Real Kyper & Bourne - Leafs Hour: Deadline Decisions

Episode Date: March 3, 2025

Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Sam McKee kick off the week with a look back on the Leafs' pair of wins over the weekend. Then, they look ahead to Friday's trade deadline and discuss the Leafs' need for blue-line help, the Panthers acquiring Seth Jones from the Blackhawks, Matthew Tkachuk's move to LTIR,  Toronto's tradeable pieces and more. Later, after climbing some franchise records lists this weekend, they chat about how the Core Four is viewed in the context of Leafs' history. Finally, Sportsnet Leafs insider Luke Fox (34:32) helps tee up the team's game against the San Jose Sharks tonight and weighs in on Brad Treliving's mindset approaching the deadline.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Here we go. The weekend's over with one significant trade. Might I add with Seth Jones going to the Florida Panthers. So here we go till Friday, March 7th, 3pm Eastern. Let's welcome in still in for the vacationing. Just one more day. One more day. Like where did he go?

Half across, half across the world here. Disney World will seem like half across the world when he comes home exhausted. It's like waiting in line to get your driver's license That's what that's what Disney's like whatever so anyway, and he'll come back broke And and tame ready ready to get back at it well for those of you listening We're watching on sports at 590 the fan Sports at 360 and sports that plus you don't need to go to Disney to find a couple of goofy characters.

We've got them right here in Gord, Stalag and Sammy McKee. Derek Brandeo and Jake Schultz hold their own as well. And we're with you for the next two hours, including our Leaf Edition hour of the program. Toronto Maple Leafs finish off a perfect road trip with a 6-5 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Gord, is this one where you just bank the points? Absolutely. And don't worry about style points. Kipy, when that game ended yesterday afternoon, I got so caught up in things, I drove down to Maple Leaf Gardens. I thought I was still general manager of the Leafs.

I thought it was a game for my era. In the Adams division? Yeah, that's right. You know, and five, four of the five teams make the playoffs and we can make it with a 300 record. Then I pulled up there and there's a grocery store there. They don't even play there anymore. So it really did remind me of that kind of game.

So you had the win over Boston, they came from three back. Probably that was their best win. The game you did Friday, nice tidy win on the road against the New York Rangers. And then I love the absurdity every now and then. I love it. You know, and they always say coaches, you know, I think every now and then a coach doesn't mind it.

You're kinda at a party that you're not sure which way it's gonna go. Like it could be a real good party or it could go south, you're not too sure, you know, kind of thing, and that's what yesterday was like. Anecdotally, and they mentioned it a bit on the broadcast, it does feel like 1 p.m. puck drops, or earlier puck drops kind of lend themselves to a little bit more squirrely hockey games.

And that one to me was just like a team that was at the end of a road trip, and a team that's not very good and a really electric building for a 1pm puck drop with the dueling goalie score and let's go pens. It's just a really weird game yesterday where the way it starts, the way it finishes and all that. But yeah, you mentioned the coach. I wouldn't say the coach was thrilled after the game, but I do say so myself. Is that part of your first clip of Craig Brubio

and his overview of the game? Let's go to that and we'll pick it up. Listen to this and think if he's thrilled or not. Clip one. Yeah, it's not how we wanted to draw it up, but it happens sometimes. You know, we made a couple mistakes and put ourselves in a little bit of a hole,

but guys stayed with it, climbed out of it, found a way to get the win, which was great. You know, just kind of a little too high of a bent of a game. God, he's so nice. He's supposed to say it. Just to say it, it was, it just stunk. It's okay, it just stunk. Wait, he's supposed to say that.

We're finding ways to win. What about finding ways to win? Yes. Okay Oh another great game. No, no lost by one goal. We've lost eight in a row. Oh, we're trying so hard. Whatever I've been through that era, you know, I'm every one guy I was one of our scouts at the end of a game that we lost again and he would go I go back to the office They go Could he be blaming the coach, right? It's easy to blame the coach. You go, would you trade their team for our team? I go, fricking right, I'd trade their team for our team.

Like, what are you talking about? Like, I've got Mario Lemieux on that team, whatever, you know? And so you get caught up in that kind of narrative. So whatever, take the points and run. Just Sammy's point though, it did feel like a Sunday night, midnight beer league game. Oh yeah. it did feel like a Sunday night, midnight beer league game. Oh yeah. Hey, did it not?

Where it's like just, yeah, whatever, last shot wins and I'm not coming all the way back, but I'll just float around the neutral zone and hope there's a turnover. Like the cheating that went on from both clubs was like scary. Austin Matthews will never win a Selkie trophy if that clip keeps getting played, right? that went on from both clubs was like scary. Austin Matthews will never win a Selkie trophy if that clip keeps getting played, right?

The start of the third period. Yes. The Raquel Ra, thinks the wrong way. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're kind of like, you're still jacked about Matthew and I's goal, and then you turn it on, you go, this looks harm, what? What?

