With Chris Tanev sidelined, the Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive issues are under an even bigger microscope. Morgan Rielly's struggles continue, the Leafs need more from their defensive group, and the question is becoming more urgent: how can John Chayka find a solution with limited trade assets?

David Morassutti breaks down the Leafs' defensive concerns, explores the possibility of trading Anthony Stolarz and previews Toronto's first matchup of the season against the Buffalo Sabres.

In this episode:

• The blue-line problem: Why Tanev's absence has exposed Toronto's defensive weaknesses and why internal improvements might not be enough.
• Morgan Rielly under pressure: Can Rielly find his game under Jim Hiller, and how much responsibility falls on the rest of the defensive group?
• Finding a trade solution: What assets can Toronto realistically offer for a top-four defenceman? We examine the challenges facing John Chayka.
• Should the Leafs trade Anthony Stolarz? With the New York Rangers looking for goaltending help amid Igor Shesterkin's injury, we examine whether Stolarz could be a trade candidate — and why moving him may not make sense for Toronto.
• Past trades still haunt Toronto: Revisiting the Fraser Minten and Brandon Carlo deal, the cost of previous roster decisions and how those moves affect the Leafs' options today.
• Maple Leafs vs. Sabres preview: Tage Thompson is a player to watch, while Buffalo will be without Rasmus Dahlin. Can Toronto take advantage and deliver a stronger defensive performance?

The Leafs have shown they can score, but they need to tighten up defensively if they want to stay in the playoff picture. Can they make a statement against Buffalo?

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The Toronto Maple Leafs could not close out the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 bringing on some anxious thoughts. Mike DiStefano and David Morassutti look at what went wrong for the Leafs and how they were finally brought back to earth a bit. They look at the Good,Bad and Ugly from the game breaking down everything from Ilya Samsonov's play, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly shining through the bad, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews looking subpar and of course Justin Holl getting exposed yet again. To end the show, Mike and Dave look at what changes the Leafs should consider heading into Game 6 including whether Michael Bunting should come in and any other lineup changes Sheldon Keefe should consider.

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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?

Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev are among the biggest risers, while Zach McEwen makes a surprise appearance after earning his way onto the roster. On the other side, Steven Lorentz and Emil Andrae see their stock fall, while the guys debate where Matthew Knies and Gavin McKenna stand after camp.

Plus, the NHL salary cap could be heading toward a massive jump by 2028-29.

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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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