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Toronto Maple Leafs

Everything on KK Hockey about the Maple Leafs, including beat items kept off the front page. All teams →

McDavid, Draisaitl shut down Toronto narrative that Matthews is better than them

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from the Edmonton Journal,

Two fascinating narratives have consistently come out of Toronto since the Oilers drafted Connor McDavid in 2015 and the Maple Leafs drafted Auston Matthews in 2016.

The first narrative is that any day now McDavid is going to reject Edmonton and demand a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The second narrative is that Leafs captain Auston Matthews is either well on his way or has attained NHL dominance and is a better player than McDavid or Edmonton ace Leon Draisaitl.

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Why Emil Andrae ‘couldn’t be happier’ with trade to Maple Leafs

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from Sportsnet,

MILTON, Ont. — Emil Andrae was on the 18th hole in mid-June when he saw Daniel Briere’s name pop up on his phone. Curiosity could wait for a putt.

The shifty defenceman finished his round before ringing his boss back and learning that he (and a third-round pick and goalie Samuel Ersson’s rights) had been traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.

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Running the team he cheered for as a kid, Chayka says he understands obligation that comes as Leafs GM

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from The Globe and Mail — Hockey,

“I’ve loved this team for as long as I can remember,” Chayka said in a recent interview. “I think ’love’ is the key word. The love that fans have for their team is really unique. Love is complicated in our personal lives. When you think about loving a team, there’s the euphoric highs. And if there’s downs, people are upset.

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Report: Leafs sign Nick Blankenburg to PTO

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from Daily Faceoff (Frank Seravalli),

According to a report from the Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont , the Leafs have signed defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a professional tryout contract.

Blankenburg was an unrestricted free agent after the conclusion of his two-year contract with a $775,000 cap hit, one he signed with the Nashville Predators in free agency in 2024. While there was some expectation Blankenburg would secure a larger contract after a strong couple seasons, but whether the market wasn’t there for him or he overpriced himself, he finds himself heading into training camp without a contract, and requiring a PTO to play during the preseason.

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Tavares understands Leafs ‘weren’t very good’ – and embraces radical roster turnover

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from Daily Faceoff (Frank Seravalli),

LAS VEGAS – John Tavares was the last interview of the day…by multiple hours. The sun had set long before he arrived to speak at the NHL Player Media Tour, classy as always, thanking all the reporters in attendance for their patience. But while he was understandably weary after a long day of travel: the spring in his step was unmistakable. His handshake was strong. He had a palpable energy speaking about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rapidly approaching 2026-27 regular season.

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‘I’m a winner’: Hopes high for Maple Leafs prospect Alexander Bilecki

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from Sportsnet,

Amidst the whirlwind that was Day 2 of the NHL Draft in Buffalo, after Alexander Bilecki first heard his name attached to his favourite boyhood hockey team, and somewhere between pulling on a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater and matching cap and fielding a congratulatory phone call from “Mr. Sundin,” the prospect spotted Aunt Gail’s face in the crowd.

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Maple Leafs sign forward Brendan Brisson to one-year contract

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from Sportsnet,

Forward Brendan Brisson is joining the Maple Leafs on a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.

Brisson, 24, is the son of NHL agent Pat Brisson, who has two clients on the Maple Leafs, John Tavares and Gavin McKenna.

The younger Brisson played in the New York Rangers organization last season, collecting one assist in three games with the NHL club and 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) in 66 contests with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.

In 27 career NHL games, also with the Vegas Golden Knights, Brisson has two goals and seven assists.

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Maple Leafs name Patrick O’Sullivan director of NHL development

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Maple Leafs have promoted Patrick O'Sullivan to director of NHL development, the team announced Sunday.

O'Sullivan had been a development coach with the team the last three seasons, working with the current NHL roster in skill sessions.

The former NHLer retired back in 2013 after playing six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild and Arizona Coyotes.

In 334 career games, O'Sullivan recorded 58 goals and 161 points. After his NHL career, he signed for one season in the Finnish SM-liiga with HIFK.

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Maple Leafs hire Andy O’Brien to lead sport performance department

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from Sportsnet,

longtime personal fitness and conditioning coach of Sidney Crosby

The group will be led by new vice president of sports performance Andy O’Brien, the team announced Monday.

