Maple Leafs Hotstove
Providing Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies news, opinion and analysis since 2008, MLHS is one of the largest, most authoritative independent hockey sites online.
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Maple Leafs recall Miles Wood as they continue to search for the right fourth-line mix
Ahead of their trip to Colorado, the Maple Leafs have recalled winger Miles Wood, acquired in the Kirill Marchenko-Matthew Knies trade with Columbus, from the Toronto Marlies. As we wrote after the shootout loss last night in Vegas, after four games of evaluating Duhaime-Blueger-Groulx, it seems like it’s time to try a new look. The […] The post Maple Leafs recall Miles Wood as they continue to search for the right fourth-line mix appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Maple Leafs squander dream start in Vegas, Sergei Bobrovsky salvages a point
I’m envious of anyone who went to bed after 20 minutes, able to rest their head on the pillow believing the Maple Leafs just might be starting to put their game together early in this young season. The Leafs stormed out to a 3-0 lead inside nine minutes in Vegas. Jack Roslovic opened the scoring […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs squander dream start in Vegas, Sergei Bobrovsky salvages a point appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ uneven performance in Vegas: “In the end, Bobrovsky probably got us a point, right?”
After a 4-3 shootout loss in Vegas, Jim Hiller discussed the momentum shift after a strong start, Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s status, and the lack of opportunities for Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan in overtime and the shootout, respectively. Where do you feel the game turned after a hot start? Hiller: It turned on […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ uneven performance in Vegas: “In the end, Bobrovsky probably got us a point, right?” appeared first on Maple Leafs...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights – Game #5 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
A tough three-game road test arrives early in the Maple Leafs’ schedule, starting tonight with a visit to the 2025-26 Western Conference champions in Vegas (10:00 p.m. EST, TSN4). A few quick pre-game storylines to watch: Coming off a big game against Nashville, does Auston Matthews carry the momentum forward in a tougher (potential) head-to-head […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights – Game #5 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan moving up to the Tavares-Nylander line: “He started really strong, and then I haven’t played him as much… He probably deserved a little bit more ice time”
Ahead of the game in Vegas, head coach Jim Hiller discussed his lineup change in the middle-six forward group, Easton Cowan’s opportunity alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, Gavin McKenna’s first NHL road game, facing Mitch Marner, and Tavares’ strong performance against Nashville. After the last game, you weren’t sure what you’d do with the […] The post Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan moving up to the Tavares-Nylander line: “He started really strong, and then I haven’t played him as muc...
Why there’s more to like about the new-look Maple Leafs, and the lineup questions that remain
It’s fun to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs again. John Chayka kicked off the season with a blockbuster trade, and the significant roster turnover has created plenty of intrigue. It’s obviously far too early to draw major conclusions, but let’s get into some early thoughts on the Kirill Marchenko trade and the team as a […] The post Why there’s more to like about the new-look Maple Leafs, and the lineup questions that remain appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on observing Auston Matthews’ leadership firsthand: “I probably didn’t fully appreciate the type of leader he is… It’s almost a bit of a magnetic pull that he has”
Before the game against Nashville, Mats Sundin and John Chayka joined Brad May and Ryan Leslie to discuss the Maple Leafs’ early-season progress, building the team’s identity, their working relationship in the front office, Auston Matthews’ leadership, and Chris Tanev’s importance to the team. With all the changes you’ve implemented in Toronto, what have you […] The post John Chayka on observing Auston Matthews’ leadership firsthand: “I probably didn’t fully appreciate the type of leader he ...
The Leafs After Four Games: Reasons for Optimism/Concern, and the Big Lineup Questions — MLHS Podcast Ep. 126
In the first MLHS Podcast episode of the 2026-27 season, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli take stock of the Maple Leafs through four games, discussing the early reasons for optimism and concern, notable performances, Jim Hiller’s lineup decisions, and the biggest questions facing the team as it embarks on a challenging road trip. Episode Topics […] The post The Leafs After Four Games: Reasons for Optimism/Concern, and the Big Lineup Questions — MLHS Podcast Ep. 126 appeared first on Mapl...
