On Friday’s 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman cleared the air on the Leafs’ ongoing interview process and the current finalists for the role of head of hockey operations. John Chayka and Scott White are the Maple Leafs’ finalists Friedman: I have more clarity since our last pod. I said the finalists were Ryan Martin from the […]
The post Latest from Friedman: John Chayka and Scott White are the Leafs’ finalists for “head of hockey operations” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
The scuttlebutt on the Maple Leafs’ executive search — who is in, who is out, who is the favourite — is completely all over the place now. Given MLSE’s desire to tighten up the abject leakiness surrounding the end of the season through to the beginning of this hiring process, perhaps the idea now is […]
The post Maple Leafs Front Office Candidates, Part 2: Tim Barnes, Jason Spezza, Judd Moldaver & Laurence Gilman appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
“In a best-of-three, we know we can’t afford a bad start, especially against a team that transitions like they do and gets after it. Any mistake that you make, they will be quick to transition. We did a really good job of managing that, establishing some forechecking time, and making them defend. That started right […]
The post Artur Akhtyamov notches first career playoff shutout, Toronto Marlies dominate Rochester in Game 1 appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
After the Toronto Marlies’ 5-0 win over the Rochester Americans in Game 1 of the playoff play-in series, head coach John Gruden discussed a great start to the playoffs, the special teams’ success, the decision to start Artur Akhytamov in goal, and why this year’s playoffs might be different from those in the recent past. […]
The post John Gruden on the Marlies’ potential in the playoffs this spring: “All of the years before, when the Leafs were in the playoffs, we were depleting… This year, ...
The Toronto Marlies missed out on the opportunity to clinch an automatic divisional semi-final berth due to a dip in late-season form. Prior to winning their last three games, the Marlies won one of six, missing the chance to capitalize on Cleveland’s slump as the teams battled it out for third place in the North […]
The post Toronto Marlies vs. Rochester Americans: First Round Playoff Series Preview & Schedule appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
It sounds like the Maple Leafs will announce a new leader at the top of their chain of command sooner rather than later. As we’ve worked through the job and the challenges involved — in particular, off the ice — it’s clear that this is a job that will go much deeper than simply finding […]
The post Maple Leafs Front Office Candidates, Part 1: Scott White, Evan Gold, Mike Gillis & Dean Lombardi appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
In the latest MLHS Podcast, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli discuss the field of candidates in the Maple Leafs’ executive search, the arguments for/against Mike Gillis as the next President of Hockey Ops, the names bandied about in the GM conversation, and Mats Sundin and Gary Roberts interviewing for potential front-office roles. Episode Topics Latest […]
The post Feeling out the field of candidates in the Maple Leafs’ executive search – MLHS Podcast Ep. 118 appeared first on Maple Lea...
After the final practice ahead of the series opener against Rochester, Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden discussed the team’s playoff preparation, the decision in goal, and the impact of Easton Cowan, Jacob Quillan, Noah Chadwick, Alex Nylander, and Bo Groulx. What did you think of the energy in practice ahead of the playoffs? Gruden: […]
The post John Gruden, ahead of the Marlies’ playoffs, on the growth in Easton Cowan: “You can see he has matured… He’s definitely a confident young ma...
After a disappointing 2025-26 Maple Leafs season, Matthew Knies discussed his name popping up in trade rumours, the reasons for the team’s failure, and his desire to remain in Toronto. Where and why did you think the season went off the rails? Knies: To begin with, I don’t think we put ourselves in a good […]
The post Matthew Knies reflects on the Leafs’ failures defensively in 2025-26: “I wasn’t expecting to have the plus-minus I did” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
“What I like most about [the performance] is the way we played in the second and third periods. I think that should be our standard. You can see a different pace coming out after that first period, and we got the results to show for it. At the end of the day, you can’t control […]
The post Jacob Quillan scores game-winner, Toronto Marlies finish regular season with weekend sweep of Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
After a disappointing 2025-26 Maple Leafs season, goaltender Joseph Woll discussed his individual performance level this year, the reasons for the team’s failure, and his goals for increasing his workload next season. Looking back on missing the start of the season due to personal leave, are you able to share more details now, if you’re […]
The post Joe Woll on the feeling of the Leafs missing the playoffs: “The Game 7 loss last year felt pretty crappy… This is a whole different animal… I do...
Over the past few weeks, as the Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 season painfully wound down, all the attention shifted to who will take control of the franchise. We looked at the Leafs six (!) AGMs at a high level (most of whom should probably go), as well as who the Leafs should try to emulate (hint: […]
The post The Maple Leafs’ top job is too big for “learn as you go” candidates appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
After a disappointing 2025-26 Maple Leafs season, John Tavares discussed the reasons for the team’s failure and his view on his own role in the team’s underwhelming results this year. From your perspective, where did the season go wrong? Tavares: We never seemed to get on track the way we needed to. Our game, obviously, […]
The post John Tavares on his role in the Maple Leafs’ disappointing season: “I was on for too many goals against… I just have to be more consistent” appeared first on Map...