Can I, like, can I read what, like I think Matthew and I was going full speed, intercepted, running for the touchdown, whatever. this one was like, okay one goal lead, you know, whatever So because that's one thing awesome math has been doing well, whatever injury he may or may not have He's been very attentive to the defensive side of the games Can I I do find that the way that game played out and the way that they've won five games in a row coming out of the Out of the four nations faceoff break including the the first game back against Carolina And I I do think that myself and a lot of leaf fans

Sort of have this feeling about the team where they've been bailed out by goaltending a lot of nights and a lot of nights It hasn't really looked particularly great and I think both of you guys would agree with that But at the end of the day you look where they are in the standings. You looked at their banking points You're hoping you're gonna add add something at the deadline Yeah, I do think you have to give them some credit for how well they've played. I mean like how many points they've Accumulated without playing that great and a lot of games, you know, we're gonna go into tonight, another team of the last six games. Yeah. Right?

There's five in a row now? They've won? They won five in a row. Five in a row, including the four on the road. Right. 13 and three in their last 16-row games, by the way. Some of the weaker teams, except for Carolina. Non-playoff teams.

Yeah, except for Carolina. Except for Carolina, who's playing like a non-playoff team. Yes right, yeah, and So where are you on? It's just you just played down to your opponents Leafs have been able to do that in the past but find ways to lose It looks like to me like they still playing down to opponents, but they're finding ways to win, which is a good thing. But outside of tonight, where they have to bank these two points, there's just no ifs or buts on it.

They have to bank the two points. Now we go into this week with Vegas on Wednesday, Colorado, I believe, Saturday night, and then Utah, which should be not an easy game if they're still thinking that they've got a shot of hanging into a playoff spot. We'll get a better idea this coming week, will we not, than what we've seen since Four Nations? Well, okay, we're talking about a team that's won five straight.

Yeah. Okay, we're talking about a team that's one five straight. Yeah. Okay, we're talking about a team that's one five straight. So they can only play the opponents that the schedule puts in front of them. So yeah, as far as yeah, the playoffs, you're right. Cause one day when the playoffs start, those teams are gone, right? So five of those six teams or whatever,

four of the five aren't, and the one tonight, so five of the six won't be there. And to your point about raising up to playing a really good team, because that's what they failed, well, two years in a row, they had Columbus and Montreal, but you know, all the past history.

But otherwise, they've had to play a real tough team in the first round. So, you know, you say, okay, if you come first, you won't have to play as tough a team in the first round. Okay, great. But you still gotta beat whomever it's gonna be. You gotta to play as tough a team in the first round. Okay, great. But you still gotta beat whomever it's gonna be. You gotta find a way as a team in those bigger players. So I do agree as far as whatever readiness may be.

I think Mitch Marner's already had a really good taste of playing elite hockey and winning and getting the big goal and being on the big stage and coming through. So yes, can this help? Maybe for these goaltenders who are really unproven playoff goaltenders as well. So yes, so enjoy this little, enjoy this particular ride.

It's gonna get bumpier, but you know, like I said, it will be a better test, I agree with you. And after that game on Utah, against Utah, the next matchup I think is against Florida. So they have a good test of games, but I saw somewhere that coming out of the Four nations break that they had the easiest strength of schedule left in the NHL, the Leafs did. I think the winning percentage of the remaining teams was the lowest amongst. So there is a chance here for them to play some not so great competition and bank some

points. And you know, like, like I said, I just, I really do think you have to give them credit for accumulating points and finding a way. Like, you know, the general manager signed the goalie who has given them how many extra points this year? Yeah. 12 extra points, 10 extra points and they would have had in years past. Like they just have gotten clutch performances at the right time to accumulate these points and it may not be pretty, but I got to give them credit.

Winning with O'Taniff too. Well, that's another point. and it may not be pretty, but I gotta give them credit. I'm gonna pass. Winning with O'Tanof too. Yes. Well, that's another point. So you would think after winning five in a row and not seeing Tanev in there, you'd be going, wow, we're still pretty darn good. Is that what you've seen? No.

I didn't think they were very good on Friday against the Rangers at all. So are they significantly weaker? Like you're telling me they've found ways to win. That's a good thing. So what does that do for Brad Tree Living now going into Friday's deadline when it comes to his blue line here?

Like I'm watching this week going, life without Chris Tanoff is makes me nervous about getting out of a first round. Well you whatever his big picture plan is you're gonna stick with it. Toronto's like you got New Jersey possibly reacting because of the Hughes injury. You got Doug Armstrong on St. Louis maybe revisiting saying you know those calls I'm not open for business anymore. I think Toronto whatever their template was their plan and part of would be to get a depth defense but I just don't see them

doing the wow factor I know people people would love to hear and have the wow factor but no question they need some more they need some more definitely I thought I was a little worried going to the playoffs with Chris Haniff in terms of the amount of ice time that you're Still giving to guys like Ben Wah guys like Timons who have had okay years But there's been ups and downs with both them big-time Myers placed 20 minutes on yesterday Like there is a world with even Chris Tanev Playing at the top of his game where the decor isn't good enough good enough as presently constituted

So I think even with him in the lineup you need to make an addition to add a depth guy. Maybe not even a depth guy, like an impact guy. I don't know. We watched the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic division get stronger with Seth Jones. And does that put heat on Toronto in itself, Gord? Okay, how's Aaron Ackbaut feeling right now? Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, whatever, you screw around with the, you know, of your club and he's going, well, isn't that my seven million dollars? I've been number one overall. No, it's north of seven. Well, whatever, maybe that's seven million to apply. Are they saying Sam Bennett's not coming back? But anyway, answer your question.

