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Pension Plan Puppets

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Monday's FTB: Trades already

The Capitals acquire AHL goalie Remi Poirier from New Jersey after trading a pick for the Devils' waiver claim, adding him as a third netminder while they await Connor Hellebuyck. Poirier hasn’t played yet and may sit on waivers as insurance. Meanwhile, Red Wings AGM Kris Draper’s presence at Capitals games fuels trade speculation, and Dylan Larkin lists Washington as a possible destination. In the trade market, Nashville sends Matthew Wood to Seattle for former first-rounder Shane Wright, both still unproven at the NHL level. League-wide stats show goals per game at 3.15—the highest since the early ’90s—while save percentage drops to .891, the lowest since 1989‑90, suggesting a tricky start for goaltenders. The Leafs’ five‑on‑five play remains underwhelming as the season settles.

Sunday's FTB: Halloween candy is now on sale and the Leafs beat the Canucks

The Toronto Maple Leafs edge the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday, despite a sloppy performance and being outshot overall. A strong second period fuels the win, while Chris Tanev goes unnoticed in a solid defensive effort. Coach John Chayka praises the team's multifaceted approach, and a record‑long practice in Vancouver highlights the grueling schedule. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks place veteran defenseman Nick Jensen on waivers after just three games. The piece also teases six early‑season NHL takeaways and rumors about potential trades involving Nikita Kucherov.

Saturday's FTB: Maybe Tanev?

The Tampa Bay Lightning receive word that star winger Nikita Kucherov will not re‑sign and wants a trade, sparking speculation ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, Toronto’s Chris Tanev confirms he’s fit to return against the Vancouver Canucks, with rookie Dakota Joshua set to debut and Bo Groulx likely out. Vancouver places Filip Chytil on injured reserve and calls up ex‑Leaf Jacob Quillan. In Toronto, 18‑year‑old Gavin McKenna nets his first two‑goal game (five goals, 11 points in 15 matches) and Jack Roslovic emerges as a top‑line winger after a strong start to the season.

PPP After Dark: Canada vs. USA and Leafs vs. the Kraken

Tonight’s double‑header pits Canada against the USA in the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship and the Toronto Maple Leafs face the Seattle Kraken in a regular‑season showdown, both kicking off at 7 p.m. in Herning, Denmark. Canada’s squad posts a confident tweet ahead of the match, while USA Hockey fires back with its own lineup tease. The Leafs, dealing with recent injuries, roll out new line combinations for the Kraken clash, broadcast on SNO in Canada and KING, KONG, and Amazon Prime in the U.S.

Wednesday's FTB: Yet more on the Leafs cap space

The latest TSN insider report clarifies the Toronto Maple Leafs' cap‑space dilemma, debunking the misnamed “tagging” issue. Under the CBA, teams must account for a player’s full contract run when calculating available space, meaning Toronto’s projected next‑season cap is essentially nonexistent. This prevents them from recalling Ben Danford and complicates moves involving injured players like Dakota Joshua, Elvis Merzlikins and Max Domi, whose LTIR status inflates future caps. The Leafs must trim roster depth before they can activate key assets, and any trade will likely require significant roster churn. The post also notes a $200,000 arena renovation in Austin tied to NHL expansion rumors.

NHL

Preview: Maple Leafs at Flames

The Maple Leafs travel to Calgary on Oct. 26 for an 8:30 PM showdown at the Saddledome. Toronto rides a 7‑4‑2 record (0.615 points %) after a 7‑2 win over Edmonton, while the Flames sit 4‑6‑0 (0.400) following a 4‑1 victory over Detroit. Calgary’s fiery pace is offset by defensive lapses and a struggling power play, but goalie Devin Cooley dazzles with a 0.971 save percentage, earning NHL’s second star of the week. Expect a fast‑paced, high‑scoring contest as the Leafs’s offense meets the Flames’s erratic but explosive style.

2026 Ontario municipal elections thread

Ontario voters head to the polls for the 2026 municipal elections, with several tightly contested mayoral and council races across the province. While photo ID isn’t required, voters must present an address‑verified document such as a driver’s licence, OHIP card, or utility bill; voter information cards are not valid proof. The Toronto Star’s Vote Compass tool helps residents match their views with candidates. Polls opened at 10 a.m. and voters can print or download a voter information card from toronto.ca/elections for faster check‑in.

Sunday's FTB: Stecher waved to the crowd

The Leafs dominate a 7-2 win as Troy Stecher scores a revenge goal against the team that waived him, while Jack Roslovic and Zack MacEwen also net key tallies. William Nylander hits his 299th and 300th points, and Anthony Stolarz shines in net as the Oilers’ penalty‑kill streak ends. The post also touches on a dip in NHL save percentages despite better goaltenders, warning against year‑over‑year comparisons. Upcoming late‑night games are slated for Monday at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Saturday's FTB: Over to you Red Wings

The headline trade sees the New Jersey Devils acquire veteran goalie Connor Hellebuyck (33) from the Winnipeg Jets, sending forward Dawson Mercer (24), RFA goalie Nico Daws, forward Nick Bjugstad, and forward Alexander Command to New Jersey. Hellebuyck’s cap hit drops to $8.1 M after a training‑camp suspension, leaving the Devils with enough space (they have $8.2 M available) even with his return. The move hinges on a player previously on LTIR, giving New Jersey goalie depth. Meanwhile, injury updates: Devon Levi lands on IR for Edmonton, Matt Tomkins is called up, Mattias Ekholm misses the Oilers‑Maple Leafs game with a concussion, and the Leafs recall Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis. The post also notes the Penguins’ roster pressure ahead of tonight’s 7 p.m. game.

Friday's FTB: Stecher wins it

The Toronto Maple Leafs edge the New York Rangers 5-4 on Oct. 23, 2026, thanks to a dramatic late winner—Nick Paul tees up Troy Stecher for his first goal in over 30 games with under 30 seconds left. The Leafs’ power play breaks a solid Rangers PK, while Brandon Duhaime records a three‑point night. Detroit’s Garand faces a tough night in goal, and the Leafs finish with five defensemen after Nick Blankenburg exits in the third. The victory caps a close matchup as Toronto launches a road trip for the rest of October, with trade chatter and the recent passing of Rangers legend Ron Duguay also noted.

GDT: Maple Leafs host the Rangers

The New York Rangers travel to Toronto for a 7:00 PM showdown at Scotiabank Arena on Oct 22, streamed on TSN4 and MSG. Toronto comes off a 6‑2 home win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct 20 and sits at a 5‑4‑2 record, looking to extend its momentum. The Rangers aim to snap the Leafs’ recent surge. Key details: game time, broadcast info, and the Leafs’ latest result and standing.

Preview: Rangers at Maple Leafs

The New York Rangers visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 22 at 7:00 PM in Scotiabank Arena (TSN4, MSG). Toronto comes off a 6-2 win over Columbus, sitting 5‑4‑2 (0.545 pts %). New York, fresh from a 5-2 home victory over Anaheim, holds a stronger 7‑3‑1 record (0.682 pts %). The Rangers rely on elite save percentages—Shesterkin’s early performance and Garand’s recent form—plus a top‑10 penalty kill, while their five‑on‑five and power play remain average. Leafs lineups feature Auston Matthews and a returning Jake McCabe despite a shiner. Expect a tight, defensively‑focused contest.