Maple Leafs Hotstove
Providing Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies news, opinion and analysis since 2008, MLHS is one of the largest, most authoritative independent hockey sites online.
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Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs add right-shot checking center in Colton Sissons on two-year contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs have opened free agency by coming to terms with Colton Sissons on a two-year, $4.25 million AAV contract. The Leafs had a need for a right-shot, defensively capable player who could play center in their bottom six. We discussed similar options like Noel Acciari and Kevin Stenlund ahead of free agency. […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs add right-shot checking center in Colton Sissons on two-year contract appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs add speed, right-shot scoring punch in Jack Roslovic on two-year deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Jack Roslovic have come to terms on a two-year deal worth $4 million per season. This connection has been rumoured for over a year, as Roslovic played with Auston Matthews for the USNTDP program, where they were linemates and finished one-two on the team in scoring. That roster also included […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs add speed, right-shot scoring punch in Jack Roslovic on two-year deal appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson part ways at long last
The Maple Leafs have executed a minor trade prior to the opening of unrestricted free agency, clearing out another roster spot and a couple of million dollars in future cap space they would’ve otherwise spent by keeping their qualified, arbitration-eligible RFA around. Nick Robertson is reuniting with the GM who drafted him in the second […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson part ways at long last appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
The Zach Werenski sweepstakes have taken an intriguing turn — and the Maple Leafs could now be in a position to make their play
The Zach Werenski drama took an interesting turn late on Tuesday night: Werenski rejected a trade to the Dallas Stars, and the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly two of the top teams on Werenski’s list. The rumours of Dallas’ keen interest and willingness to offer Thomas Harley in a package made […] The post The Zach Werenski sweepstakes have taken an intriguing turn — and the Maple Leafs could now be in a position to make their play appeared first on Maple Leafs Hots...
Breaking down what makes Alexander Bilecki strong value for the Maple Leafs at pick #60
Late in the second round, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected defenseman Alexander Bilecki of the Memorial Cup champion Kitchener Rangers. This was an excellent value pick. According to Elite Prospects, Bilecki’s consolidated ranking was 54th. At McKeen’s, where your author is the director of scouting, we had Bilecki ranked 35th. Needless to say, I’m a […] The post Breaking down what makes Alexander Bilecki strong value for the Maple Leafs at pick #60 appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Maple Leafs Free Agency Targets: Finding the Best Fits at Forward
The Maple Leafs enter this offseason in a similar position to where they were a year ago. They have plenty of cap space to work with, but there is still a clear need to add impact players if they’re going to start looking like a legitimate contender. The biggest difference is that Toronto has already […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs Free Agency Targets: Finding the Best Fits at Forward appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs sign Troy Stecher to two-year, $1.35 million AAV deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Troy Stecher to a two-year extension worth $1.35 million per season. Claimed off waivers last November, Stecher quickly became a fan favourite as a heart-on-his-sleeve player who is also well spoken and incredibly easy to cheer for. At the time he was claimed, he was a complete breath of […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs sign Troy Stecher to two-year, $1.35 million AAV deal appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
The Maple Leafs’ current direction: a middle ground between competing now and long-term building? — Draft Weekend Notebook
Ever since MLSE President Keith Pelley dismissed Brad Treliving as GM of the Maple Leafs, he and the rest of the Leafs’ leadership have been abundantly clear: They fully intend to compete next season, with no plan to sell off their core of prime-aged and veteran players. It has been obvious for months: the Leafs […] The post The Maple Leafs’ current direction: a middle ground between competing now and long-term building? — Draft Weekend Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on his plans for the Maple Leafs’ UFA period: “We will be aggressive, but we’ll also make sure we’re not doing anything to hurt the future”
After selecting 10 players in the 2026 NHL Draft, Maple Leafs GM John Chayka discussed the team’s priorities in this draft class, selecting goalies back-to-back, his anticipated plans for free agency, the Brandon Carlo and Samuel Ersson trades, and the report that assistant coach Mike Van Ryn will not return behind the bench. You ended […] The post John Chayka on his plans for the Maple Leafs’ UFA period: “We will be aggressive, but we’ll also make sure we’re not doing anything to hurt the f...
