Leafs Morning Take

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the season opener. The boys break down all the big storylines from the opener, including Raddysh’s turbulent debut, McKenna’s first taste of NHL action, Marchenko’s impact, and Nylander’s two-goal performance. Plus, the Leafs may not be done making aggressive moves. On Tuesday night’s edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, Chris Johnston reported that Toronto could still be active in the trade market. Nick & Jay discuss the possibility of the Leafs targeting Carolina Hurricanes RFA Alex Nikishin. Finally, the boys look ahead to the second half of the back-to-back, as Toronto welcomes Matias Maccelli and the New York Islanders to Scotiabank Arena.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Former Montreal Canadiens captain and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill ahead of the season opener to discuss the rivalry, his time in Toronto, the blockbuster Matthew Knies/Kirill Marchenko trade, and the current Leafs roster.Pacioretty opens up about what makes the Toronto-Montreal rivalry so unique and how different his experiences were playing for both sides. He jokes about going from being the captain in Montreal to being in and out of the lineup during his final season with the Leafs.He also weighs in on the Knies/Marchenko trade, and he had plenty to say about the player Toronto is losing. “For me, Matthew Knies is just a horse. I don’t think people realize how big & strong this guy really is. I know the guys loved him on that team.”Pacioretty explains why he believes Toronto must be getting something significant in return if they were willing to move on from Knies, despite admitting he doesn’t know much about Marchenko.He also discusses the challenges of preparing for a season opener, especially with all the attention surrounding the Leafs and Canadiens, before reflecting on his own time in Toronto. Pacioretty explains why he became so physical during his final season and how that experience gave him a newfound appreciation for players who consistently play that style.Finally, Pacioretty gives his thoughts on the current Leafs, why he believes they can get back to the playoffs, and Auston Matthews’ offseason. He reveals that he recently texted Matthews to tell him how good he thinks he’s moving.And Pacioretty has plenty of praise for Gavin McKenna, whom he got to see up close while coaching in the Big Ten last season.“His talent with the puck is just ridiculous.”🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Dan Milstein, agent for Kirill Marchenko, joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down his client's blockbuster trade to Toronto and six-year, $75 million contract extension.First, Milstein provides an update on whether Marchenko will make his Maple Leafs debut in the season opener, revealing that the team is working through immigration paperwork and there’s a good chance he’ll play.Milstein then takes us through the timeline of the trade, revealing that everything came together quickly and that Columbus GM Don Waddell gave Marchenko’s camp permission to speak with Toronto at approximately 1 PM on Monday. Milstein explains why Toronto was high on Marchenko’s list, what nearly derailed the deal, and why the Maple Leafs logo was a major factor in his client wanting to come to Toronto.He also breaks down Marchenko’s game, including his versatility to play both wings, before addressing Andrew Raycroft’s recent comments about Marchenko’s conditioning. Milstein was blunt in his response, saying he felt the need to quickly shut down the accusation and defend his client. Milstein also shares that Marchenko worked extremely hard this summer and is ready to go.Finally, he provides a candid look at how everything unfolded between Marchenko, his camp and the Columbus Blue Jackets. A fascinating, transparent conversation with the agent behind one of the biggest moves of the Maple Leafs' offseason.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill preview the Maple Leafs’ season opener against Montreal, just hours after John Chayka pulled off a huge move, sending Matthew Knies to Columbus in a deal that landed Kirill Marchenko in Toronto. The boys set the scene for opening night, break down the blockbuster trade and discuss what Marchenko brings to Toronto. Plus, Dan Milstein, Marchenko's agent drops by to dish on the trade. Also, Max Pacioretty, who played for both the Leafs and Canadiens, stops by ahead of the opener, too. 🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

🚨 EMERGENCY LIVE 🚨 The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly working on a major trade involving Matthew Knies and Kirill Marchenko, and Daily Faceoff Toronto is going LIVE to break it all down. Nick Alberga, Zack Phillips, and Dan Riccio react to the breaking Leafs trade news, discuss what a potential Knies for Marchenko deal could mean for Toronto, Marchenko’s fit with the Maple Leafs, Knies’ value, and the impact this could have on the Leafs’ lineup moving forward. Get the latest Toronto Maple Leafs trade news, NHL trade rumours, breaking Leafs news, and instant reaction right here on Daily Faceoff Toronto. #LeafsForever #MapleLeafs #TorontoMapleLeafs #NHL #NHLTrade #LeafsTrade #KirillMarchenko #MatthewKnies #BlueJackets #ColumbusBlueJackets #DailyFaceoff 🚨 Subscribe to Daily Faceoff Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotoronto SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365: 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+.

