Leafs Morning Take

TSN Hockey analyst Craig Button joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the Maple Leafs.To kick things off, Button weighed in on Toronto’s reluctance to tank — a stance Rosehill called “inexcusable,” with Button in full agreement. The trio also discussed the strategic approach taken by the Florida Panthers, and why short-term pain can sometimes lead to long-term gain — especially with their top-10 protected pick owed to the Chicago Blackhawks from the Seth Jones deal.From there, Button shared his thoughts on Peter DeBoer landing with the New York Islanders, before addressing a major concern in Toronto: could the ongoing front office search cost the Leafs key candidates? In his view, no — stressing, “you can’t put the cart before the horse.”The conversation also touched on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench, what Toronto should prioritize in a potential coaching replacement, and how the organization should structure its front office moving forward. Button suggested a return to a President-GM model, emphasizing the job is too big for one person, while floating veteran names like Dean Lombardi and Bob Gainey as potential options worth exploring.To wrap things up, Button put himself in the GM’s chair — and revealed the very first call he’d make: a conversation with Auston Matthews about his future in Toronto.🚨 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+.👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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 dive into the latest surrounding William Nylander’s future in Toronto after his candid comments to The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel, making it clear he wants to stay—so long as the organization opts for a retool rather than a full rebuild. The guys break down what that could mean for the direction of the franchise and how it impacts the core moving forward.They also take a closer look at Keith Pelley’s recent remarks, including his stance on tanking and the business-first approach he’s brought since taking over—sparking plenty of debate about the vision for this team.Also, Nick & Rosie preview the Leafs’ matchup in San Jose, the third stop on their four-game road trip, and what to expect as the trip rolls on.Plus, The Sheet’s Jeff Marek stops by to weigh in on all the chaos surrounding the team right now.🚨 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+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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.

Jeff Marek, host of The Sheet, joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down what’s next for the Maple Leafs as their pivotal GM search begins.Marek weighed in on Keith Pelley’s press conference, acknowledging the heavy use of corporate language while noting that it aligns with Pelley's business-first background. He suggested the presser may have doubled as a feeler—an opportunity for MLSE to gauge how certain ideas would resonate with the market.From there, the conversation shifted to Toronto’s front office search and the growing emphasis on data-driven decision making. Marek floated names like Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta as potential fits and joked that plenty of candidates may suddenly start branding themselves as “data-centric” as the process unfolds. That said, he also spoke highly of Mike Gillis, identifying him as a strong and credible option.Marek emphasized that the Leafs are expected to cast a wide net—and made it clear this remains one of the most coveted jobs in hockey. Simply put: it’s Toronto.To wrap, he touched on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench and how it factors into the organization’s broader 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+.👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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 Keith Pelley’s headline-making press conference following the dismissal of Brad Treliving. They dive into what stood out most from Pelley’s comments, read between the lines on the reasoning behind the move, and debate whether the Leafs are truly headed in a right direction.Plus, long-time NHL broadcaster John Shannon stops by to share his perspective on the decision, what he’s hearing behind the scenes, and how Toronto could approach filling the now-vacant GM role.🚨 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+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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.

John Shannon of 100% Hockey joins Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill for a loaded conversation on the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Shannon breaks down Keith Pelley’s messaging following the dismissal of Brad Treliving, offering insight into what was really said—and what it all means moving forward. With a strong understanding of Pelley, Shannon shares what kind of leader he is, what he values, and how that could shape the organization’s next steps.They dive into potential front office structure, including the possibility of adding a President of Hockey Operations alongside a new GM. Shannon also gives his candid take on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench and why he’s skeptical about a return.Plus, a closer look at potential candidates: Shannon weighs in on Mike Gillis, who’s already been linked to the role, and discusses whether Doug Armstrong could realistically be a fit in Toronto.#LeafsForever #LeafsMorningTake🚨 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+.👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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 & David Pagnotta break down an eventful night in Anaheim as the Leafs took down the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. The biggest story? Toronto got revenge for Auston Matthews after Radko Gudas’ March 12th hit, with Max Domi dropping the gloves just 3 seconds in and the Leafs sending a message all night long. Plus, the boys dive deeper into the Brad Treliving firing. Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun stops by to weigh in on everything.🚨 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+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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.

Terry Koshan, who covers the Leafs for the Toronto Sun, joins Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to break down a chaotic Monday for the Maple Leafs.Koshan weighs in on the team’s response to Radko Gudas, including Max Domi stepping up early, calling it a bit over the top—but praising Toronto’s overall effort in Anaheim. That performance raises a bigger question: where has that intensity been all season? He also highlights Easton Cowan and others for rising to the occasion.The conversation then shifts to Auston Matthews and how he rebounds from a tough, high-profile moment, especially after the team didn’t immediately respond in his defence.From there, Koshan dives into the dismissal of Brad Treliving—focusing on the puzzling timing, what led to the move, and what comes next for the organization. He outlines what Toronto could prioritize in its next GM, with names like Doug Armstrong continuing to surface.#LeafsForever #LeafsMorningTake🚨 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+.👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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!

NHL insider David Pagnotta joins Nick Alberga & Zack Phillips to break down the news of the Toronto Maple Leafs firing GM Brad Treliving. From the timing of the move to what it means for the organization moving forward, Pagnotta provides insight on what led to the decision and what’s next in Toronto.🚨 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+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/👍🏼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.