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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Winner-takes-all Game 5 required after Toronto Marlies fall flat in shutout loss to Laval
“They flipped the script on us. They’re a really good team. The close-out one is the hardest. They got to their game early and got that early goal. They got some life. We never recovered from that. We just seemed flat. I’ll look into a couple of things, but we didn’t have our energy… We […] The post Winner-takes-all Game 5 required after Toronto Marlies fall flat in shutout loss to Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the resources available to him as Leafs GM: “The directive from Edward Rogers to me is to do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cup… Combining resourcefulness with those resources could be a blueprint for how we continue to evolve the organization”
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka joined TSN Overdrive to discuss the draft lottery win, the process of deciding on a first-overall selection, the report of uncertainty on Auston Matthews’ behalf about returning in the Fall, and whether he believes the team can contend next season. Take us through your viewing experience of the draft lottery. […] The post John Chayka on the resources available to him as Leafs GM: “The directive from Edward Rogers to me is to do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cu...
Draft lottery pot of gold gives the Maple Leafs the momentum boost they badly needed
Just when you think you’re out… Long-time Maple Leafs diehards are extremely familiar with the rollercoaster ride of following this beleaguered franchise day in and day out over the years, but the last 24-48 hours are about as dizzying as it gets. First, a controversial GM hire with little initial popular support was announced by […] The post Draft lottery pot of gold gives the Maple Leafs the momentum boost they badly needed appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
A new dawn. A new day. The Maple Leafs have won the 2026 draft lottery.
10 years after the Maple Leafs’ lucky number 13 lottery ball landed them Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin himself represented the organization at the 2026 lottery. He proved to be a winner yet again. The Toronto Maple Leafs have won the 2026 draft lottery. THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS HAVE WON THE 2026 DRAFT LOTTERY pic.twitter.com/PBku0YYQqV — […] The post A new dawn. A new day. The Maple Leafs have won the 2026 draft lottery. appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the Maple Leafs winning the first-overall pick: “Just elated… A meaningful step and a monumental type of opportunity”
After a franchise-altering draft lottery win, John Chayka and Mats Sundin discussed the meaning of drafting first overall, prospects Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, and how this might change the franchise’s direction going forward. What was your initial reaction when you saw the result? Chayka: Just very excited for the organization and fan base. It […] The post John Chayka on the Maple Leafs winning the first-overall pick: “Just elated… A meaningful step and a monumental type of opportunit...
Maple Leafs’ Draft Lottery Odds: The fate of the first-round pick hangs in the balance
It’s been 10 years since the draft lottery has been relevant in Toronto, and the organization was certainly in a much different place then than it is now. After a well-orchestrated tank in 2015-16 with Lou Lamoriello in the GM’s chair and Mike Babcock behind the bench, there was a groundswell of positivity that the […] The post Maple Leafs’ Draft Lottery Odds: The fate of the first-round pick hangs in the balance appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Marlies one win away from division finals after dominant Game 3 victory over Laval
“It starts right away by us taking advantage of a power play. We set the tone with everyone, not just a few [players]. We’ve done a good job of staying out of the box, staying disciplined, and defending. All of our transition is coming from our good D-zone coverage, and we have to continue that […] The post Toronto Marlies one win away from division finals after dominant Game 3 victory over Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
The good, the bad, and the still-unanswered from John Chayka and Mats Sundin’s press day
written in collaboration with Alec Brownscombe The Toronto Maple Leafs officially introduced John Chayka and Mats Sundin as GM and Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations, respectively, on Monday. A lot was said, and a lot was still left to the imagination. The introductory press conference featuring Keith Pelley, Sundin, and Chayka didn’t initially alleviate […] The post The good, the bad, and the still-unanswered from John Chayka and Mats Sundin’s press day appeared first on Maple L...
John Chayka on the challenges of managing in Toronto: “I don’t think the league is going to do us any favours writ large… We’re going to focus on what we can control”
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka joined Elliotte Friedman to discuss the tampering accusations on day one of the job, his reception and reputation around the league, the challenge facing him in Toronto, his belief in Auston Matthews and William Nylander, and the areas in need of change on the roster. On the first day of […] The post John Chayka on the challenges of managing in Toronto: “I don’t think the league is going to do us any favours writ large… We’re going to focus on what we can control” ...