Nick Alberga & Zack Phillips get set for the Maple Leafs’ season opener against Montreal, breaking down the latest news and notes out of Toronto one sleep before the puck drops. The boys dive into Toronto officially signing Nick Blankenburg to a one-year deal, Nick Paul returning to practice, and Dakota Joshua rejoining the main group. Plus, Nick & Zack break down the Leafs-related betting market ahead of the 2026-27 season, looking at team odds for the playoffs, points, Atlantic Division and Stanley Cup, along with player futures and the awards market — with a heavy focus on the Maple Leafs. Plus, Bruce Boudreau drops by to share his thoughts on the Leafs heading into opening night.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Bruce Boudreau joins Nick Alberga & Zack Phillips ahead of the Leafs' season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. First, Boudreau breaks down Toronto's bottom six and what he needs to see from that group, emphasizing the importance of being able to play responsible defence.Boudreau also revisits his offseason skepticism about the Leafs making the playoffs, explaining why he expects Toronto to be in a dogfight to get into the postseason in a loaded Atlantic Division.Plus, Boudreau shares his expectations for Gavin McKenna, including why he believes the rookie can be a 60-plus-point player, weighs in on whether McKenna belongs on PP1, and discusses what he wants to see from Auston Matthews this season.He also identifies Matthew Knies as a player who could have a much bigger season than expected, discusses Morgan Rielly and Toronto's top four, and reveals the three things he'd demand from the Leafs if he were behind their bench: energy, responsibility and discipline.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Projected No. 1 overall pick Landon DuPont joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill as he gets set to begin his first NCAA season with the Michigan Wolverines.DuPont discussed his decision to make the jump from the WHL to the NCAA, explaining why the opportunity to play against older competition was a major factor in his decision. He also talked about the defencemen he studies and tries to model his game after, including Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, Jaccob Slavin and Ottawa’s Jake Sanderson.The conversation also touched on Gavin McKenna, who DuPont was able to lean on this summer after McKenna made the same transition from the WHL to the NCAA last season. DuPont also shared some advice he received from Adam Fantilli, who encouraged him to stay in the moment, block out the outside noise and have fun.Plus, DuPont explained how his family has helped keep him grounded, shared what makes McKenna such a special player, and revealed whether he’ll be keeping an eye on the NHL standings throughout the season.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Mark Masters, TSN Leafs Reporter, joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to take a deep dive into the latest surrounding the Maple Leafs.Masters kicked things off by sharing his thoughts on Toronto’s Arizona retreat, explaining why he doesn’t mind the unconventional approach and believes it could provide the team with a different type of bonding experience. He also discussed the different feel around the Leafs this season, with so many new faces throughout the organization.From there, the boys dove into Steven Lorentz being placed on waivers, Zack MacEwen’s emergence as one of the biggest surprises of training camp, and why Masters understood the decision to move on from Lorentz despite having plenty of praise for the veteran forward.Masters also provided his thoughts on Nick Paul’s injury, Auston Matthews’ impressive and relaxed training camp, and Matthew Knies’ slow start. He pointed to some of the changes around Knies — including a new linemate in Jack Roslovic and a move to the second power-play unit — as potential factors worth monitoring.Plus, Masters discussed the biggest question he still has about this Leafs team, Jim Hiller’s role behind the bench, and Gavin McKenna’s impressive preseason.🚨 Subscribe to DFO Toronto on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @dfotorontoSHOUTOUT 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+.👍🏼 Coca ColaReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!