Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple Leafs

Epizode

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  Maple Leafs Trade Targets + 5 Trade Chips Toronto Could Move | Leafs-Sens Preview 02.10.2026 40min

  GM John Chayka is reportedly looking for an upgrade on the blue line — but what trade chips do the Toronto Maple Leafs actually have left after the blockbuster Matthew Knies-Kirill Marchenko deal? Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down some of the defencemen Toronto could potentially target, including Alexander Nikishin, Simon Edvinsson and the intriguing possibility of Vince Dunn. Then it's time for the Friday Five Pack: the five futures-related trade chips the Maple Leafs could potentially dangle to land a top-four defenceman. The guys debate the value of Toronto’s 2027 first-round pick from Colorado, the Leafs’ 2029 first-rounder, Ben Danford, Tinus Luc Koblar and a 2027 second-round pick. They also discuss Artur Akhtyamov as an intriguing honourable mention. With Toronto reportedly looking to win now during the next two years, how aggressive should John Chayka be in using the Leafs’ remaining assets to upgrade the blue line? Plus, the Leafs get ready for the first Battle of Ontario of the season as they host the Ottawa Senators.
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  COWBOY HAS ARRIVED! Easton Cowan SHINES in Maple Leafs Win Over Islanders 01.10.2026 40min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders — and Easton Cowan was the star of the show. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Cowan’s outstanding performance, as he picked up an assist on Toronto’s opening goal before scoring the game-winner on the power play. His relentless forecheck, backchecking, puck battles and ability to create offense are making it harder and harder for Jim Hiller to keep him out of the top six. Anthony Stolarz was also outstanding in his season debut, stopping 26 of 27 shots and making several huge saves to preserve the victory. The guys also dive into Gavin McKenna’s second NHL game, Darren Raddysh’s bounce-back performance and why Toronto’s second power-play unit looked better than the star-studded first unit. But there is one major concern: Auston Matthews still hasn't scored in two games. Is it time to start worrying about the Leafs captain, or does he simply need more time to find his game with two brand-new linemates? Plus, the Leafs may not be done making moves. With Toronto opening up roughly $7 million in cap space, could John Chayka be preparing for another big addition — potentially on the blue line?
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  Leafs Lose to Canadiens in Season Opener: Nylander, Marchenko & Matthews Shine, Raddysh & McKenna Struggle 30.09.2026 38min

  The Maple Leafs opened the 2026-27 season with a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens — and there were plenty of positives and concerns to take away from Game 1. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down the season opener, including a huge night from William Nylander, an impressive Toronto debut for Kirill Marchenko, and a strong performance from Easton Cowan. Plus, the guys discuss the early chemistry between Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko, the Leafs' struggling power play and why Cowan quickly earned more responsibility. And with the Leafs right back in action against the New York Islanders, the guys preview Game 2 and discuss potential lineup changes, including Anthony Stolarz getting the start.
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  Leafs Trade Reaction: Chayka makes Blockbuster Move for Marchenko, Knies Gone 29.09.2026 47min

  On the eve of the NHL season opener, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae, and a second-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a massive deal for Kirill Marchenko, Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down the stunning trade and what it means for the Maple Leafs before they drop the puck against the Canadiens.
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  Leafs Over/Under Predictions: Expectations for Matthews, Nylander, Mckenna & more 28.09.2026 43min

  The NHL season is finally here, and it’s time to make our 2026-27 Toronto Maple Leafs predictions! Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti go through their annual Leafs over/unders, including some BIG questions surrounding Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna, William Nylander, Darren Raddysh and Sergei Bobrovsky.
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  Leafs Opening Night Roster Taking Shape, Biggest Surprises + Stock Watch 25.09.2026 40min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening-night roster is starting to take shape — and there are some genuine surprises after the first wave of cuts. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Toronto’s projected opening-night lineup after eight players were placed on waivers, including the surprising decision to move on from Steven Lorentz and the emergence of Zach McEwen as a potential fourth-line option. The guys also look at Beau Groulx making his case for an NHL roster spot and the battle on defence between Troy Stecher and Emil Andrae. With Morgan Rielly and Darren Raddysh forming Toronto’s projected second pairing and Sergei Bobrovsky firmly established as the No. 1 goalie, the Leafs are starting to look a lot more like the team we’ll see when the regular season begins. Then it’s time for the Friday Five Pack: whose stock went UP and whose stock went DOWN throughout training camp? Plus, the NHL salary cap could be heading toward a massive jump by 2028-29.
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  Leafs End Preseason On High Note As Matthews, Bobrovsky & Mckenna Impress 24.09.2026 32min