Okay, let's find out what Seth Jones is. I think he's better than Aaron Echplat, okay, whatever. But I mean, like, is there? Echplat's been good for them. Yeah, they're both salt. So Seth Jones, the wow factor, like when he was traded one for one for Ryan Johansson was like wow That's a trade of two elite young players And then he didn't end up being the superstar that everybody thought no Zack Orensky far better player

Yes, we sit here, you know today. Yeah, and they were teammates, right? So the kind of thing is also you get a chance to go back in a pod, like all of us in life. Yeah, I don't know, same with you, Sammy, like I mean, certainly, like when I was doing rink reporting on TV 11 of Leaf Games, you know, five, nine, 245 pounds down there, you know, whatever, sweating every time they threw it at you, that, you know, Matt Sundin up there,

wasn't the best look, okay? Career didn't go a long time that way so whatever so you know not that so you get on radio when you get to chat and comfortable and now you're a star that's like well yeah you said it well there we go anyway no but I mean just that kind of thing a better environment you know for me to thrive okay and this is what we're gonna fight about Seth Jones how much was he part of the quote problem in Chicago, and how much did it weigh him down?

I say he was a man on an island there. He played 24, 25 minutes, many nights. He's not gonna have to be the guy there. It's spread out. You can keep him between 18 and 20 minutes. He can focus more on a better structure around the team. I think he's gonna do well. Oliver Ackman-Larson was the second defenseman picked

after Victor Headman. Okay in Arizona, but you know, so-so. Vancouver, a disaster. He had some other things that went on as well, but found his way in Florida. Forslings found his way, Michalas found his way in Florida for slings found his way Mikolas found his way. This is Bill Zito and they've had a history in Columbus together Mm-hmm, and what the Red Wings used to do you came to Detroit and you got your game back, right? So I mean, I'm just telling you right now that's gonna work out beautifully for the Panthers

I just I that's like you said all those names you laid out there the support system all the guys that play well coach team good Organization he wants to be there. He's reenergized that to me But to answer your question about the Leafs needing to respond to that I mean that's a team in your division that you were in direct competition with that you could very very well see in a playoff Series in spring that got better right like they they subtracted Spencer Knight, they subtracted a first round pick, neither of them are going to contribute. They just got a player on their roster, added a guy. They are better as presently constituted. So if you're looking for living, you'd feel like you have to, not that they respond, but you do have to get better. You

do have to add a defenseman. I don't know how human nature you can't respond to that But to gord's point earlier at the top of the show It might not be the big bang everybody's expecting in leaf nation that it could just be Right where they said that they would be a depth guy yanik gord scott lotton Or uh a third pairing D. Yeah. Look at Ron Hainsey in Pittsburgh,

Trevor Daly in Pittsburgh when they got added, right? No Shen, no Shen. And St. Louis lost last night, but they did enough to go into this week to sit there and go, do we really wanna trade our captain now? Get to blow us away to do it. And if I'll trade him in the summer or with three more years left on his

contract, I'll sell him next March and still get a decent return. I don't necessarily have to do it now. Yeah, no, no, totally. And Leafs got kind of caught up with that about the sexiness of Nick Foligno. And granted, he did not have term left, but you know, it wasn't what they needed then, right? And also when they're saying you got to pay a lot for them, well, then forget it.

Forget it. You know, you got to pay, well, you got to pay Matthew Nye's for him. Like what, you know what, like, you know, so, so any, so, and Sammy, you don't have to react to another team doing something like if you think so No, kippy drives his Porsche. I got to stick with my master. There's not much I could do I just hope his breaks down, you know, that's all cuz they're a little bit more finicky in that I got my durable one whatever kind of thing. I'll drive by when you're on the side of the road Yeah, so we're not for your ride because you criticize me when I offer ride that time. So who's the Mazda? Simone Benoit?

Who's the Mazda? Who are we talking here? Sometimes it's the driver and not the car. Correct, correct. I just look at the Florida Panthers cap page here and they add Seth Jones at seven million bucks which as in the new cap era, that doesn't feel like it's going

to be that substantial for going forward here. But they put Matthew Kachuck on LTIR and they now at the deadline, according to this cap wages, I'm just going to go off of it. They have eight, seven in deadline cap space as we stand here. So I think a lot of Leaf fans, myself included, are looking at what they've done already, what they potentially could do, and that's got people really wanting it. But they lost Montour, they lost OEL in the summer.

