Leafs Morning Take

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by TSN Hockey Analyst and former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado to break down the latest in Toronto's coaching search. Corrado weighs in on the intriguing possibility of Joe Pavelski behind the Leafs bench, explaining why recently retired players can bring a fresh perspective to coaching and why the Martin St. Louis model in Montreal is worth examining. He also discusses what Toronto's checklist should be in finding its next head coach, the value of adding an experienced consultant to support a younger hire, and why the organization should be searching for its own version of Spencer Carbery.Later, Corrado shares his thoughts on the growing speculation surrounding Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers. Having played under Babcock in Toronto, he discusses the veteran coach's strengths, shortcomings, and why success behind the bench requires much more than X's and O's.Finally, the conversation shifts to the NHL Draft as Corrado explains why he believes the Leafs will select Gavin McKenna first overall. He breaks down what makes the superstar prospect special and why some players simply "get it" at an elite level.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down Carolina's pivotal 5-3 win over Vegas in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to tie the series up a two games a piece.From there, the conversation shifts to the Maple Leafs' ongoing coaching search. Could Joe Pavelski be a legitimate candidate despite his limited coaching experience? The boys debate the merits of bringing in one of the NHL's most respected former players and what Toronto should be looking for in its next bench boss.Later, TSN Hockey Analyst and former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado stops by to share his thoughts on the coaching search, the Pavelski buzz, the possibility of Mike Babcock landing in Edmonton, and the direction of the Leafs under John Chayka.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill preview a pivotal Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final as Vegas looks to take a commanding series lead over Carolina.The guys also break down the Calder Cup Final matchup, now officially set after Chicago's Game 7 victory over Colorado in the Western Conference Final. It's Marlies vs. Wolves for the AHL championship, and they discuss what Toronto must do to finish off its impressive postseason run.Meanwhile, the NHL coaching carousel continues to spin. Peter Laviolette is headed to Los Angeles, while reports suggest the Edmonton Oilers have interest in the polarizing Mike Babcock. So, where does that leave the Maple Leafs? The boys examine who's still in the mix and what the latest developments could mean for John Chayka and company.Plus, fresh off guiding the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup championship, head coach Jussi Ahokas stops by to discuss the title run, player development, and his coaching future.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Fresh off leading the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup championship, Jussi Ahokas joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to reflect on the journey to the top. He discussed the grind of the CHL season, what it takes to win at the highest level, and how his Rangers squad was able to capture junior hockey's ultimate prize.Having coached championship teams at multiple levels, Ahokas shared the common traits every winning team possesses regardless of age group or league. He emphasized the importance of identity, buy-in, chemistry, and culture, while also diving into player development and the value of teaching the small details. Preparation, patience, and steady growth were recurring themes throughout the conversation.The discussion also shifted to the NHL Draft, where Ahokas weighed in on projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna and Toronto's opportunity to select first overall later this month. He praised McKenna's elite vision and skill set, drawing comparisons to his experience coaching Juraj Slafkovský prior to being selected first overall by Montreal in 2022.Additionally, Ahokas revealed that the Maple Leafs have not contacted him regarding their head coaching vacancy. He opened up about his own career aspirations, admitting that coaching in the NHL remains a long-term goal. With one year remaining on his contract in Kitchener, Ahokas discussed what could be next, including the possibility of pursuing opportunities in the American Hockey League as either a head coach or assistant.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Bruce Boudreau weigh in on the passing of legendary Maple Leafs executive and Hockey Hall of Famer Cliff Fletcher, reflecting on his impact on the organization and the game of hockey.After that, they recap an absolutely wild Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in double overtime to take a 2-1 series lead. Mitch Marner stole the show with a hat trick and an assist, further cementing himself as the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy through three games.The boys also break down the Toronto Marlies' thrilling run to the Calder Cup Final after punching their ticket with a series-clinching victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they discuss the newest developments in the Maple Leafs' coaching search and sift through the biggest takeaways, rumours, and storylines coming out of the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger for a jam-packed interview.To kick things off, Pronger weighs in on Dylan Larkin's