O’Brien will oversee all aspects of performance optimization for the organization, including strength and conditioning, sport science, sports nutrition, injury rehabilitation and mental performance.

The Maple Leafs also announced the additions of Dr. Craig Slaunwhite as director of health and performance integration, Jason Martin as head strength and conditioning coach, Josh Crouse as assistant strength and conditioning coach and Dr. Jordan Shallow as human performance consultant.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy and his sports performance team to the Toronto Maple Leafs and look forward to the impact they will have on the organization,” general manager John Chayka said in a statement.

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Maple Leafs hire Palango, Rossen and Perpich to front office

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from Sportsnet,

Dan Palango has been hired as director of amateur scouting, Brad Rossen as vice president, research and development, and JP Perpich as director of U.S. amateur scouting, the team announced on Wednesday.

The additions are the latest moves under general manager John Chayka as the organization continues to build out its scouting and analytics departments. Toronto previously added Judd Brackett as an assistant general manager, player evaluation, on June 1.

Palango will take over the club’s amateur scouting department, replacing Mark Leach, who had held the position before the organization’s recent front-office changes. Palango worked with Brackett as an amateur scout with the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks.

Perpich joins the Leafs after spending the last six seasons with the Wild and will look to identify talent throughout the United States, including the NCAA, USHL and other development leagues.

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Former Jets, Maple Leafs G Hutchinson retires at 36

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via TSN

Veteran goaltender Michael Hutchinson announced his retirement on Monday after 11 seasons in the NHL. He last appeared in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2023-24 season, only appearing in one game.

Drafted 77th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2008, Hutchinson has a career 57-62-18 record split between the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Red Wings.

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Former Maple Leafs, Oilers goalie Jack Campbell ‘walking away’ from hockey

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from Sportsnet,

It seems that Jack Campbell is ready to hang up the skates.

In a social media post on Sunday, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers goaltender announced he was stepping back from professional hockey.

"I grew up my entire life chasing one dream, and that was to play in the NHL," Campbell said in a video posted to his Instagram. "I was fortunate enough to accomplish that goal, playing eight seasons in the NHL and becoming an NHL all-star. Frankly, on paper, (I was) living a pretty awesome life.

"Super grateful for my days of playing, but what a lot of people don't see is the personal battle I went through throughout my career."

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Ducks, Senators, Leafs And More NHL Teams Honored At 2026 Stanley Awards

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from The Hockey News,

The NHL honored seven teams at the 2026 Stanley Awards in Denver on Wednesday.

As the Colorado Avalanche host the NHL Club Business Meetings from July 13 to 16, the eighth-ever Stanley Awards ceremony recognized club business and marketing achievements from the 2025-26 season.

Avalanche broadcaster Marc Moser hosted the ceremony, while presenters included former NHLer Anson Carter, University of Denver coach David Carle, former Denver Broncos player Ryan Harris and X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom.

An external judging panel consisting of leaders in the sports and entertainment industry chose winners for eight categories from 161 club entries. Here are those Stanley Award winners:

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AHL’s Toronto Marlies name Steve Sullivan head coach

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Marlies have named Steve Sullivan as their new head coach, the team announced on Thursday.

Sullivan replaced John Gruden, who was promoted to assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after leading the Marlies to Calder Cup glory.

"Steve has earned this opportunity through his work with both the Maple Leafs and Marlies and has built strong relationships with our young players throughout the organization," said Maple Leafs AGM and Marlies GM Ryan Hardy in a statement. "His experience as both a player and coach, combined with his commitment to player development, makes him the right person to lead the next generation of Marlies."

Mark Giordano, who finished out his playing career with the Maple Leafs and then moved into an advisory role with the organization, has been tabbed as an assistant on Sullivan's staff.

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Gavin McKenna to wear No. 92 with Maple Leafs

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Maple Leafs ' first overall pick from the 2026 NHL Draft told reporters Saturday at the conclusion of development that he has decided to wear No. 92.

The decision was made after he ceded No. 72, the number he has worn throughout much of his junior career, to veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

McKenna told reporters Thursday he would give up the number that both have worn throughout their careers out of deference to the two-time Stanley Cup champ, who signed a three-year, $21-million deal with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old wore No. 72 at Penn State this season and with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers, and his backup Nos. 9 and 27 are retired by the franchise in honour of Charlie Conacher, Ted Kennedy, Darryl Sittler and Frank Mahovlich.

