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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John Chayka on Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto: “One day, he won’t be a Maple Leaf; hopefully, that ends with retirement”
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka addressed the team’s injury updates, Auston Matthews’ health and future in Toronto, Matthew Knies’ place in the organization amid incessant trade rumours, the importance of Mats Sundin’s leadership, and his approach to the NHL’s shifting financial landscape. Opening Statements Chayka: Welcome back. It is good to be back and to […] The post John Chayka on Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto: “One day, he won’t be a Maple Leaf; hopefully, that ends with retirement” ap...
John Tavares on living with Gavin McKenna in his rookie season as Leaf: “Hopefully, I can do him a lot of good, but I know it’s going to do me a lot of good as well”
John Tavares discussed welcoming Gavin McKenna into his home, the star rookie’s maturity and character, and the responsibility Leafs’ veteran leaders must take on as a new coaching staff introduces fresh ideas. Gavin McKenna is not the first young player you’ve taken under your wing and shared a home with. What do you like about […] The post John Tavares on living with Gavin McKenna in his rookie season as Leaf: “Hopefully, I can do him a lot of good, but I know it’s going to do me a lot of ...
Auston Matthews on his future in Toronto after the early offseason speculation: “My intent was always to be here”
Captain Auston Matthews discussed his future in Toronto, his motivation after a frustrating 2025-26 season, his relationship with Gavin McKenna, reuniting with Jack Roslovic, and the changes behind the bench under Jim Hiller. What has appealed to you about Jim Hiller’s communication style and the vision he has outlined for the team? Matthews: I don’t […] The post Auston Matthews on his future in Toronto after the early offseason speculation: “My intent was always to be here” appeared first o...
Jim Hiller: Gavin McKenna will “show us where he fits” in Maple Leafs’ lineup
Head coach Jim Hiller discussed the team’s revamped roster, the plan for Gavin McKenna, his relationship with Auston Matthews, his coaching philosophy, and the excitement surrounding his first season behind the Leafs’ bench. What excites you most about the roster entering the season? Hiller: There is a long list, to be honest. I haven’t spoken […] The post Jim Hiller: Gavin McKenna will “show us where he fits” in Maple Leafs’ lineup appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Mats Sundin on the Toronto market: “Börje Salming told me when I came here that I was coming to the best place to be as a player, and he was right”
Senior executive advisor Mats Sundin discussed the importance of building a close-knit team, the support system surrounding Gavin McKenna, and his pride in returning to the organization in a management role. John Tavares recently credited you and John Chayka for helping bring together a roster with so many new faces. What have you done to […] The post Mats Sundin on the Toronto market: “Börje Salming told me when I came here that I was coming to the best place to be as a player, and he was r...
“McKenna is too good to play with players who can’t think the game at a proper level… Tavares feels like the sweet spot” — Anthony Petrielli discusses McKenna’s lineup spot on SN590
MLHS’ Anthony Petrielli joined The FAN Morning Show to discuss the Maple Leafs’ outlook entering the 2026-27 season, the health of Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev, Toronto’s goaltending tandem, Gavin McKenna’s ideal role, and the organization’s approach to discussing the pressures of playing in T.O. On his level of optimism about the new-look Maple Leafs: […] The post “McKenna is too good to play with players who can’t think the game at a proper level… Tavares feels like the sweet spot” — An...
Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 3: Building out PP1, the McKenna wildcard, and the PK personnel
To wrap up our training camp battles series, we’ll look at the Maple Leafs’ special teams, which are set for fairly significant changes. On paper, the Leafs were actually pretty good in this area last season. The power play finished 15th, while the penalty kill finished eighth. That’s certainly not world-beating, but finishing in the […] The post Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 3: Building out PP1, the McKenna wildcard, and the PK personnel appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 2: Who partners with Raddysh, who rounds out the top four D, and who claims the final spot?
As we continue our training camp and preseason battle series, we shift our attention to the defense. This unit is usually fairly straightforward, but this season, there is a lot up in the air. The Leafs brought in Darren Raddysh to ostensibly serve as their number-one defenseman; Chris Tanev will hopefully return; they traded for […] The post Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 2: Who partners with Raddysh, who rounds out the top four D, and who claims the final spot? appeared first on M...
