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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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...
“Probably the easiest thing you could do is flip Nylander and Sissons” — Anthony Petrielli talks the Maple Leafs’ middle-six forward mix on SN590
Anthony Petrielli joined Sportsnet 590 to discuss Easton Cowan’s strong start, potential tweaks to the Leafs’ forward lines, the early chemistry between Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko, and the situation on the blue line. Petrielli on Easton Cowan’s strong start to the season: I’m not surprised at all. Everyone would be forgiven for not watching […] The post “Probably the easiest thing you could do is flip Nylander and Sissons” — Anthony Petrielli talks the Maple Leafs’ middle-six forwa...
Game Review: Anthony Stolarz, Easton Cowan & the third line lead the way in Maple Leafs’ first win of 2026-27
The Toronto Maple Leafs have their first win of the 2026-27 season, and it’s a regulation win at that. It has been a whirlwind few days with the Kirill Marchenko trade and the quick turnaround to the season opener. They didn’t get the result they wanted in that game, but it was nice that they […] The post Game Review: Anthony Stolarz, Easton Cowan & the third line lead the way in Maple Leafs’ first win of 2026-27 appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s big night vs. NYI: “I just like his trajectory and how mentally he really wants it… Exciting young player”
After the Maple Leafs’ first win of the season (2-1 over NYI), head coach Jim Hiller discussed the bottom six’s contributions, Easton Cowan’s strong start to the year, Anthony Stolarz’s great performance, and the second unit’s power-play goal. Did your team play a more connected game tonight? Hiller: At times, for sure. At times, and […] The post Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s big night vs. NYI: “I just like his trajectory and how mentally he really wants it… Exciting young player” appeared fi...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders – Game #2 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
Can the Maple Leafs clean up some of the sloppy execution from game one in a tired situation against NYI in the Islanders’ season opener? (7:30 p.m. EST, Amazon Prime) Game Day Quotes Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer on what he saw from a much-changed Leafs team that was still finding its chemistry vs. Montreal: […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders – Game #2 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Pete DeBoer on Leafs head coach Jim Hiller: “His teams have an identity… When you played [LA], you knew exactly what they’re trying to do, which is the biggest testament to a well-coached team”
Ahead of the matchup against the Maple Leafs, Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer discussed his impressions of a much-changed Toronto team, Gavin McKenna, Jim Hiller’s coaching style, Matias Maccelli facing his former club, and much more. What are you feeling on the first day of the new season? DeBoer: Excitement. Butterflies. It never gets old, […] The post Pete DeBoer on Leafs head coach Jim Hiller: “His teams have an identity… When you played [LA], you knew exactly what they’re trying to do,...
Jim Hiller on the chemistry of the Rielly-Raddysh pairing: “It’ll take time… Everybody will get better together”
Ahead of the Leafs vs. Islanders game, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the areas his team needs to clean up after their season-opening loss to Montreal, Darren Raddysh’s adjustment to Toronto, the Rielly-Raddysh pairing, early impressions of Kirill Marchenko, and lineup changes for the second game of the back-to-back. After a night’s sleep and a […] The post Jim Hiller on the chemistry of the Rielly-Raddysh pairing: “It’ll take time… Everybody will get better together” appeared first on Mapl...
Game Review: Early-season sloppiness sinks Maple Leafs despite two Nylander goals, encouraging start for the Marchenko-Matthews line
The high of the Marchenko trade –> the Marchenko-Matthews line flying out of the gates from the opening puck drop –> William Nylander following up in their wake, walking Nick Suzuki, and ripping it past Jakub Dobes in the first minute of this game is something Leafs fans will want captured in a vial and […] The post Game Review: Early-season sloppiness sinks Maple Leafs despite two Nylander goals, encouraging start for the Marchenko-Matthews line appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ season-opening loss to Montreal: “We looked a little bit like a new team”
After the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 loss to Montreal, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Kirill Marchenko’s Leafs debut alongside Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut, and the challenge of building cohesion with so many new faces in the lineup. How would you assess the team’s performance? Hiller: I thought we played pretty well, to be honest […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ season-opening loss to Montreal: “We looked a little bit like a new team” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens – Game #1 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
Kirill Marchenko is IN for a season opener between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens that is jam-packed with intrigue: Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut, Marchenko’s Leafs debut, Sergei Bobrovsky’s Leafs debut, Darren Raddysh’s Leafs debut, on top of the many other new faces in the Toronto lineup. (7:00 p.m.EST, Sportsnet) Can the Buds gel quickly enough […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens – Game #1 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the addition of Kirill Marchenko: “He’s one of those guys who seems to accelerate with the puck”
Ahead of the Maple Leafs’ season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the Kirill Marchenko trade, Gavin McKenna’s NHL debut, and his first game behind the Leafs’ bench as head coach. Opening Statement on the Kirill Marchenko trade Hiller: Okay, just quickly before I start—and you’ll ask me plenty of questions, […] The post Jim Hiller on the addition of Kirill Marchenko: “He’s one of those guys who seems to accelerate with the puck” appeared first on Maple Le...