Maple Leafs AGM Judd Brackett on Gavin McKenna’s potential: “The sky is the limit… He is a winner”
Assistant General Manager of Player Evaluation, Judd Brackett, discusses the Male Leafs’ 10-prospect haul from the 2026 NHL Draft. How exciting is it to walk away with 10 new prospects in the organization? Brackett: This is always an exciting day for a scouting staff and a team as a whole. It is a chance to […] The post Maple Leafs AGM Judd Brackett on Gavin McKenna’s potential: “The sky is the limit… He is a winner” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Brody Pepoy selected 169th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
With their final pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected 6’2, 182-pound winger Brody Pepoy of the Saginaw Spirit. After making the jump from AAA hockey in Pittsburgh (the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program), Pepoy recorded 16 goals and 29 points in 67 games in his first OHL season. Those numbers don’t leap […] The post Brody Pepoy selected 169th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Yaroslav Fedoseyev selected 161st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 161st pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Russian right-shot defenseman Yaroslav Fedoseyev out of Chelyabinsk. The Leafs actually traded to make this selection, sending a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the 161st pick in this draft. By acquiring this pick, the Leafs officially […] The post Yaroslav Fedoseyev selected 161st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Cooper Williams selected 158th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 158th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected 6’1, 164-pound centerman Cooper Williams of the Saskatoon Blades (a UND commit for ’26-27). It took the Maple Leafs eight selections to draft their first centerman, which is less than ideal given their relative weakness at the position on the organizational […] The post Cooper Williams selected 158th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Patriks Plumins selected 114th overall by the Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 114th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected goalie Patriks Plumins from Zemgale of the Latvian Hockey Higher League. This is the second goalie selection of the 2026 Draft for the Maple Leafs, coming after the selection of Juuso Ainsato in the third round. The pick used […] The post Patriks Plumins selected 114th overall by the Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Juuso Ainasto drafted 85th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 85th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected 6’4, 198-pound goalie Juuso Ainasto of Jokerit in Finland. The pick used to select Ainasto was originally owned by the Philadelphia Flyers. It was traded to the Leafs in the deal that sent Joe Woll and Simon Benoit to Philadelphia in […] The post Juuso Ainasto drafted 85th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Måns Gudmundsson selected 76th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Scouting Report
With the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected Swedish right-shot defenseman Måns Gudmundsson from Färjestad BK. If you were wondering when the Leafs would dip into Sweden for a pick — after recent (early-days) hits with center Tinus-Luc Koblar and goalie Dennis Hildeby in the past four drafts, on […] The post Måns Gudmundsson selected 76th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Zach Olsen selected 73rd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 73rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected a physical right winger, Zach Olsen, of the Saskatoon Blades. Olsen is a right-shot forward who already stands 6’1″ and weighs over 200 pounds. He recorded 18 goals and 34 points in 57 games for the Saskatoon Blades, along with six […] The post Zach Olsen selected 73rd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Ethan MacKenzie selected 69th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Scouting Report
With the 69th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected 6’1, 187-pound defenseman Ethan MacKenzie of the Edmonton Oil Kings (committed to UND for ’26-27). With the first two picks on day two of the 2026 draft, the Leafs grabbed two CHL defensemen with mobility and puck-moving acumen among their strengths. […] The post Ethan MacKenzie selected 69th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Alexander Bilecki selected 60th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Analysis & Scouting Report
With the 60th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected 6’2, 181-pound left-shot defenseman Alexander Bilecki of the Kitchener Rangers. This selection originally belonged to the Buffalo Sabres and later the Ottawa Senators (as part of the Dylan Cozens trade) before ending up with LA as part of the Warren Foegele […] The post Alexander Bilecki selected 60th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs — Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs trade Brandon Carlo to STL for two third-round picks
The Brandon Carlo era has come to an unceremonious end as the Maple Leafs have sent him to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two third-round draft picks in 2026. It is significantly less than what the Leafs paid for him just 1.5 seasons earlier: Fraser Minten, a top-five-protected first-round pick, and a fourth-round […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs trade Brandon Carlo to STL for two third-round picks appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna: “We were lucky to have that [lottery] break, but we’re lucky this year to get Gavin as well”
GM John Chayka and Senior Executive Advisor Mats Sundin introduced Gavin McKenna as the Maple Leafs’ first-overall draft selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. John Chayka’s Statement on Drafting Gavin McKenna Chayka: Today is a special day — and hopefully, we expect, a historic day for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Any time you get a […] The post John Chayka on the Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna: “We were lucky to have that [lottery] break, but we’re lucky this year to get Gavin as well” appeared...
Gavin McKenna selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report
Never in doubt. Gavin McKenna is officially a Toronto Maple Leaf. There is a lot to unpack with McKenna’s hockey skill set and on-ice résumé, but particularly in the wake of the last year or so in Toronto, the personality and character fit is also a highly relevant consideration for any young star arriving in […] The post Gavin McKenna selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
New Maple Leaf Gavin McKenna on the pressure of playing in Toronto: “Pressure is a privilege… When you play for that fan base and do well, it’s the best spot to be”
Gavin McKenna discusses the moment he was drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs, his journey to this point, and the prospect of playing in Toronto with captain Auston Matthews. How did it feel to hear your name finally called, and at #1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs? McKenna: Special moment, for sure. This is […] The post New Maple Leaf Gavin McKenna on the pressure of playing in Toronto: “Pressure is a privilege… When you play for that fan base and do well, it’s the best spot to be” appear...
Jim Hiller on the Morgan Rielly trade rumours: “It’s out of my control, but if Morgan ends up playing for the Leafs next year, I’ll be extremely excited”
After his formal introduction as the 41st head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jim Hiller joined Real Kyper & Bourne and TSN Overdrive to discuss the style of play he wants to implement, working with Auston Matthews, filling out his coaching staff, the opportunity to coach the 2026 first-overall pick, and much more. What […] The post Jim Hiller on the Morgan Rielly trade rumours: “It’s out of my control, but if Morgan ends up playing for the Leafs next year, I’ll be extremely excited” appe...
John Chayka, on the eve of the NHL Draft, on Gavin McKenna: “His unique ability to break down the game and create offensive chances is special”
On the eve of the 2026 NHL Draft, GM John Chayka formally introduced Jim Hiller as head coach and discussed the process of preparing for the draft, free agency, and the trade market as the offseason progresses. John Chayka’s Opening Statement Chayka: I’d like to start by congratulating Keith Pelley, Ryan Hardy, Mike Dixon, and […] The post John Chayka, on the eve of the NHL Draft, on Gavin McKenna: “His unique ability to break down the game and create offensive chances is special” appeared f...
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