Toronto Marlies 2026-27 Roster Preview: The prospects, newcomers, and reclamation projects to watch
Even though they were fresh off a second championship in franchise history, a significant personnel shift was inevitable this summer for the Toronto Marlies. Beyond the always high turnover at the AHL level, new GM John Chayka was beginning to mold the organization in his image. The change started behind the bench, where some of […] The post Toronto Marlies 2026-27 Roster Preview: The prospects, newcomers, and reclamation projects to watch appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Auston Matthews ahead of the Leafs’ new season: “I’m extremely motivated to get back to the level I know I can be at”
In a one-on-one with Ryan Leslie, Auston Matthews discussed his recovery from his major injury, his motivation level entering the new season, the team’s significant offseason changes, his early impressions of Gavin McKenna, and his connection to the city of Toronto. How are you feeling entering the start of the season? Auston Matthews: I’m feeling […] The post Auston Matthews ahead of the Leafs’ new season: “I’m extremely motivated to get back to the level I know I can be at” appeared first ...
Nick Paul on his Leafs homecoming: “It’s crazy… when I came here with Ottawa or Tampa, I was playing in my hometown, but I wasn’t playing for the hometown team”
Forward Nick Paul met with the media at the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic on Monday, discussing his return home, the team’s many offseason changes, reuniting with Darren Raddysh, Auston Matthews’ leadership, and his preparations for the 2026-27 season. What has it been like returning home, and has it sunk in that you’re a […] The post Nick Paul on his Leafs homecoming: “It’s crazy… when I came here with Ottawa or Tampa, I was playing in my hometown, but I wasn’t playing for the hometo...
Darren Raddysh on his shot threat on the power play: “If someone wants to take that away, we have a few other guys who can shoot the puck and put it in the net”
Defenseman Darren Raddysh met with the media at the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic on Monday, discussing his homecoming to Toronto, the early chemistry among the team’s many new additions, reuniting with Nick Paul, playing alongside Sergei Bobrovsky, and the potential impact of his big shot on the power play. What has the summer […] The post Darren Raddysh on his shot threat on the power play: “If someone wants to take that away, we have a few other guys who can shoot the puck and put ...
Sergei Bobrovsky on arriving in Toronto: “It’s the hockey capital… For a lot of players, it’s a dream to play here”
Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky met with the media at the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic on Monday, discussing his early impressions of Toronto, reuniting with familiar faces from Florida, the opportunity to play alongside Auston Matthews, and his final preparations for the 2026-27 season. What are your early impressions of the team and […] The post Sergei Bobrovsky on arriving in Toronto: “It’s the hockey capital… For a lot of players, it’s a dream to play here” appeared first...
Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 1: Top-Six Openings, McKenna’s Linemates, 3C, and Checking-Line Decisions
The rookie tournament is over, training camp starts this week, and by the weekend, the Maple Leafs will be playing their first preseason games. NHL hockey isn’t fully back, but we’re just about there. The Leafs had a particularly busy offseason, both on and off the ice, that resulted in six new forwards, at least […] The post Maple Leafs Training Camp Battles, Part 1: Top-Six Openings, McKenna’s Linemates, 3C, and Checking-Line Decisions appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Steve Sullivan on Vinny Borgesi’s game at the Maple Leafs prospect tournament: “He’s really shifty… I really like his game”
After the Maple Leafs prospects defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 to close out the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge, Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan discussed his team’s improvement from its opening game, strong performances from Patriks Plumins and Brody Pepoy, Vinny Borgesi’s intriguing skill set on the blue line, and the challenge of unlocking more offense […] The post Steve Sullivan on Vinny Borgesi’s game at the Maple Leafs prospect tournament: “He’s really shifty… I really like his game” app...
Steve Sullivan on Tinus Luc Koblar: “He’s pushing hard… He wants to stay here in North America and play with the Toronto Maple Leafs”
After the Maple Leafs’ prospects fell 4-3 in overtime to the Ottawa Senators in their opening game of the 2026 Prospect Tournament, Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan discussed his team’s performance, Luke Haymes’ continued growth, the play of Ben Danford and Alex Bilecki, and Tinus Luc Koblar’s push to remain in North America with the […] The post Steve Sullivan on Tinus Luc Koblar: “He’s pushing hard… He wants to stay here in North America and play with the Toronto Maple Leafs” appeared fir...
Maple Leafs reportedly invite Nick Blankenburg to camp on PTO: Where could he fit?
