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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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...
Jim Hiller on the keys to getting Auston Matthews back to Rocket Richard form: “Auston was always a really dangerous player on the power play… I don’t think they’ve been as dangerous recently… That will be a real focus”
On the eve of the 2026 NHL Draft, head coach Jim Hiller discussed his first week on the job, his relationship with John Chayka, his meeting with Auston Matthews, and the addition of Darren Raddysh to the team’s blue line. Jim Hiller’s Opening Statement Hiller: I guess I have done this once already in some […] The post Jim Hiller on the keys to getting Auston Matthews back to Rocket Richard form: “Auston was always a really dangerous player on the power play… I don’t think they’ve been as dan...
The Sergei Bobrovsky rumours, Matthew Knies trade speculation, and a few trade target ideas at C & D — Maple Leafs Notebook
The draft and free agency are almost here, and it feels like news is moving a mile a minute around the NHL. I planned to finish the UFA series with a Part 4 on defensemen, but after the Maple Leafs acquired Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae, it no longer feels necessary. The Leafs have too […] The post The Sergei Bobrovsky rumours, Matthew Knies trade speculation, and a few trade target ideas at C & D — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Early thoughts on a captivating Maple Leafs offseason: On Raddysh, Hiller, Andrae, a goalie shuffle, and what’s still to come
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in an unusual position this offseason. A full-scale rebuild was always going to be tough to get behind, given their lack of future first-round picks, but the organization needs to be at least a little careful in light of last season’s results. The front office needs a strategy that […] The post Early thoughts on a captivating Maple Leafs offseason: On Raddysh, Hiller, Andrae, a goalie shuffle, and what’s still to come appeared first on Maple Leafs Hots...
Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Bottom-Six Forwards of Interest
As the activity around the NHL moves fast and furious, we will wrap up the forward portion of our free agent series with a look at some bottom-six options. So far, we’ve dug into the top six forwards of interest, where there is some value and much-needed scoring pop. We also looked at the center […] The post Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Bottom-Six Forwards of Interest appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Ryan Hardy on wearing a Rodion Amirov jersey after the Marlies won the Calder Cup: “I hope his parents and sisters woke up in Russia and took a lot of pride that his memory will live here forever”
At the Toronto Marlies’ Calder Cup Rally, GM Ryan Hardy discussed his team’s amazing accomplishment, the support from the city, and the decision to wear a Rodion Amirov jersey on the ice after the Calder Cup-clinching victory. There is so much credit to go around after an accomplishment of this magnitude. How many people had […] The post Ryan Hardy on wearing a Rodion Amirov jersey after the Marlies won the Calder Cup: “I hope his parents and sisters woke up in Russia and took a lot of pride...
Darren Raddysh on joining the hometown Leafs and playing for his late father’s favourite team: “To be able to play here every night is definitely one of his dreams. I’m happy I can make that happen for him.”
After signing an eight-year contract with the Maple Leafs, defenseman Darren Raddysh discussed his decision to return home to Toronto. When did it start feeling real to you that Toronto had a serious interest and that this would start coming together? Raddysh: Probably on Thursday. My agent texted me, saying that Toronto was really getting […] The post Darren Raddysh on joining the hometown Leafs and playing for his late father’s favourite team: “To be able to play here every night is defin...
Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Centermen of Interest
As we approach the draft and free agency, we are breaking down options of potential interest to the Maple Leafs. We have already worked through the top-six winger market, which represents a real path toward meaningful improvement. There are legitimate producers in that group who are capable of contributing near the top of the Leafs’ […] The post Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Centermen of Interest appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Three points for Easton Cowan, more Artur Akhtyamov excellence completes the destiny: Toronto Marlies are Calder Cup champions!