The Morning After the Marchenko Blockbuster: Chayka’s Big Bet on a Higher Ceiling
A day after the Maple Leafs traded Matthew Knies for Kirill Marchenko, the sting of losing a likable, talented, and unique player who loved Toronto is still real. But as a new season begins, so is the excitement of watching a Leafs team that may have just raised its ceiling. Scattered thoughts, in note form: […] The post The Morning After the Marchenko Blockbuster: Chayka’s Big Bet on a Higher Ceiling appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on the Leafs’ acquisition of Kirill Marchenko: “Very few players can single-handedly dictate the outcomes of games… We believe Kirill is one of those players for us”
GM John Chayka explains the logic behind the Kirill Marchenko trade, discusses Matthew Knies’ reaction to the move, and outlines the plan for Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins. What inspired this trade? Why make this move, and why now? Chayka: First off, thank you to Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz. They’re good Leafs, good men. […] The post John Chayka on the Leafs’ acquisition of Kirill Marchenko: “Very few players can single-handedly dictate the outcomes of games… We believe Kirill is one ...
The Leafs’ Big Bet on Kirill Marchenko — MLHS Podcast Ep. 125
In an emergency episode of the MLHS Podcast, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli react to the Maple Leafs’ blockbuster trade for Kirill Marchenko. Episode Topics First reactions to a shocking trade on the eve of the new season (1:00) Framing the Leafs’ trading of Matthew Knies for a different winger (5:00) The factors that have made […] The post The Leafs’ Big Bet on Kirill Marchenko — MLHS Podcast Ep. 125 appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
How Kirill Marchenko changes the Maple Leafs’ near and long-term outlook
On the eve of the new NHL season, the Maple Leafs acquired Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a blockbuster trade and signed him to a contract extension. Some Leafs fans may be less familiar with Marchenko because he has played in a smaller, more anonymous market, but he is a tantalizing talent. […] The post How Kirill Marchenko changes the Maple Leafs’ near and long-term outlook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Blockbuster Complete: The final details of the Leafs’ Marchenko trade and contract extension
The final details of the Maple Leafs’ ground-shaking trade and contract extension for Kirill Marchenko are now known: TOR-CBJ trade Toronto receives Columbus receives Kirill Marchenko · RW Miles Wood · LW Elvis Merzlikins · G; 18% salary retained by Columbus Matthew Knies · LW Steven Lorentz · LW Emil Andrae · LD 2027 Second-round […] The post Blockbuster Complete: The final details of the Leafs’ Marchenko trade and contract extension appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
What a Knies-for-Marchenko Blockbuster Means for the Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs appear to be on the verge of a blockbuster trade that would reportedly send Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Kirill Marchenko and Elvis Merzlikins, with other pieces possibly involved. The timing is wild, as the Leafs just returned from a full team bonding trip in Knies’ hometown, […] The post What a Knies-for-Marchenko Blockbuster Means for the Maple Leafs appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on Auston Matthews ahead of the new season: “All of our internal skating data suggests this is the best he’s skated over the last five years”
General Manager John Chayka spoke to the media ahead of the season opener about the team’s expectations this season, Gavin McKenna’s first camp, Auston Matthews’ physical condition, the injury outlook for Max Domi and Dakota Joshua, and the workload plan for Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz in net. You ask the players about their nerves […] The post John Chayka on Auston Matthews ahead of the new season: “All of our internal skating data suggests this is the best he’s skated over the las...
Early Signs of Hiller’s System, McKenna and Nylander’s Fit Together, and the Opening-Night Lineup – Maple Leafs Notebook
As we await more details on a possible Kirill Marchenko blockbuster… In my earlier piece, I looked at why this Maple Leafs season could go in so many directions. The additions of Darren Raddysh and Gavin McKenna, hopefully healthier seasons from Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev, and a new coaching staff with a low bar […] The post Early Signs of Hiller’s System, McKenna and Nylander’s Fit Together, and the Opening-Night Lineup – Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Reasons for Optimism and Concern Ahead of a Wide-Open Maple Leafs Season
Happy opening week! The real games are finally ready to begin, and we can start finding out who this Maple Leafs team really is this season. They are an admittedly difficult team to handicap. The range of possibilities feels rather drastic. I could see them comfortably making the playoffs, and I could see them finishing […] The post Reasons for Optimism and Concern Ahead of a Wide-Open Maple Leafs Season appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Beyond the Maple Leafs’ Opening Roster: Notes on the Call-Ups, Prospects, and Marlies to Watch
Preseason is over, and now we await the final roster moves across the league before the real games begin. At the end of last week, we recorded a podcast where we went through each player on the NHL team. Given the timing, we didn’t get to talk about the other depth players and prospects in […] The post Beyond the Maple Leafs’ Opening Roster: Notes on the Call-Ups, Prospects, and Marlies to Watch appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
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