Share

cover art for LUCKY NO. 12: Leafs Win Draft Lottery ft. Steve Simmons

Leafs Morning Take

LUCKY NO. 12: Leafs Win Draft Lottery ft. Steve Simmons

Season 4, Ep. 141

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap a big night for the Maple Leafs as they won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and secured the No. 1 overall pick. With “Lucky No. 12” delivering, the guys break down the moment, the reaction, and what landing the top pick means for the organization heading into June’s NHL Draft.


Plus, Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons stops by to weigh in on the significance of the win, the direction of the team, and his viral back-and-forth with Keith Pelley at the Sundin–Chayka introductory press conference.


🚨 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.



💻 Follow on Facebook:  / tlndc  


#leafsforever #torontomapleleafs #nhl

managed by iGO

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 179. McKenna's a LEAF, Carlo TRADED, & Is Werenski the Next TARGET? ft. Alex Bilecki

    01:19:08||Season 4, Ep. 179
    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2026 draft class, with scouts and media alike praising the organization’s haul. The boys dive into the Brandon Carlo trade and unpack John Chayka’s post-draft comments on free agency and what could be coming next for the Leafs.They also explore some of the biggest offseason questions facing Toronto, including the possibility of a trade for Zach Werenski and whether Patrick Kane could become a free agency target if he hits the market.Plus, Leafs second-round pick and Kitchener defenceman Alex Bilecki stops by to talk about his draft experience and what’s next in his development.🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨➡️ / @theleafsnation401SHOUTOUT 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+.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.
  • 178. Alex Bilecki on Getting Drafted by His Hometown Maple Leafs

    08:25||Season 4, Ep. 178
    Fresh off winning the Memorial Cup and hearing his name called by his hometown team, Maple Leafs second-round pick Alex Bilecki joins Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill. The Mississauga native reflects on the whirlwind journey to Toronto, why he had a feeling the Leafs were interested, the relationship he built with the organization leading up to the draft, and why winning a championship helped prepare him for this next chapter. Bilecki also discusses his playing style, areas he wants to improve, growing up a Leafs fan, getting a congratulatory call from Mats Sundin, modeling parts of his game after Shea Theodore, and his excitement for development camp.🚨 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!
  • 177. DRAFT DAY PREVIEW: Leafs Expected to Select Gavin McKenna First Overall ft. Pierre McGuire

    01:17:13||Season 4, Ep. 177
    It's finally here. Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill preview one of the biggest days in recent Maple Leafs history as Toronto gets set to make the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, with Gavin McKenna widely expected to be the selection.The boys break down everything Maple Leafs GM John Chayka had to say ahead of the draft, discuss what it could mean for the organization's direction moving forward, and sift through the latest Leafs news, rumours, and trade chatter.Plus, Pierre McGuire stops by to preview the draft from Toronto's perspective. With Pierre set to co-host pre- and post-draft coverage alongside The Sheet's Jeff Marek, he shares his insight on what to expect from the Leafs and the rest of what promises to be a fascinating opening night of the NHL Draft.🚨 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+. 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.
  • 177. NHL Draft Preview with Pierre McGuire: Gavin McKenna & the Leafs

    11:05||Season 4, Ep. 177
    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill tee up the 2026 NHL Draft with the incomparable Pierre McGuire.McGuire breaks down why he believes this year's draft is top-heavy before detailing what Maple Leafs fans should expect from presumptive first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. He explains why McKenna should be in the Calder Trophy conversation as a rookie, compares his ceiling to Patrick Kane, and discusses why Toronto's current core is the perfect environment for the young star to thrive.Additionally, McGuire weighs in on another player the Leafs reportedly like in Chase Reid, assesses Carson Carels' game, and shares his thoughts on whether he would ever consider trading Matthew Knies.The conversation also touches on Jim Hiller's surprising hiring as head coach, why McGuire liked the Darren Raddysh acquisition, how the Leafs are addressing one of their biggest organizational weaknesses, the state of Toronto's goaltending, and, finally, the one player he would be calling about immediately if he were GM John Chayka: Mason McTavish.🚨 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!
  • 176. Matthew Knies Trade Rumours Won't Go Away ft. Michael Pezzetta