John Chayka on whether the Leafs are still building around Matthews & Nylander going forward: “That’s a fair assessment… We are talking about world-class players”
On their first day as the new leaders in hockey operations for the Maple Leafs, John Chayka and Mats Sundin joined Real Kyper & Bourne to discuss their process of assessing the organization, charting a path forward, the culture they’re seeking to build, and whether Auston Matthews and William Nylander are “untouchables.” How did the […] The post John Chayka on whether the Leafs are still building around Matthews & Nylander going forward: “That’s a fair assessment… We are talking about world-...
John Chayka on the questions about his reputation around the NHL: “I have a lot of really great relationships around the league… I was able to do a lot of transactions (in Arizona)”
After his introductory press conference as the 19th GM in Maple Leafs history, John Chayka discussed the media pressure in Toronto, his reputation around the league, the challenge of retooling the roster, and his relationship with Mats Sundin. What does it mean to you to be the GM of this team? Chayka: It is special. […] The post John Chayka on the questions about his reputation around the NHL: “I have a lot of really great relationships around the league… I was able to do a lot of transacti...
Mats Sundin on the backlash surrounding John Chayka as the Leafs’ new GM: “I’ve watched John for a long time… He is a super-intelligent, progressive, hard-working guy who understands the game”
After his introductory press conference as the Maple Leafs’ new Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations, Mats Sundin discussed his decision to transition into a managerial role, the backlash surrounding John Chayka’s hiring, his familiarity with European hockey/prospects, and the opportunity to work with William Nylander and Auston Matthews. What made this the right time […] The post Mats Sundin on the backlash surrounding John Chayka as the Leafs’ new GM: “I’ve watched John for a long...
John Chayka on the importance of selling Auston Matthews on a winning vision in Toronto: “I just came from an organization where we spent our entire existence looking for that exact player”
The newest General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Chayka, discussed his childhood connection to the franchise, the interview process, his controversial exit from Arizona, and his plans for the first few weeks on the job. Opening Statements Chayka: This is not just a job. Being the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs […] The post John Chayka on the importance of selling Auston Matthews on a winning vision in Toronto: “I just came from an organization where we spent our entire...
Keith Pelley on the rumours surrounding Tie Domi’s involvement in Chayka’s hiring as Leafs GM: “There have been countless erroneous reports and inaccurate information over the past six weeks”
MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley discussed the hiring of Mats Sundin and John Chayka into senior management positions with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Opening Statements Pelley: We are here today, but we are coming off a heartbreaking loss last night for the Raptors in Cleveland. I can tell you that the Raptors were the […] The post Keith Pelley on the rumours surrounding Tie Domi’s involvement in Chayka’s hiring as Leafs GM: “There have been countless erroneous reports and inaccurate inform...
Mats Sundin on working with John Chayka in Leafs management: “We have the same vision of what a winning team looks like… I think we’re going to complement each other perfectly”
The Maple Leafs’ new Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations, Mats Sundin, discussed his decision to move back to Toronto to join the Leafs’ management and what he can bring to the organization’s front office. Opening Statements Sundin: I am extremely proud and excited to be sitting here today. I am very emotionally connected to […] The post Mats Sundin on working with John Chayka in Leafs management: “We have the same vision of what a winning team looks like… I think we’re going to co...
John Gruden on Mats Sundin joining the Leafs’ front office: “His name speaks for itself… We’re excited to work with him as a staff”
Head coach John Gruden discusses the Toronto Marlies taking a 2-1 series lead against the Laval Rocket with a 6-2 victory in Game 3. On the team’s performance: It starts right away with us taking advantage of a power play. That carries over to the five-on-five game as well. I thought they set the tone. […] The post John Gruden on Mats Sundin joining the Leafs’ front office: “His name speaks for itself… We’re excited to work with him as a staff” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Analysis: Keith Pelley makes big, controversial gamble on John Chayka as Leafs’ new GM/head of hockey ops
The worst-kept secret in hockey is now confirmed, as the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially hired Mats Sundin and John Chayka into senior management positions. Chayka will become the 19th General Manager in Leafs history, while Sundin will come on board as the Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations. Regarding the power structure, Elliotte Friedman […] The post Analysis: Keith Pelley makes big, controversial gamble on John Chayka as Leafs’ new GM/head of hockey ops appeared first on M...