Toronto gained OEL and gained TANF, okay? Price winning the Stanley Cup was a lot of guys after they celebrated for a week left, Florida That's just the way it was so I know there's still the big pieces But there are a lot of other ones that they had to try to get that comparable blue line like they had last year But now they've added says Jones and they still have eight point seven million dollars to play with heading into the deadline Which you feel like they're gonna use right? They're using the LTI our advantage and you know we all talked about how the four nations face off

Maybe you come at a cost for the for the Florida Panthers well listen it could be an advantage they also they also shed 4.5 million off of Spencer Knight that's huge so it's it's not the swing of just Matthew Kachuk going on LTIR they got rid of four and a half million. So it's only really adding three and a half million if that for Seth Jones. That's the added cap hit three and a half million. And then obviously, Matthew Kachuk now almost puts him in a position to go, maybe we can get somebody else now.

Yeah, and Dallas is in that position too, right? And they actually passed on set, or they tried to grind it a bit more to get. It does suck though, I'm telling you. And we're gonna- What sucks? The long-term IR, and the way teams can take advantage of it to the point where they could add another 10,

15 million to their salary cap. Well, the players are really hurt though, but. No, I'm not questioning, I'm not questioning whether people are cheating or not. I'm just saying that the Leafs, it sucks that John Tavares isn't hurt right now temporarily. So what's the skinny that you're hearing in the NHL, NHLPA negotiations, right?

Because they seem to be going along. The collective bargaining agreement is up relatively soon. Do you think there's an understanding that it needs to be addressed or not? I have not heard much on that front to be honest with you. It has to be a conversation where this is probably starts with ownership. That would almost be an internal conversation between owners going, you know, I'm sick and tired of watching teams add great players because... But the players aren't sick you're you're you're You find ways to have your important players hurt at the right time and I and I don't I mean As as a player you want as much money in the system as you can and this does you want as many?

Opportunities as you can get to so Iv wore the t-shirt, right? I think the players would be fine. I believe the owners wouldn't be amongst themselves. I think it's something that'd have to be collectively bargained, right now Kucherov wore the t-shirt a couple years ago, right? Whatever millions they were over. And it is a way to circumvent the caps a bit strong,

but it's kind of been a way to make things, to take a disadvantaged situation, turn it into a positive that they really hadn't anticipated. It's a huge thing. And that's the thing that you said about the Leafs. And it feels as though this is something that's gonna close up in the next couple years,

you would imagine. It really does. And Tampa's does and Tampa's don't know if it doesn't get collectively bargained. I feel like they may never close up. I don't know. I feel like there's enough of a conversation around with the Mark Stone thing with multiple years in a row the Kuturov thing and now you've seen the Leafs have two of their division

rivals use this to their advantage because I saw a story on Sportsnet.ca talking about Matthew Kachuk always Probably like he's hoping to be ready for playoffs Gee, I wonder if he's gonna be ready, you know, right like I wonder if he's gonna be ready I I do too and I'm being legit. I'm not being facetious. I'm legit if he has as Significant of an injury to his groin as many believe, I'm not sure he's gonna be ready. And if he is ready, at what level can he come back off of that type of injury and hit the high note?

So, I'm not, it's not written in stone for me that this guy's just gonna lay low in the weeds like Kucherov and then shoot it out of a cannon. Yeah, see, there's the assumption that the Kucherov, I don't know, the Kucherov example's a bad example. Significant injury that he doesn't get back at all, at all, the whole playoff. Or the whole playoff, he's a shell relatively speaking

of his 100%. I think he's really hurt. This guy doesn't he's not a This guy wants to play. I agree. I think he's hurt, but I do think he's gonna be better game one. No, that's Very good doctor medical degree. You're a good doctor. I'm just I mean Mark Stone Oh my god, he lifts off the ice at practice in the last game He plays game one like I would be willing to bet a ton of money I don't have a lot of it but that he would play game one anyway staying on the staying on that topic yarn croak was another

guy that you could have easily found a way to say stay off the books bud till the end of the season but they brought him back and he's he's in the lineup tonight is he not Sammy he's looking to back, and he's in the lineup tonight. Is he not, Sammy? He's looking to play. I think he's playing on the fourth line. This is where the Toronto Maple Leafs are full value. If a player's ready to play, we're not asking him to fake.

Okay, but there's 20 games left in the season. I know. If there were seven or eight, you know, whatever. But I mean, there's 20 games left in the season. I know. If there were seven or eight, you know, whatever. But I mean, there's 20 games. So I mean, at some point. But the important thing is, is that he's, he had his surgery. Yeah.

He, by the time. So you're saying tell him to be a good soldier and just show up for the playoffs. He's been practicing. I'm saying that they could have tried to find a way to do that, but they chose not to. If the players deemed ready, then we're bringing them back.

Well, and also keep in mind, you really have never got out of the first round except once, and then you quickly were thumped in the second round. So if you think he has value to the team, then you want him to get game experience, you know, and so great if he sat out and you got that cap space But he comes not really ready in game number one. Just like we're talking about Kachuk on the Florida side and the leaves Between now and Friday if they feel like there's something out there that's of significance they can still try to move camps two plus there's Domey's three plus and then now there's young crocs two plus like

Those contracts could be moved if they feel like they they need space Okay, so like as part of a package to get somebody with a higher higher number on their contract, but Doesn't don't all those guys have I think Yarncroc has a potential no move. Doesn't Camp have a limited one? Whatever it is, it's not complete. So just find a broker, find a third team, find a team. It's not impossible. Okay. It even seems like JT Miller and you saw in, in Seth Jones case as well,

that players are a little bit more amenable if you approach them and they can choose where they're going, right? You know, just rather than saying, okay, you know, it's gonna suck for you here. There's been more of that kind of more, well, I mean, geez, look at the Rangers with Jacob Trubin, all like look, Barkley Goodrow. I just mean, there's been more of that kind of more. Well, I mean, geez, look at the Rangers with Jacob Trubin. I look Barkley Goodrow.