reported desire to leave Detroit and discusses potential landing spots for the 29-year-old star centre. While he sees a fit in Toronto, Montreal, and several other markets, Pronger stresses that acquiring a player of Larkin's calibre would come at a significant cost—especially in a weak free-agent class.From there, Pronger reflects on his experience interviewing for the Maple Leafs' President role and shares his thoughts on the direction of the organization under John Chayka. He believes winning the draft lottery was a massive boost and likes several of the moves the Leafs have made since Chayka took over.The conversation then shifts to David Pagnotta's report that Toronto and Montreal had a Matthew Knies trade completed at the deadline before complications prevented it from being finalized. Pronger isn't convinced the Leafs were getting enough value in the reported package and cautions against moving a player like Knies unless the organization is committing to a full-scale rebuild. In his view, if you're trading Knies, you need proven NHL talent coming back—not just futures.Pronger also discusses Auston Matthews' influence on the franchise moving forward, suggesting the Leafs likely have two separate long-term plans: one with Matthews and one without him. Plus, he weighs in on what Toronto should do with the No. 1 overall pick, the ongoing coaching search, and whether he believes the Leafs can get back into the Stanley Cup Playoff picture next season.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap Carolina's thrilling 4-3 overtime win over Vegas in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, as the Hurricanes tied the series at one game apiece. They also preview a pivotal Game 5 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Toronto Marlies continue their battle with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.On the Leafs front, the boys debate whether Toronto should make a play for Dylan Larkin after reports surfaced that the 29-year-old All-Star centre has requested a trade out of Detroit. Plus, David Pagnotta dropped a bombshell on Thursday afternoon, revealing that the Maple Leafs had a trade framework in place with Montreal prior to the deadline involving Matthew Knies. The proposed package reportedly included Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and two first-round picks before the deal ultimately fell apart due to "complications." Nick and Rosie break down the stunning revelation and discuss what it could have meant for the future of the franchise.They also sift through all the latest news and notes from the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo, including what they're hearing as the Leafs prepare to make the first overall selection later this month.Meantime, Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger stops by to weigh in on the Stanley Cup Final, Toronto's coaching search, the Leafs' offseason outlook, and all the chaos surrounding the organization.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill tee up Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Vegas Golden Knights look to build on their thrilling 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the series opener. They also react to Jon Cooper capturing the first Jack Adams Award of his coaching career.Back in Toronto, the boys recap a tough 4-3 loss for the Marlies in Game 4 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins tied the series at two games apiece. They break down what went wrong and what Toronto must do to regain control heading into the pivotal Game 5.They also sift through the latest from the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo as well as developments in the Maple Leafs' coaching search. Reports suggest Toronto has conducted as many as 15 Zoom interviews to this point, while TSN's Darren Dreger has linked both Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette to the current stage of the process. Nick and Rosie share their thoughts on the search, the candidates, and why the Leafs continue to take their time.Plus, NHL on TNT host Jackie Redmond stops by to discuss the coaching search, the Leafs winning the draft lottery, the direction of the franchise, and much more.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Jackie Redmond joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation centered around the Maple Leafs and a pivotal offseason ahead.First, she weighed in on Toronto's ongoing coaching search. Interestingly, Redmond identified Patrick Roy as one of the more intriguing candidates, suggesting he's a rare personality who could walk into the Toronto market completely unfazed by the pressure—and perhaps even thrive in it.From there, she discussed what the Leafs could be looking for in their next head coach. As for new GM John Chayka, Redmond admitted she finds him difficult to get a read on, noting that he tends to be very corporate in his public messaging.Later, she offered a Leafs mood check. Thanks in large part to Toronto winning the draft lottery, she's feeling much more optimistic about the organization's direction. Unsurprisingly, Redmond made it clear she'd select Gavin McKenna first overall without hesitation.The conversation also touched on Mitch Marner's "dark times" comment during Stanley Cup Final media day. Redmond didn't hold back, venting about what she views as the hockey world's continued obsession with and criticism of Toronto. At what point, she wondered, are people satisfied?Plus, Redmond weighs in on Morgan Rielly's future, the challenges awaiting the Leafs this summer, and much more.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!