“It’s a great experience for us to understand that [Laval] is not going to stop. When we get into those pressure moments, we have to be able to make plays, but we broke down. We got away from protecting the middle of the ice.” – John Gruden “It took him a period to get adjusted, […]
The post Easton Cowan scores first AHL goal, Toronto Marlies survive late push by Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
After a disappointing 2025-26 Maple Leafs season, Morgan Rielly discussed the team’s major on-ice failure and his uncertain future with the organization. When you look back on the season, where do you think it went wrong for the team? Rielly: I think there were different points, earlier in the year, when we were kind of […]
The post Morgan Rielly on whether he’d be open to a trade this offseason: “When that conversation happens, we’ll deal with it accordingly… I’ve always wanted to stay… I s...
On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman discussed the latest on the Leafs’ GM search, interest from MLSE/ownership in Mats Sundin joining the new front office, Auston Matthews’ future, and more on the Leafs big offseason decisions ahead. On the GM search Sunny Mehta was obviously a contender. Several people told me they heard his name internally. […]
The post The latest on the Leafs’ GM search, Mike Gillis, Mats Sundin, and Auston Matthews’ future appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
After the end of the 2025-26 season, goaltender Anthony Stolarz discussed his most recent injury, a difficult season for the team, his controversial post-game comments in October, and his belief that the Leafs can bounce back next season. How are you feeling physically? Stolarz: Obviously, I got hurt, so it is a tough way to […]
The post Anthony Stolarz reflects on calling out William Nylander and the team early in the Leafs’ season: “I didn’t back up what I said with my play… I regret the w...
written in collaboration with Alec Brownscombe It has been a long time since the Toronto Maple Leafs were this bad. In case you’d somehow forgotten – or haven’t followed the team for more than a decade – the vultures are always ready to strike when the Maple Leafs appear moribund. Case in point, a story […]
The post On cost-cutting, AI, Pelley, and the Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 season from hell appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
On locker cleanout day, captain Auston Matthews discussed the team’s failure this season, his future with the organization, and the current uncertainty at the management level. Opening Statement: Matthews on the failed 2025-26 season Matthews: Before we get going, this was a tough year and a frustrating year. We didn’t meet the goals or expectations […]
The post Auston Matthews on whether he still believes he can win in Toronto: “I do… I think we’re all hopeful this is just a one-off” appea...
On locker cleanout day, Chris Tanev discussed his injury-plagued season, his health outlook for next year, and the uncertainty surrounding the organization’s future at the management level. How are you feeling physically? Tanev: I’m doing well. I was just in New York on Monday to see the doctor about the surgery I had. Everything is […]
The post Chris Tanev on his injury-plagued 2025-26 season with the Leafs: “I’m disappointed in how I was only able to play 11 games and let a lot of people d...
On locker cleanout day, head coach Craig Berube discussed his uncertain future, the team’s failures this season, and the organization’s outlook moving forward. What is your message to the players, as you see them for the last time until training camp? Berube: Individually, we’re meeting with every player and going over their year and the […]
The post Craig Berube on whether Mitch Marner was sorely missed this season: “That is not the reason this season happened” appeared first on Maple Leafs...
Craig Berube addressed the media after his team’s 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators in the final game of the 2025-26 regular season. Concluding thoughts on the 2025-26 season: It’s disappointing, the season. That’s really the focus, looking at everything. We didn’t live up to expectations. On Dennis Hildeby’s performance (35 saves on 37 shots): […]
The post Craig Berube on the end of a taxing season as Leafs coach: “We tried to do a lot of different things this year… It didn’t work out” appear...
All of the attention — and tension — now shifts to the May 5th draft lottery, after the 2025-26 Maple Leafs suffered one final indignity of losing to James Reimer and the Ottawa Senators in game #82, capping a truly miserable season. There is a silver lining to the Maple Leafs finishing in 28th overall […]
The post Maple Leafs finish fifth last in 2025-26 season, draft lottery odds now known appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
A loss — in extra time or regulation — for the Maple Leafs tonight, or one point for the Seattle Kraken tonight or tomorrow, and Toronto will slot in fifth-last ahead of the May 5th draft lottery (7:30 p.m. EST, Sportsnet). TSN1050 will broadcast Joe Bowen’s final call of his broadcasting career tonight. Be sure […]
The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators – Game #82 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Ahead of the final game of the season against the Ottawa Senators, head coach Craig Berube discussed the end of a disappointing 2025-26 Leafs season. There is a lot to dissect in the days and weeks ahead, but what is the message to the group ahead of the final regular-season game? Berube: Play the right […]
The post Craig Berube, on the final day of the season, on what it’s meant to coach the Maple Leafs: “I love Toronto, and I love the Leafs” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .