It's another hot summer Leafs Nation… and we've been chilling on the patio contemplating another long Leafs' offseason. It’s August and it’s been pretty quiet, not just with the Leafs, but around the NHL!

Mitch Marner’s gone, and whether you’re calling it a sign and trade, a shake-up, or just another chapter in the “almost” era, the reality is simple — we’ve lost one of our best playmakers, leaving an impossible hole to fill.

But in true Leafs fashion, we’ve got some new players to pin our hopes on — Matias Macceli, Nick Roy, and Dakota Joshua. Will they bring the grit, depth, and scoring punch we’ve been missing, or will they be added to the already long list of fill-ins that ultimately could convert when it matters? At the very least, they bring fresh energy and a chance for the Leafs to rewrite the narrative — and hey, stranger things have happened in hockey right?.

Joining us for this spirited conversation is sports journalist Damien Cox, who doesn’t sugarcoat when it comes to the Leafs’ current moves, and decades long futility. We get his opinion on Brad Treliving’s plans to reshape this roster. Is this the start of a real contender build, or just another GM coming in to Toronto, trying to make their mark. If it’s the former, we might just be watching the first steps toward something worth remembering — we can only hope right?

And of course, this is Leafs Nation — so we want your take. Hit us up on social media or send us an email with your thoughts on the Marner trade, the new signings, and where you think this team is headed (or not headed).

If you bleed blue like we do, and love unfiltered Leafs talk, hit subscribe. Because win or lose — and let’s be honest, it’s usually both — there’s always that little spark of hope that keeps us coming back. Go Leafs Go!

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

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It’s June and the Stanley Cup Final is just getting going. It’s a repeat of last year’s final with the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers facing off for the Cup.

While Connor McDavid is chasing the Stanley Cup in this repeat Final showdown, Leafs Nation is left wondering once again what’s missing in Toronto — and why it always seems just out of reach.

In this episode, we start the show by discussing the glaring contrast between McDavid’s relentless push to win and the Leafs’ troubling comfort with early playoff exits. Brad Treliving’s recent press conference didn’t pull any punches, calling for a serious shift in the team’s DNA — and that message may finally shake things up.

Then we welcomed to the show Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, who shared his unique insights into Auston Matthews’ first year as captain, marked by leadership pressure and lingering injuries, and we also discuss why the departure of long-time figures behind the bench and in the front office might finally put the spotlight — and accountability — squarely back on the players.

With free agency around the corner and Mitch Marner’s future up in the air, change feels inevitable. But it’s not just about the roster — it’s about culture. We explore how the Leafs can build a stronger playoff mindset during the regular season and why fans are craving more access to the real personalities behind the jerseys.

If you're ready to move beyond excuses and dig into what it’ll actually take for the Leafs to become a serious contender, this one’s for you. Go Leafs Go!

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00:00 Stanley Cup Final Predictions
04:33 Reflections on the Leafs' Season
07:01 Brad Treliving's Press Conference Insights
12:10 The Future of the Core Four
17:50 Austin Matthews as Captain
25:56 Free Agency and Team Changes

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

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New season, same heartbreak. In this episode, we break down the Leafs’ Game 7 loss and what went wrong in their series with the Panthers, after the disappointing end to their latest rollercoaster playoff run. From a lack of urgency and low shot totals to another rough start that set the tone early, the frustration is real — and Leafs Fans are feeling it!

While the players definitely bear the brunt of this, we also take a hard look at some of the coaching decisions, especially around player lineups, and how injuries once again played a major role in derailing playoff hopes. The outside noise from critics and media is only growing louder, and with expectations still sky-high (and rightfully so), many in Leafs Nation are left asking: Where do we go from here?

The conversation gets real as we talk about what needs to change this offseason We also dive into the emotional connection fans have with this team, why the disappointment cuts so deep, and why, despite it all, the love for the Blue and White never fades.

If you’re frustrated, heartbroken, or just trying to make sense of it all — this one’s for you. Go Leafs Go!