“It’s awesome. It’s special. We couldn’t have done it without everyone who’s in this building right now. It’s something I’ll never forget. I’m going to soak this one in. We just had a bunch of guys with good character who wanted to work hard and win for each other. It’s just a special group.” – […] The post Three points for Easton Cowan, more Artur Akhtyamov excellence completes the destiny: Toronto Marlies are Calder Cup champions! appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Top-Six Wingers of Interest
While the NHL Draft is still between us and the opening of free agency, the offseason is already moving fast and furious in Toronto, where new GM John Chayka has already completed two significant transactions at the defense and goaltending positions. Before the ground shifts further, let’s jump into some free agent forward targets I […] The post Free Agents Targets for the Maple Leafs: Top-Six Wingers of Interest appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the Darren Raddysh acquisition by the Maple Leafs: “He is the type of defenseman we haven’t had in this organization for a long time”
GM John Chayka discusses the sign-and-trade acquisition of defenseman Darren Raddysh (eight years, $8.5 million AAV) from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a fifth-round draft selection in 2026. Darren Raddysh took a little longer to develop, then broke out last year at age 30. What makes you comfortable that he will be able […] The post John Chayka on the Darren Raddysh acquisition by the Maple Leafs: “He is the type of defenseman we haven’t had in this organization for a long time” a...
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs take big swing with Darren Raddysh sign-and-trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made their first major splash of the offseason. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs are completing a sign-and-trade deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh. The acquisition cost will be a fifth-round pick in 2026, and the contract is expected to come in at eight years, […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs take big swing with Darren Raddysh sign-and-trade appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Gruden on the Chicago head coach’s comment that his players might have a read on Artur Akhtyamov after Game 4: “Artie doesn’t understand English anyway, so it doesn’t matter… He has no idea what he is saying”
Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden discusses his team’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Wolves in Game 4 of the Calder Cup Finals. On where the game flipped after entering the third period with a 3-1 lead: It turned in the first five minutes of the third period. We were on our heels. That […] The post John Gruden on the Chicago head coach’s comment that his players might have a read on Artur Akhtyamov after Game 4: “Artie doesn’t understand English anyway, so it doesn’t matter… He has ...
Digesting John Chayka’s first trade and the hiring of Jim Hiller as Leafs head coach – MLHS Podcast Ep. 121
In the latest MLHS Podcast, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli discuss the Leafs’ trade with Philadelphia, the hiring of Jim Hiller as head coach, the first-overall debate (or if it’s a debate at all), and their takeaways from the Marlies’ playoff run. Episode Topics The well-kept-secret hiring of Jim Hiller as the Maple Leafs’ next […] The post Digesting John Chayka’s first trade and the hiring of Jim Hiller as Leafs head coach – MLHS Podcast Ep. 121 appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Easton Cowan’s game-winner, Artur Akhtyamov’s shutout has Toronto Marlies one win away from glory
“We know what playoff hockey is all about. We’ve done a really good job of putting ourselves in this position. We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. We know how we need to play moving forward, like we did in the second and third period.” – John Gruden Five straight playoff victories have catapulted […] The post Easton Cowan’s game-winner, Artur Akhtyamov’s shutout has Toronto Marlies one win away from glory appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Maple Leafs’ style of play under his leadership as head coach: “We’ll have a style of play that the players will be excited to play”
After his introduction as the 41st head coach in Maple Leafs franchise history, Jim Hiller discussed rejoining the organization, his past experience in the market, coaching the Leafs’ star players, the opportunity to draft first overall later this month, and the style of play he’s looking to implement. Opening Statement from Jim Hiller Hiller: First […] The post Jim Hiller on the Maple Leafs’ style of play under his leadership as head coach: “We’ll have a style of play that the players will...
John Chayka on the hiring of Jim Hiller as Leafs head coach: “It starts with alignment… We want no space between the coaches and the front office… We think Jim gives us the best chance to do that”
GM John Chayka discusses his process for arriving at the decision to announce Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in Maple Leafs history. Opening Statement on the Hiring of Jim Hiller as Head Coach Chayka: First, I’d like to welcome Jim, his wife, and their family back to Toronto. This is a city that […] The post John Chayka on the hiring of Jim Hiller as Leafs head coach: “It starts with alignment… We want no space between the coaches and the front office… We think Jim gives us the best chanc...