Game Review: Matthews, McKenna deliver the headlines in a Maple Leafs comeback thriller
Just what the doctor ordered. Auston Matthews recorded a four-point game, and Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL goal and assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs stormed back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime. It’s only game #4 of a gruelingly long 84-game 2026-27 NHL season, but I’d venture […] The post Game Review: Matthews, McKenna deliver the headlines in a Maple Leafs comeback thriller appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on whether it looked like the Matthews of old vs. Nashville: “It really was for me… I really felt something special from Auston… It was just a little bit different”
After the Maple Leafs’ thrilling 5-4 overtime win over Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Gavin McKenna’s first NHL goal, the decision to shuffle the lines and reunite Auston Matthews with William Nylander, and Matthews’ standout four-point performance. What did you like about the game tonight? Hiller: We won. Let’s start there, right? I thought […] The post Jim Hiller on whether it looked like the Matthews of old vs. Nashville: “It really was for me… I really felt something special ...
Brisson pots two, Chadwick scores in season debut: Notable performances in the Marlies’ home-opener victory over Hamilton
“We want to play fast and get moving… We wanted to play a little quicker, and we did that. There are a few things in our neutral zone; it’s a new system, so there are a few things that we’re going through that the Leafs have changed and we are trying to implement. It’s just […] The post Brisson pots two, Chadwick scores in season debut: Notable performances in the Marlies’ home-opener victory over Hamilton appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the video-room sessions with Gavin McKenna through three games: “Alfie’s been doing some work with him that way”
Ahead of Tuesday’s game against Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the decision to start Anthony Stolarz, managing the goaltenders’ workloads, Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to the NHL spotlight, and Nick Blankenburg’s wait for an opportunity in the lineup. What went into the decision to start Anthony Stolarz in goal? Hiller: We have a bit of […] The post Jim Hiller on the video-room sessions with Gavin McKenna through three games: “Alfie’s been doing some work with him that way” appeare...
The Marchenko Bet & The Leafs’ Possession Play, Sundin’s Push for Bobrovsky, Second-Line Struggles — Maple Leafs Notebook
In the past two seasons, the Maple Leafs barely possessed the puck. Last season, they finished last in 5v5 shot-attempt share. The year they won their division, they finished 29th but were buoyed by excellent goaltending. Over the same period, we can draw a pretty clear parallel between possessing the puck and winning the Cup. […] The post The Marchenko Bet & The Leafs’ Possession Play, Sundin’s Push for Bobrovsky, Second-Line Struggles — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Ho...
Jim Hiller on how Gavin McKenna is handling a slow first three NHL games offensively: “He just seems unflappable to me”
After Monday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed the Maple Leafs’ offense, his patience with line combinations, Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to the NHL, and the emphasis on getting pucks and traffic to the net. What are you looking for from the McKenna-Tavares-Nylander line as they continue to gel here? Hiller: I would say this: Not just that […] The post Jim Hiller on how Gavin McKenna is handling a slow first three NHL games offensively: “He just seems unflappable to me” appeared first on Maple...
Game Review: Maple Leafs let a dominant second period go to waste in another frustrating divisional loss
The Maple Leafs were plagued with many problems last season, but when it came to their results, their biggest issue was their inability to win within their division. They posted a winning record against two of the other three divisions and were .500 against the third. While it is early — and the Leafs’ overall […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs let a dominant second period go to waste in another frustrating divisional loss appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs scoring twice for the third straight game in a loss to Ottawa: “I don’t love making excuses, but somebody said we had six or seven posts or crossbars”
After a 3-2 loss to the Senators, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the struggles on the late 6-on-5, the difficulty generating a push in the final minutes, and the Tavares line’s performance. What did you see as the difference tonight? Hiller: Well, I think we needed to finish some of the chances we had. We […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs scoring twice for the third straight game in a loss to Ottawa: “I don’t love making excuses, but somebody said we had six or seven posts or crossbars” ...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators – Game #3 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
There is plenty to get up for as the Maple Leafs host the Senators on Saturday Night Hockey (7:00 p.m. EST, Sportsnet): It’s the first Saturday night at home of the 2026-27 season for a much-changed team still looking to break out offensively after four total goals in their first two games. Rivalry game, to […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators – Game #3 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Marlies battle early rust offensively, fall to opening night defeat in Rochester
The Toronto Marlies’ inability to convert offensively after dominating the opening frame ultimately cost them game one of the new season. The Marlies then took too many penalties in the second period, and the Rochester Americans built a decisive lead. First Period The Marlies drew three consecutive penalties inside the opening 12 minutes but didn’t […] The post Toronto Marlies battle early rust offensively, fall to opening night defeat in Rochester appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Daniel Alfredsson on interacting with Leafs fans in Toronto: “I thought I would be more incognito in the city, but some of them still remember my face… I love it… They’re great”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senators, Daniel Alfredsson discussed facing his former team as a Maple Leafs associate coach, the reception from Toronto fans, Mats Sundin’s role in bringing him to the organization, and what drives his passion for coaching. How did it feel to receive such a big cheer from the Toronto crowd […] The post Daniel Alfredsson on interacting with Leafs fans in Toronto: “I thought I would be more incognito in the city, but some of them still remember my face… I...
