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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.
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.
Dean Evason praises Leafs’ supporting cast, shares honest take on Marchenko: Leafs Morning Take
The Leafs dominate Columbus 6-2, turning a shaky start into a statement win. Auston Matthews adds a goal and an assist, reaching eight goals and 18 points in 11 games, while Easton Cowan nets his first career shorthored goal and posts a three‑point night. Defense steps up despite Jake McCabe exiting after a facial stick injury; Troy Stecher logs 26:25 of ice time and Morgan Rielly is solid. Toronto’s special teams shine, going 6‑for‑6 on the power play and improving the league‑best kill to 37‑for‑38. Dean Evason joins the podcast to praise the supporting cast, dissect Kirill Marchenko’s return, and weigh the recent Matthew Knies trade, highlighting the team’s depth and future outlook.
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.
5 takeaways from Leafs-Blue Jackets: Marchenko outduels Knies, Matthews, Cowan lead commanding win
The Maple Leafs dominate the Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday, delivering their best performance of the young season. Auston Matthews celebrates his 700th game, adds a goal and an assist and sits second in league scoring (7‑2‑18). Kirill Marchenko, despite boos, scores the opening goal and outplays Matthew Knies in their head‑to‑head matchup. Easton Cowan records a goal and two assists, putting him on a 76‑point pace, while rookie Marshall Rifai nets his first NHL goal. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz makes 35 saves as Toronto’s offense erupts in the second period.
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.
What’s next for the Leafs? David Pagnotta on Edvinsson, Whitecloud & more: Leafs Morning Take
After a 3‑1 win over San Jose, the Leafs sit at 4‑4‑2 in their first 10 games. Auston Matthews sparks the turnaround with a goal, two assists and 16 points, while rookie Gavin McKenna scores his first power‑play and game‑winning goals. Veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky earns his first home win with a shutout after the opening goal. Toronto’s special teams shine – the power play ranks 5th (2‑for‑5) and the penalty kill is league‑best at 4‑for‑4, extending a 21‑game streak. Insider David Pagnotta weighs the impact of Simon Edvinsson, the potential Zach Whitecloud trade, and the upcoming showdown with Matthew Knies’ Blue Jackets.
10 stats that stand out from first 10 Maple Leafs games
After ten games of the 2026-27 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the NHL with a 96.9% penalty‑kill success rate (30‑of‑31) and sit fifth on the power‑play chart, thanks to new depth forwards like Nick Paul and Colton Sissons. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is performing 4.5 goals above expectation, while Auston Matthews tops the league in miles skated and has logged seven goals, 16 points. Jack Roslovic ranks second in high‑danger shots (16) and contributes three goals, six points. Defensive duo Oliver Ekman‑Larsen and Troy Stecher post a +1 goal differential and dominate possession when on the ice.
Leafs’ Jim Hiller expands on Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna’s ability to deliver in big moments
Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday, earning some glowing praise from head coach Jim Hiller post-game. Matthews shook off a first-period turnover to record a goal and two assists, while McKenna notched the game-winning goal during a third-period power play….
Gavin McKenna wants to be known as big moment performer
The Toronto Maple Leafs snap a five-game skid with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 20, 2026, highlighted by a dominant power play that now ranks fifth in the NHL at 28.6%. Rookie forward Gavin McKenna scores his first career game-winner 4:56 into the third period, emphasizing his desire to be a big‑moment player. McKenna, who posted 10 points in his first 10 NHL games, rebounded from a benching controversy in the recent 5-4 OT loss to Buffalo, showing maturity and confidence alongside stars like Auston Matthews. The win moves the Leafs to a 4-4-2 record and bolsters a top‑ranked penalty kill as they chase Eastern Conference relevance.
Report: Maple Leafs not interested in including Easton Cowan in any trade talks
Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is eager to strengthen his blue line but has no plans to include forward Easton Cowan in any trade. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman told Kyle Bukauskas on 32 Thoughts that insiders view Cowan as a rising "A" asset, making him untouchable unless a Norris‑trophy‑caliber defenseman becomes available. While the Leafs may consider moving top‑six blueliners like Oliver Ekman‑Larsson, Jake McCabe or Morgan Rielly, the organization isn’t looking to trade Cowan despite pressure surrounding Auston Matthews’ contract. Chayka remains active on the trade market, but Cowan stays off the table.
Former Leafs forward Matthew Knies enjoying new home in Columbus ahead of 1st matchup vs. Toronto
Former Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies settles into the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of their first meeting with Toronto on October 20, 2026. Traded for Kirill Marchenko, the 24‑year‑old 6‑year, $46.5 million contract player scored two goals and an assist in his debut 6‑3 win over Buffalo and has tallied four points in seven games. Knies says the trade came late, but the staff and teammates have helped him adjust, and he feels his physical style fits Bowness’s heavy, aggressive system. The Jackets sit 3‑4‑0 as they prepare to face his former club.
Auston Matthews raves about Sergei Bobrovsky’s ‘huge’ performance following 3-1 win vs. Sharks
Auston Matthews praised goalie Sergei Bobrovsky after the Maple Leafs beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Oct. 20, 2026. Bobrovsky made 30 saves on 31 shots, earning his first home win, while the Leafs finally clinched a game after trailing early. Matthews highlighted the team's cohesive penalty kill—21 straight kills—and noted his own contribution with a goal and two assists. The Leafs head to Columbus for a back‑to‑back on Tuesday.