I just mean, there's been more of that kind of understanding that, okay, they're gonna make life miserable, get ready in some way, shape or form. So maybe try to get ahead of the narrative if they're bringing it to you. A few things from the game yesterday in terms of milestones. I saw that Marner 700 and 714

career point on his third goal to surpass George Armstrong for fifth on all time Maple Leafs list. Matthews scores his 390th to pass Darrell Sittler for second all time. I think William Nylander scored to give it was a 252nd goal of his career to surpass Bob Polford for sole possession intent or 10th in franchise history. You know, they're talking about that throughout the game and it really got me just not sad or depressed about this, but just how much these guys need to sort of have the playoff success because I think a lot of Lee fans myself included I really want to cherish this era of Maple Leafs

hockey with some of the best players that have ever played for the franchise but I really have a hard time measuring it against the lack of playoff success and how deep they've gone it I shouldn't feel the way I feel about Austin Matthews sometimes, I shouldn't feel the way I feel about Mitch Marner, the same with William Nylander. They're three of the greatest players in franchise history. And I'm not saying they're underappreciated because that's not the case, it's Toronto,

they're overappreciated, it's just, it's a complicated relationship, it really is. I don't know, you just told us if they lose in the first round, they will be known as the biggest failures in Maple Leaf history Listen, I don't want to go there. But like watch look at these regular season accolades Matthews is second already He was drafted yesterday And it's just like they've had one the man the man had a higher

Goal pace than OV's back at his age. Larner is fifth all time in points. How old is he? Like it's just, it's. It is remarkable. Oh I know. It is. And that's where we keep going back to, starting game number 83,

but I still love the era they brought in the regular season and every sport has, thank goodness the Atlanta Braves did win one World Series, okay? But they had some ridiculous run, was it 14 years or something? Like they were first or whatever. So at least they won one.

And again, that's what's lacking for Toronto. Washington Capitals won one. Now Toronto, you're not even talking about going deep yet. But hopefully, you're right, that'll always be lacking. I mean, guys like Darrell Sittler and Voria Sauming had good runs early on, but no, they never realized the Zenith of winning a Stanley Cup or even being in a Stanley Cup final but you would look back on them as great players as Hall of Famers and that but there was there was at

times for Darrell and Lanny you know to be able to Have some playoff success Getting over the Islanders and playing Montreal and losing four straights of the Canadians Yeah, but they got to the final four, but they got to the final four that was memorable Leafs obviously with Matt's a couple times conference finals Wendell. Oh that sort of thing. Yeah These guys need a conference final. Well, cuz you're right you get the very least thing you got conference files You're right. We're going back to Pat Quinn's teams for six years a lot of playoff success You think of Gary Robertson Matt's and all those people you go back to Pat Burns teams and we keep dining off Oh boy, if Kretzky's high stick hadn't happened, but Doug Gilmore Dave Andruchuk, you know on and on and on Wendell Clark

Oh, Todd all those guys who played there. So yeah, it's and playoffs, there's no better time like with the Toronto Raptors, that the cities galvanize, the countries galvanize and those games, those games live on forever. You know, not to, you know, we all love Rick Vibe, Squid, Leaf alumni, we love them. Yeah. Right. But what should have been celebrated as one of the greatest goal scores in Leaf history isn't because of the lack of team success.

In his heyday, he he's paid a price for that lack of team success, right? Well, he was there. They were bad teams. They were, which is different than this team. But he doesn't get as celebrated as he should Marcel Dion to the point where I believe his number should be in the rafters as the first 50 goal score in leaf history Well, there's still time for that. I hope I agree with you on I would agree with why isn't he up there? Because of the lack of team success. It wasn't they weren't memorable years

Well, I would wendell's up there and he's not in the hockey all-fame it the others were all in the hockey all But he had some memorable playoff. Oh, yeah, but I'm like what I'm saying is I'm all good with us I'm saying yeah I'm advocating for Rick five once once they and I'm glad they open it up and appreciate the ones that it is It is at the lack of success that that Why well, I would say yeah part of it. Yes other part. I don't know who votes I mean can't Brendan Shanahan put them up there. I Just just take somebody put them up there, right?

