Real Kyper & Bourne - Welcome to Toronto Mr. McKenna + Lead-Up to July 1 with Luke Fox

Episode Date: June 29, 2026

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee kick off the final week of Season 5 with a look back on Team Canada's historic win in the knockout stage of the World Cup! Then, they reflect on the draft, the Leafs nabbing Gavin McKenna first overall, Matthew Knies' market, the Zach Werenski sweepstakes, and whether the Leafs rushed the Brandon Carlo trade. Then, they react to Troy Stecher signing a two-year extension and the Panthers reuniting with Radko Gudas before welcoming in Luke Fox (33:02). Luke discusses the free agents the Leafs should be targeting on July 1, including Patrick Kane, the Leafs' chances at getting Werenski, and the decision not to qualify Matias Maccelli. 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.

All right, let's get her going. One week to go for the Real Kippenborn Show. We're live on Sportsnet 360, 590, the fan in Toronto. Streaming always on Sportsnet Plus. Also available on multiple platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and YouTube, where we appreciate a thumbs up. Nick Kippreel's Justin Bourne, Sammy McKee,

Jake the Snake Shilts, Derek Brandeo, Chris Gallagher, with you for the next two. Two hours. Sometimes people get a little confused this time of year. Are we on an hour? Are we on two hours? Is two hours? By the time we're done talking, Gavin McKenna.

Canada soccer. Like, is there going to be enough time? I think we'll be just fine. We'll be fine. We'll be fine content-wise. All right. Sammy, Gavin McKenna, huge news. Before that.

What's that? We're on tomorrow for an hour, three to four. Okay. We're on Wednesday, on Canada Day, during, as free agency is kind of happening, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time. Ooh. One to three. So Kipp, this is mostly for you.

One for three. You don't tell me that. I'm showing up like an hour later. You're on the 18th grade. You need to know that it's a PMT time. And then on Thursday, we're 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern. And Friday, we're 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern.

So there you go. Okay. Continue. Okay. Soccer? Yeah, just a couple of minutes because it was really cool. Really cool. Yeah, really cool.

Cool for our country. Yeah. You know, I will say this. A little skeptical like a lot of people, World Cup coming to Canada, paying the hundreds of millions of dollars, got a chance to go downtown a couple times, see the fan fest. I know it's a little crazy down there. Some people aren't getting in.

even though they have tickets, I get all of that. But man, I'm just, I love it. I love it. I just really have. You are typically somewhat cynical of this sort of thing, but you've seemed to really embraced it. Yeah, and it's just. And Greece isn't even in the World Cup.

I know. Well, we haven't had a lot to talk about since the Euro. But I just think this world's so crazy right now, it's kind of nice that we're at least globally coming together for this event. And what it's done for Canada. And I think we've had a good showing. I wish they would have played yesterday in Vancouver or Toronto.

But it is what it is. But it didn't stop millions. And I don't know. It was the only game yesterday worldwide. I know. I was getting attention from not just our audience. Hundreds of millions of people watching that particular game. Tough watch.

for some of them who are more regular soccer fans. I'm trying to hook my son on soccer. I'm like, watch. And, you know, South Africa's play, just kick it around the back end of the goalie. It's like, oh, this is tough. Like, oh, they're really dominating possession. It's like, yeah, they're not going into the other half.

Yeah. You can have the ball you like back there. They're kicking it to the goalie half the time. We want, I don't know, maybe because we're bred with hockey, but we love offense. We want offense. It's all about the NHL spent 25 years

changing every rule to put the puck in the net. That's not soccer. We got the Simpsons bit holds it. Holds it. But to appreciate soccer, you got to appreciate someone in a tight quarter in their own zone,

manipulating it out with a couple of passes. And that's the beauty of the soccer, not just strictly putting the ball in the net. So I sent a tweet yesterday about the game and somebody tweeted me and they said, that was 90 minutes of excruciating, followed by one minute of glory. I'm like, welcome to soccer.

Like, that's kind of what it is. But as that game went on, you could kind of feel that it was like, it's zero, zero. Everybody has the penalties looming, the extra time looming. It was just a heritage moment waiting to happen. It was going to be one goal. Not that we were just hanging on. And that ball off of Stachio's chest bounces up so sweetly, right, right into the sweet spot. And he hits it pure.

It's a stamp. It's a stamp. It's exactly right. It's one of those moments where for the men's program that's had no success, they've been a laughing stock for a long time to be able to go to this round of 16. The first team into the round of 16 in the World Cup, we get that moment. And like, listen, you get Davies comes on at the end and you get the whole plan kind of changes. Get him the ball.