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Maple Leafs sign D Emil Andrae to two-year contract

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from Sportsnet,

Emil Andrae has agreed to a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs, the team announced on Saturday.

The deal is worth $3.10 million, with an AAV of $1.55 million, per Puckpedia.

The 24-year-old landed in Toronto last month in a trade that sent Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Andrae was originally selected 54th overall by the Flyers in the 2020 draft. Since making his NHL debut in 2023, the Swedish D-man has made 107 regular-season appearances and put up 20 points (three goals, 17 assists).

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Maple Leafs sign Gavin McKenna to three-year, entry-level contract

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from Sportsnet,

The Maple Leafs signed the 2026 No. 1 pick to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced on Friday.

McKenna is coming off a freshman season at Penn State where he put up 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points across 35 NCAA games following a pair of dominant campaigns with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers.

The 18-year-old joins an Original Six franchise coming off a disappointing 2025-26 that started with Stanley Cup aspirations before spiralling down the drain in spectacular fashion.

Toronto, which has a new head coach and general manager following a 28th-place finish, then got a terrific bounce when it won the draft lottery despite entering with odds of just 8.5 per cent.

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Maple Leafs’ Sergei Bobrovsky to wear No. 72 instead of Gavin McKenna

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from Sportsnet,

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna has ceded the number to veteran Sergei Bobrovsky , the goalie told reporters on Friday.

Bobrovsky said they had a long chat about it on Thursday night.

"He's a bright guy. He's got really positive energy and I'm excited to watch him develop into a big superstar in this league," Bobrovsky said.

McKenna told reporters Thursday he would give up the number that both have worn throughout their careers out of deference to the two-time Stanley Cup champ, who signed a three-year, $21-million deal with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

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Maple Leafs’ Chayka not done, says GM’s job is to ‘star-hunt’

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a busy July 1, signing six players and executing a pair of trades.

General manager John Chayka said he's going to continue to explore different moves on Sportsnet's Real Kyper and Bourne on Thursday.

"We think we've got some good stability through our lineup now. If we can add difference makers, I think we should always be trying to do that. And it does feel like there might be more liquidity in the market in these July, August months," Chayka said.

One of those moves could be a trade of Morgan Rielly , who has a no-trade clause but reportedly submitted a list of four teams to whom he'd accept a move earlier this off-season.

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Maple Leafs add Nick Paul from Lightning in deal for Dennis Hildeby

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning have executed another trade.

Forward Nick Paul is headed north of the border in exchange for goalie Dennis Hildeby , a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 third-rounder, the teams announced on Wednesday.

Paul, of Mississauga, Ont., returns home after five seasons with the Lightning. His production dipped amid injury last season when he tallied just seven goals and eight assists over 51 games.

However, the left winger put up at least 15 goals in each of his prior three seasons with the Bolts.

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Colton Sissons signs two-year contract with Maple Leafs

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from Sportsnet,

The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding some grit and depth in free agency.

Free agent Colton Sissons signed a two-year, $8.5-million deal with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old forward spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, recording six goals and 11 points in 66 games.

Prior to that, the North Vancouver, B.C., native was a longtime Nashville Predator, spending 11 seasons in Music City before he was traded to Vegas last off-season.

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Maple Leafs sign forward Jack Roslovic to two-year contract ($4M AAV)

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from Sportsnet,

After a solid year in Edmonton, Jack Roslovic is heading somewhere new.

Roslovic has agreed to a two-year, $8-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs , Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday.

The centre had 21 goals and 15 assists in 69 games with the Oilers last season.

Roslovic previously spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes. He was a first-round selection of the Jets in the 2015 NHL Draft.

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Maple Leafs closing in on extension for Troy Stecher

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from Sportsnet,

Troy Stecher and the Maple Leafs are closing in on a contract extension, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Monday.

The deal is believed to have an average annual value between $1-1.5 million.

The Leafs picked Stecher up off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers last November.

The 32-year-old had three goals and 11 assists in 58 games for Toronto.

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