If that's matters to your point like, you know, like you said all that's true about Rick five But we're potentially talking about the three of the top scoring players in the history of the way I am kind of linking to those guys with the similar scenario that if are you gonna remember? Austin's 60 goal seasons first or The fact that he couldn't win a game, you know, that mattered to a conference final or Stanley Cup final. Well, you know, you remember the individual,

like I'll use Boria as an example, and then you say, Boria's saw me, and then you say, it's too bad he didn't, it's too bad he didn't get a chance to win a cup, whether it's with Toronto or somewhere else. But first, I think when you look back, and Sammy, we're in it now, so, but when you look back, and Sammy, we're in it now, so. But when you look back, like you appreciate and admire

and give credit for what the player was all about, and then, again, I used Marcel Dion in Los Angeles, Tony Gwynn as a baseball player with the San Diego Padres, just the list goes on and on about certain people. And we all wish there was a Ray Bork finish, whether it's Rick Five or Boria Sauming or anybody, hopefully not Austin Matthews, William Nealheader, and Mitch Marner, that there's a trio seven years from now,

you're trying to find them a place to win us to get a great Stanley Cup run. I guess it's the stakes of anybody that plays in Toronto, but a deep run, they don't have to even win the cup, but you go to game seven of the conference finals, or you've, God forbid, find your way into a Stanley Cup final. Even if you lose, these guys go through a completely different level. I just, I so terrified of having this era of Leafs hockey where if they all, I mean,

Mitch Marner's not maybe not going to sign another we don't know but if he signs another contract here the three of them will be the top three scores in a in Toronto Maple Leaf history and they come paired with one playoffs series winner two playoffs series wins it's a tough post ball that's all I'm getting at and I just hope they go deeper this year for everybody's sake a month month and a half yes would do the trick. Yes. The problem with the- The stakes have been, the goal posts have been so far moved. The problem two years ago when they beat Tampa Bay

was that you blinked and they were down three nothing in the second round. And the way they were. Even if that series went to a seventh game, we probably feel a little differently. Okay, there's my example. That's where I'd like, that's where Craig, that's where Craig Barubi now,

talk about the last three games. I would have taken those three wins in the first three games against Florida, rather, you know, finding ways to win, because you're right, you gotta, you know, I remember being on with Ian just saying as a lifelong Toronto guy after they beat Tampa Bay, and oh my goodness, like, you know, hallelujah,

and then boom, seriously, seriously, like, you're not ready, don't look like you're ready to start the next round and you don't get going to game number four so that's where maybe finding ways to win when you don't play your best can come into play because that that certainly they put themselves in a hole right away all right we'll take a quick break here I hope that didn't come across as too depressing but I just watching all the stuff that happened yesterday with all these accolades and they're breaking records and they're moving up It's just Sam. We're we're

We're Friday's trade deadline. We're a stone throw away from the first round of the playoffs Typical Toronto media by by by no typical Sammy McKee. Yeah, don't lump us in there with you Okay, we'll take a quick break. We'll return. We'll bring in Luke Fox the don't lump us in there with you. Okay, we'll take a quick break. When we return, we'll bring in Luke Fox. Covers the Leafs for us here at sportsnet.ca. Cali Young Crock is a return.

Where does he fit in? The Milestones Wall versus stole ours. Plenty more still when we return after these words. Hey, it's Ailish for aar. And I'm Justin Cutford. Join us as we discuss the most important sports stories of the day and tee up the biggest games of the night. It's the fan pregame 6pm weekdays on Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590, the fan in wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome back into the show. Nick Kiprios, Gord Stehlich, Sammy McKee. In a few minutes, we'll welcome in Luke Fox, Sportsnet writer, Sportsnet.ca. We won't be in a few minutes. It'll be right now, Gord, right now. Don't waste any time. Don't waste any time. Luke, how are you pal? I'm doing pretty good pretty excited to see Macklin Celebrini trying to find something to get excited about tonight's game

so I want to see this kid play hockey was a Gord mentioned maybe is there anything going on with him is he a game time decision is he hurt have you hurting or is he? Are we missing something and and he's definitely in tonight. Oh, this is news to me. I've been on the road. Is there an update? No, I think I heard on Saturday. There was a question, that's all.

Was nothing definitive one way or another, but there apparently was a little bit up in the air. But I take it if there's been no news, it's good news. So I'll make sure he's on the ice for you tonight, Sellebrini, okay? Yeah, I hope he's playing because they only come once a year. So I want to see what he has in store. So from a point production, you couldn't ask for a better road trip. And I'm sure Craig Bruby is guarding against the coming back home letdown here.

They really need these points. It's going to be a tough schedule moving forward between Vegas and Colorado the rest of the week. But how important are banking these points when you reconsider winning the division? Yeah, I think it's huge, Nick, just because Florida is right on their heels. the Yeah, I think it's huge, Nick, just because Florida is right on their heels. Tampa's been on

fire since well, even before the four nations break, but certainly coming out of it, and I just feel like if you're in that 2 3 matchup and have to face one of the Florida teams, um suddenly you're you might be looking at a six or seven game series and you might, you know, you'd be hard pressed to win it. Winning the Atlantic, which is something they've never done. The only division they won was the North Division.

It would just set them up with such an easier first round. I mean, I don't know if any of those teams in that muddled wild card race in the East scare you. They don't scare me at all. You know, you think about that team like the Detroit Red Wings that the Leafs handle pretty much every time they play them if you could get through the first round in four or five games and Healthy and rested like how much better would that suit you up for a second round? So I think it's imperative they bank points against a softer team like the Sharks tonight. So part of what we've been discussing is the same old thing, trying to quantify what a regular season could do for a better playoff open. Because you know, Luke, the regular seasons just blend all together.