Instant Analysis: John Chayka makes surprise hire in Jim Hiller as Maple Leafs’ next head coach
After a lengthy coaching search, the Maple Leafs landed on Jim Hiller as their 41st head coach in franchise history. “Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL. He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear […] The post Instant Analysis: John Chayka makes surprise hire in Jim Hiller as Maple Leafs’ next head coach appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Gruden on the city of Toronto supporting the Marlies in the Calder Cup Final: “The energy in that building was the most I’ve ever seen… It is definitely helping big time”
Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden discusses his team’s 1-0 win over the Chicago Wolves in Game 3 of the Calder Cup Final. On taking a 3-0 series lead: We know what playoff hockey is all about. We’ve done a really good job of putting ourselves in this position. And we know what is at […] The post John Gruden on the city of Toronto supporting the Marlies in the Calder Cup Final: “The energy in that building was the most I’ve ever seen… It is definitely helping big time” appeared first on...
Flyers GM Danny Briere on new Leaf Emil Andrae: “He’s smaller in stature, but he competes… He doesn’t care if you’re 6’8 on the other side; he’ll go right through you”
After completing a trade with the Maple Leafs for Simon Benoit and Joseph Woll, Philadelphia Flyers GM Danny Briere discussed his motivations for the deal on TSN Overdrive. Were you working on this deal with the Leafs for a while, or did you put it together after the Cup was handed out? Briere: It was […] The post Flyers GM Danny Briere on new Leaf Emil Andrae: “He’s smaller in stature, but he competes… He doesn’t care if you’re 6’8 on the other side; he’ll go right through you” appeared fir...
John Chayka on the Joseph Woll trade to Philadelphia: “It sets us up very well for future moves… This allows us to be in a better spot as we think about the entire offseason plan”
After trading Joe Woll and Simon Benoit to the Flyers in exchange for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson, and a third-round pick, GM John Chayka discussed his motivations for the move, the timeline for a head-coaching decision, and signing promising prospect Tinus-Luc Koblar to a three-year entry-level contract. What do you like about the trade, and […] The post John Chayka on the Joseph Woll trade to Philadelphia: “It sets us up very well for future moves… This allows us to be in a better spot as w...
Instant Analysis: John Chayka begins to change Leafs’ blue-line mix, swaps goalies, opens more cap space in five-piece trade with Philly
John Chayka has executed his first trade as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, sending goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for goaltender Samuel Ersson, left-shot defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick in 2026. Well, the Leafs’ goalie domino has dropped. Following a season in which Dennis […] The post Instant Analysis: John Chayka begins to change Leafs’ blue-line mix, swaps goalies, opens more cap space in five-piece trade with Phill...
Logan Shaw and Bo Groulx lead the way, Toronto Marlies return home with 2-0 series lead
“He is our leader. He is our pulse. He is the heartbeat of this team. He leads on and off the ice. I can’t say enough good things about him as a leader. He has been outstanding throughout these playoffs, and he continues to not only score big goals in big moments but also kill […] The post Logan Shaw and Bo Groulx lead the way, Toronto Marlies return home with 2-0 series lead appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Gruden on Marlies captain Logan Shaw scoring the OT winner in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final: “He is our pulse. He is the heartbeat of this team.”
Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden discusses his team’s 5-4 overtime win over the Chicago Wolves in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final. On the team overcoming a slow start: Obviously, on the first two shifts, they came out ready to go. It is not like we weren’t ready; it’s just a team with […] The post John Gruden on Marlies captain Logan Shaw scoring the OT winner in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final: “He is our pulse. He is the heartbeat of this team.” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
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