Jim Hiller on Kirill Marchenko’s first few games as a Leaf: “Lots of chances, came close, and didn’t strike, but that’ll happen here soon”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senators, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Daniel Alfredsson’s passion for coaching, his role in running the power play, the emotions of facing Ottawa, and Kirill Marchenko’s adjustment to his new team. How has it been inserting Kirill Marchenko into your group when he joined after training camp and preseason […] The post Jim Hiller on Kirill Marchenko’s first few games as a Leaf: “Lots of chances, came close, and didn’t strike, but that’ll happen here soo...
John Chayka on the Leafs’ blue line: “People forget we lost Chris Tanev last season… For my money, one of the best–if not the best–defensive defensemen in the game”
GM John Chayka joined Real Kyper & Bourne to discuss the Maple Leafs’ 1-1-0 start, the role of data in player evaluation, the Kirill Marchenko trade, his confidence in the defense corps, and the development of Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan. After a busy week, a huge trade, and the opening few games, have you […] The post John Chayka on the Leafs’ blue line: “People forget we lost Chris Tanev last season… For my money, one of the best–if not the best–defensive defensemen in the game” appeare...
The Toronto Marlies’ 2026-27 season is set to kick off in Rochester: Preview & Projected Lineup
Fifteen weeks after clinching the second championship in franchise history, the Toronto Marlies are back in action with their sights set on a repeat. Unlike after their 2018 championship, much of the roster remains intact. In many ways, it looks stronger thanks to several solid additions, most recently Miles Wood. I covered the rest of […] The post The Toronto Marlies’ 2026-27 season is set to kick off in Rochester: Preview & Projected Lineup appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the Maple Leafs’ start to the season: “It’s early, but we’ve been able to defend much more effectively than we have in the last few years”
John Chayka joined TSN OverDrive to discuss the Kirill Marchenko trade, the many changes he has made since taking over as Maple Leafs GM, expectations for Gavin McKenna, the defense corps, and managing the goaltenders’ workload. With two veteran goaltenders who are familiar with each other, did you have a specific number of games in […] The post John Chayka on the Maple Leafs’ start to the season: “It’s early, but we’ve been able to defend much more effectively than we have in the last few y...
A New Season, New Features: Introducing MLHS’s Leafs & Marlies Tools
In addition to a site redesign, we’ve rolled out a new collection of interactive tools on MLHS to make it easier to follow the Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies this season, from roster details and player statistics to daily line combinations, game lineup archives, and our new Stat of the Day feature. Stat of the […] The post A New Season, New Features: Introducing MLHS’s Leafs & Marlies Tools appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Daniel Alfredsson’s first game against the Senators from behind the Leafs’ bench: “It’s going to be a big night, let’s be honest”
After Friday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed the Tavares line’s play, keeping Easton Cowan’s line together, Kirill Marchenko’s first practice, the power play’s need to shoot more, and the chemistry between Morgan Rielly and Darren Raddysh. Where are you at with the Tavares line moving into the next game? What do you want to see for […] The post Jim Hiller on Daniel Alfredsson’s first game against the Senators from behind the Leafs’ bench: “It’s going to be a big night, let’s be honest” appe...
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