    01:03:20||Season 4, Ep. 176
    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta break down the Alex Tuch trade to Washington and what it means for an already thinning NHL free-agent market. They also discuss the latest surrounding Matthew Knies as the trade rumours continue to swirl, plus separate fact from fiction on the Sergei Bobrovsky-to-Toronto buzz. As always, Pagnotta shares the latest intel on what John Chayka and the Maple Leafs are up to ahead of a busy stretch. Plus, fresh off helping the Toronto Marlies capture the Calder Cup, forward Michael Pezzetta stops by to reflect on the championship run, returning home to Toronto, and what's next.🚨 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!
  • 176. Michael Pezzetta on Winning the Calder Cup & Playing for Toronto

    11:06||Season 4, Ep. 176
    Fresh off winning the Calder Cup, Toronto Marlies forward Michael Pezzetta joins Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to relive an unforgettable championship run. Pezzetta says every kid dreams of winning the Stanley Cup, and that capturing the Calder Cup is the next best thing in professional hockey. He reflects on celebrating with family and friends, reveals his championship meal (his mom's lasagna), and explains what it meant to accomplish it all in his hometown of Toronto.Pezzetta shares what the championship meant to the city, why the Coca-Cola Coliseum atmosphere was electric throughout the playoffs, and why he believes Toronto will be "absolutely bananas" the day the Maple Leafs finally win it all.The conversation also dives into John Gruden's impact behind the bench, what made Mark Giordano such an important leader, Artur Akhtyamov's remarkable playoff run, Easton Cowan's growth, and Ben Danford's bright future.Plus, as a Toronto native who got to wear the blue and white, Pezzetta offers some advice for fellow hometown product Darren Raddysh as he begins his own Maple Leafs journey—including the reality of managing those ticket requests.🚨 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!
  • 175. Rielly Submits List of 4 Teams, Leafs Shopping Carlo ft. Jeff Marek

    01:11:02||Season 4, Ep. 175
    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta react to a busy Tuesday around the NHL as trade chatter ramps up ahead of Friday's NHL Draft.What exactly are John Chayka & the Maple Leafs up to? The boys sift through the latest rumours and speculation surrounding Toronto, including reports that the Leafs are shopping Brandon Carlo. Plus, according to Darren Dreger, Morgan Rielly's camp has submitted a list of four Western based teams that he would be willing to waive his no-movement clause for.With the rumour mill in overdrive, the boys debate what it all means, what Toronto's next move could be, and how active the Leafs might get over the next few days.Additionally, The Sheet's Jeff Marek drops by to preview the NHL Draft, discuss Gavin McKenna, and weigh in on what he thinks Chayka and company could have up their sleeve as a pivotal week for the organization continues.🚨 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!
  • 175. Jeff Marek on the Leafs' Next Move, McKenna & Josi

    18:33||Season 4, Ep. 175
    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by The Sheet's Jeff Marek for a draft week primer. Right off the bat, Marek dropped a bombshell, revealing that projected 2027 No. 1 overall pick Landon DuPont is headed to Michigan.From there, the conversation shifted to the trade market, which has been buzzing ahead of the draft. Marek wondered whether the Dallas Stars could be a team to watch, especially with all the speculation surrounding Jason Robertson. He and Pagnotta also kicked around the possibility of a three-team trade should Robertson ultimately be moved.Looking at the Leafs specifically, Marek was asked who he'd be calling if he were John Chayka. He floated the idea of Roman Josi as a potential fit in Toronto before discussing whether it would make sense for the Leafs to explore a move for Alex DeBrincat, who is slated to become a UFA next summer.To wrap things up, Marek weighed in on the No. 1 overall pick and made it clear where he stands: he fully expects the Maple Leafs to select Gavin McKenna and admitted he'd be shocked if they went in any other direction.🚨 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!
  • 174. More Moves Brewing in Toronto? 👀 ft. Ryan Leslie

    56:55||Season 4, Ep. 174
    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill break down the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, highlighted by former Maple Leafs GM and president—and friend of the show—Brian Burke getting the call to the Hall.On the Leafs front, the boys speculate on what's next for John Chayka and company as the rumour mill continues to swirl. With Toronto already making several significant moves this offseason, could there be another domino about to fall?They also dissect Darren Raddysh's first media availability as a Maple Leaf. The Toronto native called his decision to sign with the Leafs a "no-brainer" and shared his excitement about coming home.Plus, Leafs team host Ryan Leslie stops by to help set the stage for Friday's NHL Draft and what figures to be a busy and pivotal few weeks for the Maple Leafs 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+.👍🏼MOVEMBER: https://ca.movember.com/Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!