The rookie tournament is here, training camp is around the corner, and all of a sudden, it feels like we’re pretty much back in hockey mode. That transition has come with some news, as the Leafs have reportedly extended a training-camp invite to Nick Blankenburg, per the Boston Globe. The 28-year-old, 5’9” defenseman is a […] The post Maple Leafs reportedly invite Nick Blankenburg to camp on PTO: Where could he fit? appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Steven Lorentz must fight for his Leafs lineup spot all over again [2026-27 Player Preview]
Steven Lorentz’s three-year, $1.35 million AAV extension was a little strange from the moment former GM Brad Treliving signed it last summer. Three-year term aside, there was nothing wrong with bringing Lorentz back after a solid first season in Toronto. He initially arrived at training camp on a PTO, earned a contract, and then earned […] The post Steven Lorentz must fight for his Leafs lineup spot all over again [2026-27 Player Preview] appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Steve Sullivan on his first impressions of Gavin McKenna at Leafs prospect practice: “His deception, the way he thinks the game—he is a step ahead of everybody else”
After Friday’s practice, Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan discussed the goals of the Maple Leafs’ prospect tournament in Gatineau, the decision to keep Gavin McKenna in T.O., Ben Danford’s push for an NHL job, and his early impressions of Tinus Luc Koblar. What do you want to see first and foremost at the prospect tournament, […] The post Steve Sullivan on his first impressions of Gavin McKenna at Leafs prospect practice: “His deception, the way he thinks the game—he is a step ahead of ever...
Gavin McKenna on the possibility of playing with Auston Matthews: “I think we’d suit each other pretty well… If I get that opportunity, I’m not going to try to waste it”
After Friday’s practice, Gavin McKenna discussed the organization’s decision to keep him in Toronto rather than send him to this weekend’s prospect tournament in Gatineau, living with John Tavares, his preparation for opening night, and skating with Auston Matthews and several of the NHL’s top players over the summer. We just heard you’re not going […] The post Gavin McKenna on the possibility of playing with Auston Matthews: “I think we’d suit each other pretty well… If I get that opportuni...
How much magic does Sergei Bobrovsky have left for the Maple Leafs? [2026-27 Player Preview]
Through the first 15 years of his NHL career, Sergei Bobrovsky built a stonewall Hall of Fame résumé: Two Vezina Trophies Over 450 regular-season victories Three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, including back-to-back championships 44-21 with a .912 save percentage and six shutouts in 65 playoff appearances between 2023 and 2025 Evolving Hockey credited him with 41.25 […] The post How much magic does Sergei Bobrovsky have left for the Maple Leafs? [2026-27 Player Preview] appeared first on Ma...
Danford, Koblar among those set to participate in Maple Leafs’ prospect tournament this weekend
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their 26-player roster for the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge at Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Quebec. So as not to bury the lede: First-overall pick Gavin McKenna will not be participating in the tournament games, just this Friday’s practice. While McKenna will not play, fellow 2026 selections Alexander Bilecki, […] The post Danford, Koblar among those set to participate in Maple Leafs’ prospect tournament this weekend appeared first on Maple Leafs Hot...
Nick Paul can fill an important need for the Maple Leafs, but was last season a blip or a warning? [2026-27 Player Preview]
Nick Paul’s final season in Tampa Bay was either an injury-riddled aberration or the first warning sign for a 31-year-old forward who had previously been quite healthy and consistent. After trading Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick to acquire him, the Maple Leafs are betting on the former. Paul entered […] The post Nick Paul can fill an important need for the Maple Leafs, but was last season a blip or a warning? [2026-27 Player Preview] appeared first on M...
Can Brandon Duhaime help the Maple Leafs become a faster, harder, and more irritating team? [2026-27 Player Preview]
The Maple Leafs’ UFA offseason additions up front made their priorities at the position pretty clear. After finishing as one of the league’s worst defensive teams in 2025-26 while deploying Auston Matthews like he’s Jordan Staal, the Leafs added Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime to their bottom six—a trio of veteran forwards who […] The post Can Brandon Duhaime help the Maple Leafs become a faster, harder, and more irritating team? [2026-27 Player Preview] appeared first on ...
Darren Raddysh doesn’t need another 70-point season to help transform the Maple Leafs’ blue line [2026-27 Player Preview]
Darren Raddysh’s rise from undrafted OHL overager to $68-million defenseman is one of the league’s great late-bloomer stories. Naturally, it is also the source of most of the risk in the Maple Leafs’ biggest offseason bet. Raddysh didn’t establish himself as a full-time NHL defenseman until he was 27. Three years later, following a wildly […] The post Darren Raddysh doesn’t need another 70-point season to help transform the Maple Leafs’ blue line [2026-27 Player Preview] appeared first on Ma...
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