toronto. Norris discussed the mishap with the Times Herald before Wednesday’s 3‑1 loss to the Flyers at KeyBank Center, emphasizing his resilience and determination to contribute despite the setback.
Cole Knuble needed only two games to prove he belongs on the Flyers
Cole Knuble burst onto the NHL scene for the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring his first two career goals in a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 22, 2026. The rookie’s opening‑period backhand beat Buffalo goalie Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen, echoing his dad Mike Knuble’s first NHL goal 29 years earlier. He added a second tally early in the third after a slick play with Oliver Bonk, and nearly completed a hat trick. Coach Rick Tocchet praised Knuble’s work ethic and his 78.09 expected‑goals rate, noting the youngster’s impact amid injuries to Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett.
Report: 6 Teams Pursuing Alexander Nikishin Amid $63 Million Contract Demand
Six clubs—including the St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken—have queried the Carolina Hurricanes about defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who remains unsigned after his entry‑level deal expired. The 25‑year‑old, fresh off an 11‑goal, 22‑assist rookie season and a Stanley Cup run, is demanding a seven‑year contract worth $8‑9 million a year ($56‑63 million total). Carolina’s trade talks, such as a stalled package for Connor Hellebuyck, have stalled, and the team’s cap constraints keep talks in limbo, leaving the Hurricanes 8‑2‑1 without him.
NHL Rumors: Scouting TOR-SJ and COL-PHI, Bruins, and the Jets
Everyone's waiting in Winnipeg for a Connor Hellebuyck decision this Friday and beyond. The Boston Bruins are close to extending Marat Khusnutdinov.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets’ 6-2 Loss To Maple Leafs
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a common theme running through many of their losses to open the season so far, a rough second period. That second period bit them…
Maple Leafs Prospect Roundup: The Danford dilemma, Holinka gets on the board
Ben Danford returns to the Toronto Marlies after a lower‑body injury and helps spark an overtime 3‑2 win over the Belleville Senators, setting up Brendan Brisson’s game‑winner. Coach Steve Sullivan is now testing Danford’s offensive instincts, even giving him time on the second power‑play unit, as the Leafs wonder if he can fill the blue‑line void left by Jake McCabe’s high‑stick injury and Chris Tanev’s indefinite absence. Meanwhile, prospect Alexander Bilecki tallies 11 assists in 11 games for the Kitchener Rangers, centre Luke Haymes posts a goal and four assists in six Marlies games, and Miroslav Holinka nets his first pro goal in the OT win. The article examines whether Danford could earn an NHL call‑up this season.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller raves about Easton Cowan: ‘He’s exceeded my expectations’
Coach Jim Hiller praises 21‑year‑old winger Easton Cowan after the Maple Leafs' 6‑2 win over Columbus on Oct. 21, 2026. Cowan netted his first shorthanded goal and tallied three points, becoming a regular penalty killer and aiming for a 76‑point season. Hiller highlights Cowan’s physical and mental growth, saying he’s exceeded expectations and will be a key part of Toronto’s core alongside Gavin McKenna. The Leafs next host the New York Rangers Thursday.
Maple Leafs' Jake McCabe Injured Vs. Blue Jackets
Defenceman Jake McCabe exits the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Oct. 21 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets after a high‑stick from Kent Johnson cracks his visor. The hit, a late first‑period incident, draws a four‑minute double minor on the Blue Jackets, but McCabe does not return for the second period. Already missing Chris Tanev, Toronto now faces a significant blueline setback; McCabe has logged over 20 minutes per game in his first 10 outings without a point and is on a $4.1 M AAV five‑year deal. The team hopes he’ll be cleared before Thursday’s home game against the New York Rangers.
