Leafs Morning Take

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former NHLer and Morning Cuppa Hockey co-host Colby Cohen. To kick things off, Colby breaks down Toronto’s blue line and explains why he believes the Leafs need more puck movers on the back end — comparing their situation to what Philadelphia Flyers have built defensively. He also stresses the importance of properly slotting players like Jake McCabe alongside the right partner, while admitting he didn’t love the way Toronto deployed its defence corps this past season.The conversation then shifts to reports that the Leafs are willing to discuss anyone except Auston Matthews. Colby weighs in on whether Toronto can realistically address its needs on the trade market without moving one of the organization’s core pieces, suggesting it may be difficult unless names like William Nylander or Matthew Knies are involved.Later, the guys dive into Toronto’s ongoing coaching search. Colby shares his thoughts on David Carle and why he believes there’s only a slim chance the Leafs can lure him away from Denver, emphasizing that money isn’t the driving factor. With that in mind, he identifies Jay Woodcroft as a coaching candidate who really stands out to him for Toronto.To wrap things up, Colby discusses Gavin McKenna and his tremendous season at Penn State, plus whether he would take him first overall. While hesitant to make a definitive statement without seeing more of the other top prospects, Cohen notes that McKenna is “still a boy, not a man,” making his long-term upside even more enticing.🚨 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!

DJ Smith joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation. Firstly, he discussed his experience so far in Switzerland serving as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championship. Along those lines, Smith talked about reconnecting with both Morgan Rielly and John Tavares, who are representing Canada at the tournament.Additionally, Smith reflected on how he’s evolved as a coach over the past few years. He also weighed in on the Maple Leafs’ head coaching vacancy, admitting the opportunity to coach in Toronto would definitely interest him, while remaining very complimentary of the Los Angeles Kings organization, where he finished this past season as interim head coach.Furthermore, Smith discussed the pressure that comes with the Toronto market, what it’s like to work and play in the city, and how his familiarity with the organization could be an asset if he lands an interview for the open position.🚨 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 break down a stunning Game 7 as Alex Newhook buried the overtime winner to send the Montreal Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final. Plus, they discuss the he latest surrounding Toronto’s head coaching search and the Leafs granting the Edmonton Oilers permission to speak with Craig Berube. Plus, former Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith — who could be in the mix for the Toronto job — drops by the show.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️  / @theleafsnation401  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+. 👍🏼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! Visit www.nationgear.ca for merch and more.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta weigh in on a Leafs fan’s worst nightmare: Montreal is now just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, while Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights are headed to the Western Conference Final. Meanwhile, Pagnotta dishes on the early stages of Toronto’s coaching search and some names to keep an eye on. Plus, Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and GM Willie Desjardins stops by the show to discuss coaching projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna and what makes the phenom so special.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️  / @theleafsnation401  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+. 👍🏼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! Visit www.nationgear.ca for merch and more.

Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by Willie Desjardins to discuss the NHL coaching carousel and why the Toronto Maple Leafs job remains one of the league’s most coveted positions. Desjardins also dives deep on coaching projected superstar Gavin McKenna in Medicine Hat, explaining why McKenna’s elite vision separates him from the pack and how he believes the young phenom would handle the pressure and spotlight that comes with playing in a market like Toronto. Plus, Desjardins shares insight on coaching in Canada and the intense scrutiny that follows every move behind an NHL bench.🚨 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 break down John Chayka’s media availability following the firing of Craig Berube. The boys dissect the key takeaways from Chayka’s comments, what they could mean for the direction of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and identify some intriguing replacement candidates as the coaching search officially gets underway. Plus, veteran NHL bench boss Peter Laviolette stops by to discuss the opening and why Toronto could be the perfect fit for his next opportunity.Also, NHL Insider David Pagnotta drops by to dissect the news.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️  / @theleafsnation401  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+. 👍🏼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! Visit www.nationgear.ca for merch and more.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill welcome free agent veteran head coach Peter Laviolette to Leafs Morning Take for an interview that essentially doubles as a job interview for Toronto’s vacant head coaching position. Laviolette shares his reaction to the firing of Craig Berube, explains why the Maple Leafs job is one of the most intriguing openings in hockey, and compares the pressure and spotlight in Toronto to coaching the Cowboys and Yankees. He also dives into what makes high-pressure markets appealing, the behind-the-scenes process of interviewing for NHL jobs, and why he believes his coaching style and experience would mesh well with this Leafs core. Plus, Laviolette discusses the luxury of Toronto owning the No. 1 overall pick — potentially landing Gavin McKenna — his track record working with young players, and how much a franchise player’s long-term commitment, specifically Auston Matthews, factors into evaluating a coaching opportunity.🚨 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!

Bruce Boudreau joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to react to the Leafs’ decision to fire Craig Berube, sharing his surprise that Toronto moved on so quickly and suggesting he expected the organization to take more time before making a change.Boudreau dives into what may have changed behind the scenes, including the possibility that John Chayka and Mats Sundin spoke with players about their comfort level with the direction of the team. He also discusses whether coaches can sense when their job security is slipping, pointing to his own experience that most behind the bench do.From there, he breaks down what went wrong for Toronto this season, pointing to defensive breakdowns and injuries as key factors rather than a single issue. He also weighs in on whether having the No. 1 pick could have influenced the timing of the move, and outlines why he doesn’t believe it played a major role.Finally, Boudreau addresses the coaching search, saying there’s no real rush on a replacement, and makes the case that the Maple Leafs job remains one of the most attractive in hockey despite the pressure that comes with it.🚨 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!