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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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...
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...
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