Easton Cowan makes his mark as Toronto Marlies storm back to tie series in Laval
“We went down early, but we just stuck to our game. The power play came through, as did the PK. That’s just a nice team win, which gives us a lot of confidence to go back home to play in front of our fans.” – William Villeneuve The resiliency of the bounce back of being […] The post Easton Cowan makes his mark as Toronto Marlies storm back to tie series in Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Gruden on Easton Cowan’s end-to-end goal in Game 2 vs. Laval: “A dynamic player who can make big plays in big moments… He’s a winner”
Head coach John Gruden discusses the Toronto Marlies’ 6-2 Game 2 victory over the Laval Rocket, tying the series at 1-1. On Easton Cowan’s highlight-reel end-to-end goal: He has high expectations for himself, and it has been a lot for a young man. He is a winner. Even the way the first period went, for […] The post John Gruden on Easton Cowan’s end-to-end goal in Game 2 vs. Laval: “A dynamic player who can make big plays in big moments… He’s a winner” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Latest from Friedman: Maple Leafs tried to speak to Julien BriseBois; Sundin-Chayka hires still progressing in the “proper direction”
On the latest 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman provided some updates on the Leafs’ executive search, which appears to be nearing its end with Sundin-Chayka as the probable outcome. Friedman on the rival GM the Leafs sought permission to speak to Friedman: James Mirtle had a line about Toronto being turned down after asking to speak […] The post Latest from Friedman: Maple Leafs tried to speak to Julien BriseBois; Sundin-Chayka hires still progressing in the “proper direction” appeared first o...
Despite solid Game 1 effort, a pair of defensive-zone turnovers cost Toronto Marlies in Laval
“I thought we played pretty well. They capitalized on two or three of our mistakes and we [have to] live with it. We had some really good scoring chances. I think we just have to stick with it.” – Bo Groulx “We did a lot of good things, and we started well. A lot to […] The post Despite solid Game 1 effort, a pair of defensive-zone turnovers cost Toronto Marlies in Laval appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Marlies vs. Laval Rocket: Second Round Playoff Series Preview & Schedule
The Toronto Marlies defeated the Rochester Americans 2-1 in the first round to set up a mouth-watering clash with the vaunted Laval Rocket. Regular Season Series For the second straight season, Laval was crowned North Division champions. The Rocket held off the late-charging Syracuse Crunch to retain their title and ensured home advantage against divisional […] The post Toronto Marlies vs. Laval Rocket: Second Round Playoff Series Preview & Schedule appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Latest from Friedman: If Sundin agrees to Leafs job, Chayka-Sundin will lead the new management group
There was a very brief update from Elliotte Friedman about the Leafs’ executive search on his Oilers NOW segment on Tuesday night, but it was a bit of a bombshell: “We are waiting for Mats Sundin’s decision. I believe, if he says yes, it will be a John Chayka-Mats Sundin combination.” The cynical angle on […] The post Latest from Friedman: If Sundin agrees to Leafs job, Chayka-Sundin will lead the new management group appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Gruden on Easton Cowan’s potential impact in Round 2 for the Marlies: “I know he is a gamer… When his back is against the wall, that kid will show up”
Ahead of Wednesday’s Game 1 against the Laval Rocket, Marlies head coach John Gruden discussed Easton Cowan’s desire to make a bigger impact in the second round, the matchup against the Rocket, the status of Matt Benning, and the decision to start Dennis Hildeby in Game 1. Easton Cowan said he feels like he can […] The post John Gruden on Easton Cowan’s potential impact in Round 2 for the Marlies: “I know he is a gamer… When his back is against the wall, that kid will show up” appeared first...
Ryan Tverberg scores first playoff goal, Dennis Hildeby a rock between the pipes as Toronto Marlies punch ticket to second round
“We played a lot smarter, stayed above them a lot more, and were able to shut a lot more things down against them.” – Ryan Tverberg “Right out of the gate, the hustle was there. A big goal by Ryyno (Ryan Tverberg) — that line was awesome. The Beast (Dennis Hildeby) was phenomenal.” – Vinni […] The post Ryan Tverberg scores first playoff goal, Dennis Hildeby a rock between the pipes as Toronto Marlies punch ticket to second round appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
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