Playoffs is where you make indelible marks and they have too few positive ones. So we're looking at finding ways to win because that's what this recent road trip was. It wasn't the best teams they were playing but they won them in different manners. You know would you see that well and Mitch Marner has already found a big way to have success on a big stage with the four nations face off so I think that's one tangible thing but do you think that this is a positive in moving forward and getting to where they really haven't gone before which For argument's sake that's just a past two rounds Yeah for sure

You know you look at the pit for a game which was a mess turns into a bit of a track meet No goalie can make a save and they find a way to come out on the right side of that one You know Anthony Solars basically stands on his head, wins them a game, you know, so they're getting goalie wins, which is something brand new in terms of the sheer number of games where you could point to the goaltending and say, that's who stole them the game. Uh, and then they do have offensive bursts, so they can do it that way. I think one of the most impressive stats for the Leafs is

they take a lead into the third period. They're 27-0. So, you know, it doesn't always look pretty like you needed the the Willie and Elander overtime goal yesterday in order to make sure that that record stands intact. But this is a team that has become very comfortable in close games. And what do we get in the playoffs? Close games. So I think all that experience in one goal games, into holding onto leads, you know, buckling down when you absolutely need to, or having your goalie make the next save, even if he's given up five as the case was Joe Wohl on Sunday I think that will serve them well. You're listening to Luke Fox, Leafs and NHL writer for sportsnet.ca. Luke just the feeling amongst maybe you and some of

your colleagues down at the arena on how significant we could see the Leafs between now and and Friday's trade deadline Luke Braden Shen from st. Louis seemed to be the hot-button topic for leaf fans last week St. Louis goes on a run now gets themselves within a Stone throw of a playoff spot it for me. It's cooled down But the thoughts about where and how significant Tree living will get between now and Friday. What are your thoughts? Yeah, well, it's funny just two hours ago

I did a hit in Saskatoon and all it was 25 minutes on the Shen brothers and how the Leafs need to reunite them. So there's still a little bit of buzz in the air for sure about that possibility. And, you know, it seems like, well, it's evident that Trey Living isn't willing to meet Doug Armstrong's price, but I think of Armstrong's track record and I think he's really smart. And I think other GMs should probably take a page out of his book He doesn't scrap and claw just to get a wild card spot. He's very good at identifying Do I actually have a contender or not? I remember one trade deadline I think it was David back as he sold even though they were in a playoff position

Like he he values being a true contender into the dance. So I do know he's willing to part if his prices are met. But and beyond to temper expe for the fan base for mediaoy. Maybe that's, you know, some gamesmanship because there's still, you know, a week to go here before deadline. But he's really trying to

temper things down and saying, you know, and we might not make the headline grabbing move. Sometimes moving the needle a little bit is enough. And is he being honest? Are we only going to see Nick Bukestad, a little cunning, you know, Johnny Gord, are we going to see something like that or see an actual guy with some term, whether it's a Shen or both Shen's or Scott Lawton or maybe something even bigger. I mean, you're floating out the idea that they would kick tires on Rantanen. Like something like that all of a sudden is a headline grabbing move. But the way he's playing it out publicly is don't get excited yet.

Did the Saskatchewan station want you to sign their dad as well? Three of them? I can just imagine 25 minutes of Saskatchewan on the sheds. Lucas has the 10 of injury done anything for you to say, okay, maybe we shouldn't focus so much on center ice and maybe the blue line might need some love. I think the blue line does need some love, but I think center ice is still the number one priority. I think it's a relief that the tan of injury looks short term here.

But here's a thought. They wanted to get Yanni Hock and Paul with this grand idea that eventually he'd play hockey again. That's not happening. So that's a depth piece that they thought they had or they they bet almost a million and a half bucks that they have and that's gone so I still think they do want a right shot preferably someone with experience so you know Shen I don't think his cap hit is is outrageous he makes some sense Rissa Linon's available. But more expensive. But I do think that we're gonna see two moves.

I do think they will get some defensive depth. I'm a big Simon Benoit guy. I thought Connor Timmons had a good first half of the season. But now that we've gotten into the dog days here, I think you know in the 10 of injury has underscored it they need another guy because the idea isn't to play seven games with this defense the idea is to play two months with this

defense yeah and you know the cab world just when the capital started you know you had Brian Leach Ron Francis you know traded for Owen Nolan although they did get Kelly O'Han, which puzzled me. So maybe they could get someone from Europe. That one made no sense. I remember that back. So here's the thing, Luke, like Doug Armstrong's one team out of St. Louis, like what about New York and Boston?