4 takeaways from Maple Leafs-Sharks: McKenna’s sensational winner, Bobrovsky’s excellent start
The Maple Leafs snap a three‑game skid with a 3‑1 win over the San Jose Sharks on October 20, 2026. Auston Matthews rebounds from a first‑period turnover to post a three‑point night, tying the game on the power play before Gavin McKenna nets a sensational third‑period PP winner, earning kudos as the league’s top U‑25 performer. Nick Paul adds an empty‑net goal, while Sergei Bobrovsky outduels Sharks’ rookie Yaroslav Askarov. The article highlights four takeaways, emphasizing McKenna’s breakout impact and the team’s emotional push.
Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs snap 3-game losing streak to Sharks on back of Sergei Bobrovsky’s best start of season
Sergei Bobrovsky delivers his best start of the season as the Toronto Maple Leafs snap a three‑game losing streak, beating the San Jose Sharks 3‑1 on Oct. 20, 2026. Auston Matthews records a goal and two assists, reaching 16 points in ten games, while Gavin McKenna adds a third‑period power‑play goal. Bobrovsky stops 30 of 31 shots, and Toronto’s penalty kill remains elite, with only one power‑play goal allowed and 21 consecutive kills. The win sets up a road clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets the next night, featuring a matchup between Kirill Marchenko and former teammate Matthew Knies.
Jay Rosehill thinks Leafs made a mistake trading Matthew Knies for another forward: Leafs Morning Take
On Oct. 19, the Maple Leafs sit last in the Atlantic after a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders, sparking criticism from Auston Matthews and coach Jim Hiller over a lack of urgency. Goaltending woes persist despite Ilya Sorokin’s 28 saves, while rookie Gavin McKenna’s 18‑minute effort earns praise. Injuries linger with John Tavares and Chris Tanev listed week‑to‑week. Analyst Jay Rosehill argues the team erred trading forward Matthew Knies for another forward instead of targeting a defenseman, a point echoed by Elliotte Friedman’s trade‑asset comments. The next back‑to‑back pits Toronto against the Sharks, featuring a McKenna vs. Ivar Stenberg matchup.
Gavin McKenna discusses Ivar Stenberg’s game ahead of first matchup: ‘He’s a confident player’
The Toronto Maple Leafs, sitting 3‑4‑2 after nine games, aim to halt a four‑game losing streak when they host the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 21 at Scotiabank Arena. Gavin McKenna says the team feels “hungry” and highlights the rookie showdown between the Leafs’ first‑round pick Gavin McKenna and Sharks’ top‑draft pick Ivar Stenberg, who each have five and six points respectively. McKenna praises Stenberg’s confidence and poise, and also lauds Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini, who has already logged 11 points in six games after a 115‑point junior season. The article underscores the urgency to snap the skid and the emerging rivalries among the 2026 draft class.
Auston Matthews says Maple Leafs need more emotion vs. Sharks amid three-game losing streak
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews says the club must inject more emotion to break its three‑game losing streak before facing the San Jose Sharks on Monday. After close losses to the Utah Mammoth, Buffalo Sabres (OT) and New York Islanders, Matthews stresses playing with physicality, structure and intensity. He also praised teammate Gavin McKenna’s resilience after a benching controversy and remains optimistic about William Nylander’s health despite a game‑time decision. The Leafs head to Columbus for a back‑to‑back against the Blue Jackets after the Sharks matchup.
Leafs lineup notes: William Nylander misses morning skate with illness, game-time decision vs. Sharks
William Nylander skips Monday's morning skate with an illness and is listed as a game‑time decision for the Toronto Maple Leafs' clash with the San Jose Sharks. Coach Jim Hiller slots Bo Groulx on the top line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, while recalling forward Vinni Lettieri and goalie Artur Akhtyamov from the AHL. The Leafs enter the game on a three‑game losing streak and face a packed schedule: Sharks, then Columbus and the New York Rangers. Sergei Bobrovsky starts in goal, with Anthony Stolarz backing up.
Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri and Artur Akhtyamov from AHL’s Toronto Marlies
The Toronto Maple Leafs recall forward Vinni Lettieri and goalie Artur Akhtyamov from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Oct. 19, 2026. Lettieri, 31, led the AHL playoffs with 11 goals and 26 points en route to a Calder Cup title and is third on the Marlies in scoring (9 points in 5 games). Akhtyamov posted a 15‑7‑0 record, two shutouts and a .923 save percentage in the playoffs, earning MVP honors. Their call‑ups come as the Leafs sit in a three‑game losing streak, with John Tavares on IR and uncertainties surrounding Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz, prompting the team to add scoring depth and goaltending options.
Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri from AHL’s Toronto Marlies
The Toronto Maple Leafs promote winger Vinni Lettieri from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Oct. 19, 2026. Lettieri, who led the AHL playoffs with 11 goals and 26 points in 23 games en route to a Calder Cup, is third on the Marlies this season (9 points in 5 games). His call‑up coincides with a three‑game losing streak and a roster spot opening after John Tavares lands on IR. The Leafs hope Lettieri can boost their offense over Bo Groulx and Zack MacEwen.
Around the NHL: Penguins open to moving veteran forwards, Jets’ bracing for ‘conversations’ once Hellebuyck returns
The October roundup highlights two major trade talks: the Pittsburgh Penguins are willing to move veteran winger Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell, both on $5‑million‑ish contracts, as GM Kyle Dubas looks to inject youth and may also ship Erik Karlsson before the deadline. In Winnipeg, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension ends on Oct 23, sparking “awkward conversations” in the Jets’ locker room and fueling rumors of a trade to the LA Kings, a three‑way deal involving the Rangers, or a move to Utah. The recap also notes the Maple Leafs’ shaky 3‑4‑2 start, injuries to Chris Tanev and John Tavares, and a flurry of other league‑wide moves.
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