Blue Jackets’ Rick Bowness drops unreal reaction to blowout Maple Leafs loss
The Columbus Blue Jackets took on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. Columbus had a bit of motivation, as this was Kirill Marchenko’s first game against the Blue Jackets following his trade to the Maple Leafs before the season started. Despite the motivation, Rick Bowness watched his team come out quite flat. The Maple […] The post Blue Jackets’ Rick Bowness drops unreal reaction to blowout Maple Leafs loss appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ rush offense roars to life, Easton Cowan shines, Morgan Rielly turns back the clock in blowout win over Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally unleash a dominant rush attack in a 7‑2 blowout of the Columbus Blue Jackets, snapping a puzzling early‑season trend of low offensive zone possession. Rookie Easton Cowan sparks the surge with a goal and two assists, while veteran Morgan Rielly delivers a classic two‑way performance, logging over 25 minutes and steering the power play. The review highlights the team's speed, skill, and finishing flair that now translates into a +5 goal differential after just 10 games.
Instant Reaction: Easton Cowan puts on a show as Maple Leafs’ offence comes alive in Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs avenge their recent blockbuster trade with Columbus, beating the Blue Jackets 5-2 on Oct. 21, 2026. Kirill Marchenko scores the opener, but the Leafs explode in the second period: William Nylander, Auston Matthews (his 8th of the season) and a shorthanded goal by rookie Easton Cowan—who adds two assists to reach 10 points in 11 games—give Toronto a 4‑0 run. Columbus fights back, flashing a near‑goal before the first intermission, but Anthony Stolarz rebounds, stopping 35 of 37 shots. Morgan Rielly tallies three assists and Troy Stecher logs the most ice time among Leafs defensemen. Toronto heads home to face the Rangers Thursday.
Maple Leafs’ Jake McCabe ruled out vs. Blue Jackets due to injury
Defenceman Jake McCabe exits Toronto’s Oct. 21 win over Columbus after a high‑stick from Kent Johnson forces him to the dressing room. McCabe, who logged six shifts and no points in 11 games, is ruled out for the remainder of the game; his regular partner Chris Tanev also sits week‑to‑week with an upper‑body issue. The Leafs, up 5‑1 entering the third, shuffle depth by promoting Marshall Rifai and extending Oliver Ekman‑Larsson and Troy Stecher’s minutes. Coach Jim Hiller is set to update reporters, and the lineup for Thursday’s home clash with the New York Rangers remains uncertain.
Auston Matthews joins exclusive Maple Leafs club during Blue Jackets clash
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to an okay start in 2026-27. Toronto currently owns a record of 4-4-2 and are taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. For captain Auston Matthews, this is a milestone contest. Matthews is skating in his 700th career game. So far this season, he has played extremely well. […] The post Auston Matthews joins exclusive Maple Leafs club during Blue Jackets clash appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Adam Fantilli Rips Ex-Teammate Kirill Marchenko As Blue Jackets Face Maple Leafs
Adam Fantilli and teammate Mathieu Olivier openly trash ex‑colleague Kirill Marchenko as the Blue Jackets host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 20, 2026. Fantilli says he’s relieved to trade a player who “didn’t want to be here,” calling the departure upsetting but necessary. Olivier echoes the sentiment, “We don’t want guys who want to go elsewhere.” Marchenko, now with Toronto, boasts 10 points in 10 games and a recent hat‑trick, while former Jackets forward Matthew Knies starts strong for Columbus but has cooled off recently.
‘We got guys who want to be here’: Blue Jackets’ Fantilli looks back on Marchenko trade
Marchenko’s trade request was granted ahead of the 2026-27 season, as he was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthew Knies reflects on his trade from the Maple Leafs: “I wish I could’ve experienced my time there a little bit longer”
Three weeks after the trade to Columbus, Matthew Knies discussed the shock of his trade from Toronto, settling into life in Columbus, and facing Auston Matthews and his former Maple Leafs teammates for the first time. The smile says a lot. Have you had this day circled? What are your feelings on the morning of […] The post Matthew Knies reflects on his trade from the Maple Leafs: “I wish I could’ve experienced my time there a little bit longer” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
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