Like all of a sudden they're right there. They're two points away. There's like eight teams with them. And I'm just really curious, like, does that like Rangers have made some seller trades too? They've made both, both right that trade with Colorado was a seller trade you know there's been buyer trades so there's a lot of kind of mixed messages out there and I don't I'm not saying maybe a player comes free for the Leafs or whatever may be but there's there could be some interesting teams

kind of changing their philosophy over these last these next few days yeah and I mean the Rangers Rangers, I think we've seen that for a couple months. Boston's the interesting one, right? They already made the coaching change. You know, you got Brad Marsh on there that wants to stay. Is it in the best interest of the team to resign uh, that would totally change their culture if they let their captain go. But Trent Frederick, I think is probably gone. You wonder about a guy like Brandon Carlo, Charlie coil even, uh, you know, Don Sweeney is in a really fascinating position, uh, because you consider in the summertime, he went out of his way to bring in some high-priced,

free agents in terms of Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov. They were supposed to take a step, and instead they've taken a dramatic step backwards. The Bruins and Leafs guys, they share the record for the longest active playoff streak in eight years, and suddenly Boston's in very grave danger of having that streak. And, and it could be Toronto with the longest active streak. Yeah. And, but I, but I think the Bruins would probably look to, you know, re do a quote unquote rebuild on the fly type of thing. Like, I don't think they're going to strip it down, but they have to be, they have to be serious that, you know, they're not playing well, like by any category.

Last I checked their bottom quarter in the league and both special teams in goals for and goals against, you know, Jeremy Swainman, the whole thing's been a disaster since the start. Like they have nothing going on. And I think they realize and throw in the injuries to on the back end of Lin home and McAvoy It's just the writings on the wall. It's not their year So I think they have to take a hard look and and sell off a couple pieces See if they can you know get a bit younger and and take another run at this later

Well, we'll see what happens tonight before the Leafs hit the road again in Vegas Wednesday Celebrini's playing Celebrini's playing. Celebrini's playing. Talked about how he's excited to play tonight. Good news. Alright, enjoy his performance tonight but not too much for Leaf fans, okay Luke? Okay. Break some news, Nick.

Break some news, we're in. No, no, Elliot. Elliot. Call Elliot. Alright buddy, thanks for doing that. Is Elliot going to burst on our stage? I'd like to. Like he did Saturday at our school. That'd be fun. Kimmer, you put him in a headlock if you did that. Is Elliott gonna burst on our stage? I'd like to. Like he did Saturday. That'd be fun.

Kimmer, you put him in a headlock if you did that. That is Luke Fox. So yes, I think Celebrini said that this morning at the skate that he was good to go tonight. Good. So Luke would have known that if he didn't choose to go to the Golden Griddle for a stack of pancakes. This guy's been on the road, he's grinding, he's taking time before the game to join us and you're just giving him a hard time. It's fun.

This guy's been across all across America. He takes one morning skate off and kippers all over him. Lord, how many, you are a Golden Griddle guy. Oh yeah. Are they still in business? Are they still around? It used to be across from Maple Leaf Gardens. Yes. Golden Griddle. Yeah, absolutely, there was one near us around? It used to be across from Maple Leaf Gardens, Golden Griddle, yeah, absolutely.

There was one near us where the fan used to be on Holley Street in the Eglinton area, yeah. Permanently closed, that location? As I quickly Googled it. That's a good question, yeah. Is there a Golden Griddle anymore? I gotta say when I came in, I gotta commend you guys because I thought at first, having teenage kids,

well they're older than teenage kids like you, you and Sammy, very civilized, both looking for a phone charger, right? And that's become the way of the world nowadays. But you didn't start blaming each other, or any of that. Did you ever get that at home, like about that, about where's my charger? Who stole the charger?

Who took it, whatever, and then you'd get pissed because they take your charger, whatever it may be, and you kind of say, look, can you just bring it back and all that, you know? So anyway, very organized, very civilized. You found one, Sammy found one, I was very impressed. That's the way teams should work, right? That's what the Leafs need to do, heading into the playoffs and in the playoffs.

Glad Sam and I could help you with your family issues, Gordon. Yeah. Why? Well, there's that one with the family. It's bigger family issues than just finding a charger. So I'll just leave. No, everything is fine.

Everything is fine. But that's the big thing. Right away, people get, the kids get indignant about wherever their charger may be and accusatory. Quick note. Everything's great. Leafs used to lose all the time in overtime. They had a horrible overtime.

I remember they used to start David Camp in overtime because they were totally broken by it. Now they've won seven straight in overtime. They lost two to start the year and they've won seven straight now. Franchise record. Luke mentioned, you know, matching a price for, you know, possibly St. Louis, but you got to know for sure players are still available, right? You as a general manager, we'll get into this in the national hour, but how much, how many times you've made a call and the story changed? Oh, totally, totally. And then there's...

Are they still available this week? They were available last week. What happened? Now you've got to go in a different direction. We'll talk about that in the national hour as well. Great job so far, guys. We'll keep it up. Keep the energy up.

But how about the Maple Leafs, the Boston's out the longest streak. Nine consecutive years in the playoffs this year and if they don't win this year they only got one playoff series win to show for. Ouchie. Alright we spread the news nationally. Coming up next Dan Murphy, host of Hockey Night in Canada. We'll get into the Canucks as well. Oh boy. Plenty more on The Real Kipper and Boren Show. Do not go away.