  The Maple Leafs put a bow on the preseason with a pair of wins over the Ottawa Senators — and the final tune-up gave us plenty to talk about. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasuti break down Toronto’s 6-1 win at Scotiabank Arena, including another strong performance from Auston Matthews, who showed his burst, conviction and willingness to shoot while finding the scoresheet again. Gavin McKenna also continued to flash his elite skill, picking up his first preseason assist, while Easton Cowan stood out with his puck-carrying, playmaking and north-south game. The guys also dive into Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance — and whether there is any real debate left about who should be Toronto’s No. 1 goalie. Bobrovsky made a huge glove save on Tim Stützle and looked composed whenever Ottawa tested him, strengthening the belief that he could take the bulk of the starts this season. Plus, a look at Morgan Rielly and Darren Raddysh, the Leafs’ final blue-line decisions, Emil Andrae seemingly losing ground in the battle for a roster spot, and Toronto’s decision to ditch the traditional Muskoka trip for a team-bonding trip to Arizona.
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  Is Easton Cowan Primed For Breakout Season? Leafs Goaltending Debate 23.09.2026 34min

  Easton Cowan is being talked about as one of the NHL’s top breakout candidates — but there’s one major thing that could stand in the way of a huge season. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Cowan’s opportunity heading into his second full NHL season, including why his current matchup-line role with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons could limit his offensive production. Can Cowan force his way into the Leafs’ top six, and what would a true breakout season look like for him? Then, the guys get into one of Toronto’s biggest questions heading into the season: who is actually the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 goaltender? Is Sergei Bobrovsky going to take the net and run with it, or should Toronto view him and Anthony Stolarz as a tandem? With Bobrovsky coming off another 50-plus-game season but entering his age-38 season, how much should the Leafs lean on him? Plus, the final preseason game, Morgan Rielly’s first game alongside Darren Raddysh, Matthew Knies’ breakout potential and more Leafs discussion.
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  Will We Get Prime Auston Matthews, Will A Rielly-Raddysh Pairing Work? 22.09.2026 35min

  Auston Matthews looked like a different player in the Maple Leafs’ preseason split-squad games against Montreal — but what does he still need to show before we can say he’s truly back? Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasuti break down the signs that Matthews is healthier, more explosive and playing with more conviction, while looking at the next steps he needs to take: his skating, burst, strength, off-puck play, backchecking and overall ability to dictate games. The guys also dive into the Leafs experimenting with Darren Raddysh alongside Morgan Rielly and why that combination could make sense. They end the show with a Co-Sign/No-Sign about a player struggling to get with the main group and if Easton Cowan could be the first in line for a promotion.
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  Is Matthews Returning To Form? Thoughts on McKenna's debut 21.09.2026 39min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped both of their preseason games against the Montreal Canadiens, but there were still plenty of encouraging takeaways. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasuti break down Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut, including his flashes of offensive skill, areas he needs to improve and why he could eventually earn a spot on the top power-play unit. The biggest positive, however, may have been Auston Matthews looking healthier and more explosive. Is the Maple Leafs captain showing signs of returning to his dominant two-way form?
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  Leafs Training Camp Takeaways: Gavin McKenna Starts on Line 2, Easton Cowan Impresses 18.09.2026 41min

  Gavin McKenna’s Toronto Maple Leafs debut is finally here! The first overall pick is set to start on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander as the Leafs prepare for preseason action against the Montreal Canadiens. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasutti discuss McKenna’s projected role, his impressive first day on the ice, and what they want to see from him in his preseason debut — including his defensive awareness, puck battles and ability to play with confidence. The guys also break down Easton Cowan’s strong start to training camp, Jim Hiller’s praise for the young forward, Ben Danford’s opportunity on the blue line, and five Maple Leafs they’re excited to watch in their preseason debuts.
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  Maple Leafs Media Day: Gavin McKenna Decision Looms + Major Injury Updates 17.09.2026 43min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs will hit the ice and we'll finally get an answer to the big Gavin McKenna question. Mike DiStefano and David Morassutti recap Maple Leafs Media Day, breaking down the biggest takeaways from Auston Matthews, John Tavares, McKenna, Jim Hiller, John Chayka and Mats Sundin. The biggest question heading into the first on-ice session of training camp is McKenna’s role. Will he play alongside Auston Matthews on the top line, join John Tavares and William Nylander, or be eased into the NHL on a middle-six line?
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  Leafs Open Training Camp With A Very DIFFERENT Look 16.09.2026 40min

  The Maple Leafs are back — and after an offseason of immense change, Toronto is officially entering a new era. Mike DiStefano and David Morassutti break down Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp and what makes this team feel so different heading into the 2026-27 season.
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  Leafs Training Camp Battles: Who Wins a Spot on Matthews’ Wing? 15.09.2026 39min