👉 Tap follow, leave a review, and join us for honest Leafs talk every week. #LeafsForever #NHLPlayoffs #GoLeafsGo #TorontoMapleLeafs

00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement
01:53 Disappointing Game Seven Recap
05:58 Team Mindset and Coaching Adjustments
10:11 Injuries and Their Impact on Performance
14:12 Criticism from Opponents and Media
18:00 Fan Expectations and Team Performance
22:00 Looking Ahead: Offseason Decisions

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

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We're back—and now streaming on hockeyhotstove.com! In this episode, we break down the highs, lows, and head-scratchers of the Leafs’ playoff performance, as they are in the thick of it versus the Florida Panthers in this 2nd round series. Joseph Woll has been thrown into the fire with a tough goaltending assignment, while the team continues to struggle with scoring in key moments.

Penalties sure disrupted the Leafs momentum in game 4, and Auston Matthews is getting heat despite his strong defensive play, but Tanev’s toughness has been a game-changer—and we’re here for it! The Leafs as a unit will need to take their cue from this tenacious D'man if they hope to come out on top in this now best of three showdown.

We also shine a light on the community side of the game. We were delighted to have welcomed Ultimate Leafs Fan Mike Wilson on with us to talk about an important fundraising initiative he is championing in support of a cure for ALS; one that that hockey fans will definitely want to get involved with! Of course, while he was with us we also got his thoughts on the Leafs vs Panthers series, and chatted about his experiences following the Blue and White on the road. We could've talked to Mike for hours, as he has some incredible stories!

The playoffs are all about momentum swings, and the Leafs have allowed the Panthers to get some. A quick start and taking our game to them will be the key to getting it back. Go Leafs Go!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast News
01:12 Recap of the Leafs vs. Panthers Series
06:42 Goaltending Challenges and Player Performances
14:01 Criticism of Key Players and Team Dynamics
22:48 Insights from the Ultimate Leafs Fan, Mike Wilson
25:32 The Toughness of Chris and Team Dynamics
30:11 Game Strategy and Player Composure
32:04 Charity Initiatives and Community Support
41:04 The Ultimate Leafs Fan Experience
49:05 Fan Engagement and Game Atmosphere
52:41 Predictions and Superstitions for the Series

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

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The Leafs are moving on! We love that we get to talk about the Leafs in Round 2 of the playoffs after winning their 1st round series vs. the Ottawa Senators in 6 games! Round #2 is going to be a much tougher opponent vs. the Florida Panthers!

In this episode, we put a bow on Toronto’s first-round win over the Ottawa Senators and look ahead to a tough matchup against the Florida Panthers. From Anthony Stolarz’s solid playoff debut to Simon Benoit stepping up big time, the boys in blue are finding their stride—but will it be enough?

Before we move on to Florida we wanted to celebrate some of the key performances that were instrumental in getting us past the first round, with a special Playoff LTL Highlight Reel! We had a defenceman doing their best impression of Bobby Orr, a stand out goaltending debut, and a young, imposing power forward, all stepping up to help seal the deal!

We then welcome our insider Mike Augello who joined us to discuss what went well, and what didn't vs the Sens, the impact of the Leafs' improved defense, and why special teams and composure could make or break the next series. Will Ryan Reaves make an appearance, bringing the grit needed against Florida’s physical play? Can the power play deliver under pressure? And what happens if Stolarz slips—will Joseph Woll be ready?

Join us for playoff insights, a few laughs, and all things Leafs as the second round heats up! Go Leafs Go!

00:00 Introduction and Community Appreciation
03:09 Charity Initiative for ALS Awareness
06:09 Playoff Highlights: Leafs vs Senators
08:56 Analysis of the Senators Series
12:11 Previewing the Second Round Against the Panthers
28:32 Learning from Past Mistakes
30:11 The Importance of Composure
33:34 The Role of Physicality in Playoffs
34:08 Goaltending Dynamics: Stolarz vs. Wall
39:01 Series Predictions and Key Factors
42:25 Emerging Players and Their Impact
46:19 Critique of NHL Playoff Format

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https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-florida-panthers-eastern-second-round-series-preview

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