  Which Maple Leafs lineup spots are truly up for grabs heading into training camp? On today’s episode of Locked On Leafs, Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down the biggest roster battles heading into camp, including one of the most intriguing questions of the season: who will earn a spot on Auston Matthews’ wing? Will Matthew Knies remain alongside Matthews? Could Gavin McKenna force his way into the conversation? Is Jack Roslovic the best fit? And does Easton Cowan have a legitimate chance to steal one of the most coveted spots in the Leafs lineup? The guys also break down the crowded bottom-six battle, with Nick Paul, Dakota Joshua, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, Steven Lorentz, Cowan and several young players all competing for NHL ice time. Plus, who wins the battle for the sixth and seventh spots on defence? With Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Darren Raddysh appearing to have regular roles locked down, can players like Troy Stetcher, Zach Blankenburg, Emil Andrae, Philippe Myers or Ben Danford force their way onto the roster? Finally, Mike and Dave make their predictions for this year’s Maple Leafs training camp darlings. Which unexpected player could turn heads and make a serious push for an NHL job?
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  Leafs Hold Back McKenna From Showcase, Chayka Breaks Down Off-season 14.09.2026 30min

  Gavin McKenna's highly anticipated Maple Leafs debut will have to wait — but the rookie showcase still gave Toronto plenty to talk about. David Morassutti breaks down the Leafs' decision to keep McKenna in Toronto rather than send him to the prospect tournament, why the short training camp played a role and whether the organization made the right call. Plus, Tinus Luc Koblar emerged as one of the standout prospects in Gatineau, while Luke Haynes, Alexander Bielecki and Vinnie Borghese also made strong impressions. Could Koblar be pushing his way into the Maple Leafs' plans? David also looks at John Chayka's message to Leafs fans heading into training camp, including his belief that the organization needs to earn back their support. And there's plenty of roster housekeeping to discuss: Max Domi won't be ready for the start of training camp, Chris Tanev is still waiting for medical clearance, and the Leafs are reportedly bringing in Nick Blankenburg on a PTO.
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  McKenna Headed to Prospect Showcase — Are Maple Leafs Tempering Expectations? 11.09.2026 34min

  Gavin McKenna is making his Maple Leafs debut earlier than expected! The Maple Leafs have named McKenna to their Prospect Showcase roster, giving fans their first chance to see the No. 1 pick in a Toronto jersey this weekend. The Leafs face the Ottawa Senators Saturday night before taking on the Winnipeg Jets Sunday afternoon. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down why Toronto is sending McKenna to the tournament, what the Leafs can learn from him before training camp, and what fans should realistically expect from the highly anticipated prospect. Plus, the guys reveal their five prospects to watch at the showcase, including Tinus Luc Koblar, Alexander Bielecki, Tyler Hopkins and Patriks Plumins. How many points will Gavin McKenna record this weekend? Let us know in the comments!
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  Maple Leafs News: Chris Kreider Fit + Tavares’ Cup Contender Comments 10.09.2026 38min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs could have an intriguing opportunity in free agency after Chris Kreider hits the market following his buyout. Could the veteran winger be a fit in Toronto? In this episode of Locked On Leafs, Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down the latest Maple Leafs news and debate whether Toronto should have interest in Kreider, who is reportedly interested in returning to the Eastern Conference. After a bounce-back season, where would Kreider fit in the Leafs lineup, and would he make sense at the right price? Plus, John Tavares believes the Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders. Is Toronto actually a legitimate Cup contender heading into the 2026-27 NHL season, or is Tavares simply setting the expectations internally? We also discuss our expectations for the Maple Leafs this season and where this team should realistically finish.
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  Can Leafs fix Power Play with Alfredsson and Raddysh? 09.09.2026 37min

  The Maple Leafs are hoping for a POWER-PLAY REVIVAL in 2026-27 — and Daniel Alfredsson could be the key. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Toronto's revamped special teams, including what Alfredsson brings to the power play, how Darren Raddysh could give the Leafs a dangerous point shot, and whether Gavin McKenna could eventually become part of the top unit.
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  Maple Leafs Back-to-School Superlatives! Who's Most Likely to Succeed, Get Traded & More 08.09.2026 42min

  It’s back-to-school season — so it’s time for some Toronto Maple Leafs back-to-school superlatives! Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti hand out some very unofficial awards to the Leafs heading into the 2026-27 season. Who is most likely to become the team’s “class prime minister”? Who will be the coach’s pet? Who could sleep through class? And which Maple Leaf is most likely to get traded? The guys also debate who will get straight A’s, who could become a fan favourite, who is most likely to get rich and which players could exceed expectations this season. Plus, the guys react to the bizarre-looking Maple Leafs player models in NHL 27 — including Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares.
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  5 Stories That Defined the Leafs Summer + Where Matthews Sits On The Athletic's Ranking 04.09.2026 43min

  The Toronto Maple Leafs had one of the busiest summers in recent memory — from a massive front-office overhaul to the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna and a complete revamp of the roster around Auston Matthews. Plus, we discuss the massive front-office overhaul in Toronto, with dozens of changes throughout the organization.