Yeah. And they were scared. They backed off. They backed off. They gave him room. He tucked that one into David, who went short side. It changed things. Change things.

I'm just totally pumped by it. Like, I'm just, I'm really, I woke up today, really how I've watched the goal a hundred times, I've watched the interviews with everybody, I just, it's a really great moment. I am so happy. I mean, what's the percentages of them winning their next game? All I'll say is go Morocco. We're into Daryl Sutter territory here now.

Right? We're into Daryl Sutter territory. Waste of eight days coming up here, yeah. We're in trouble. Go, Morocco. Hey, as long as you're playing, you're telling me there's a chance. This is a low-scoring sport. So not-

Somebody trips. Totally. That's all in the box. Yesterday was 100% our World Cup and I'm okay with that and that's kind of it. But I will say when you talk about Morocco and Netherlands,

I would say the Netherlands are the best team in the world who have never won the World Cup and they definitely have some ghosts and they've definitely had some games where I don't think we're close to relevant enough for them to choke against us. But when it gets late, it's close.

Some of those demons start to come in, fans. As a fan of a team who knows these things, the later it gets. So never know. Hey, hang around. It's an unbelievable honor for Canada soccer to potentially get to play Netherlands and Morocco in this round of 16 in a World Cup. It's unbelievable. So I can't wait. I'm totally pumped by it. Go Canada. Astacchio. Shout out Leamington, Ontario. Shout out Portugal. Let's go. Okay. Um, hockey. Hockey. Gavin McKenna. Gavin McKenna is a Toronto Maple Leaf. Oh, yeah. First pick. What a weekend. What the Js were.

And you were down there? Were you there in time? I was. Yeah, I literally put on a suit in the parking lot, walked in, sat down and Beaver stepped out. Yeah, and your thoughts initially on... I heard, I heard. Hold on. Are we doing Bieber right up the top here?

No, yeah, we are. We are. We're doing this transition from what we've been accustomed to, decentralization of the draft and that type of presentation on the weekend. And there's a lot of mixed reviews. You saw it live. Yeah. Where are you on it?

I mean, it was really cool to be there, honestly. Like, I heard from a lot of people that it maybe on TV, it seemed awkward or whatever. It didn't feel that way in the building. It felt really cool that Justin Bieber was, you know, had a microphone of the spotlight on them and was kind of holding court. It played well, you know, the opening rounds. I think the draft also works like how we know it works. After the first 10 names or something, it's like, all right. I don't know enough about these guys to have an opinion.

I think I'm sensing what's coming here. Yeah. But here's what I'll say. I'm sensing. I'm feeling it in the room. I'm feeling it. It's twisted. Let it happen.

Don't be presumptuous. Stop reading a book by its cover. Okay. Let's let it happen here. Let's have your Bieber thoughts. Okay. Okay. No, you.

Okay. We went to you first. I would say that I, you mentioned the decentralized draft. Yeah. And if I was going to have my brothers, I would much rather have had Matt Sundeen go up there and be like from Penn State. We select Gavin McKenna and have that moment. But they kind of changed this and they kind of left it up to interpretation.

And having Justin Bieber up there, I thought was cool. It was a complete punching bag for every other fan base and that's fine. But like, you can't underestimate how famous this guy is. He is literally one of the most famous paupers on earth. He announces it. I don't think Gavin gave two, you know what. It was awesome. I loved it.

Kipper. So my short answer is, I don't know what to do with this thing. I know that it came out of the Stone Ages and the way they were doing it in the past was, it just got completely maxed out, right? With the insurance seminar type of feel. Totally. And then we've swung the pendulum way over on this side.

and it's not for me. Right? And it's, I guess, that next generation. To Sammy's point, I would have liked to see a representative for the very first time putting on a Toronto Maple Leaf jersey than Justin Bieber. That's fair.

And I don't want us to just bend to the knee of us. We'll take whatever attention we can get. We don't really care who it is. But if you are really popular, we're going to try to jump on those coattails and go along for your ride of your 17 million people. Yeah, it kind of is for me. No, no, no. No, that's when it's like, end secondary country music star, you know, trench. Okay, listen, even.

Who did the, who did the, the Preds bring out to do it? The How I met. Luke Ryan or? But you're just. That was cool. Is that right? Oh, he's a big deal, apparently. I know.

I know Justin's a big leaf fan, but it's just, it's when it's convenient for Justin. Hey, Justin, we missed the playoffs last year. I didn't see you at too many games. I didn't, you know, there wasn't a lot of you going around when they were missing the playoffs, right?

Right. I just, but we're going to ride your, I don't know, 100 million followers, whatever it is. And it's just not enough for me. Yeah. To me, it's like if you don't want them to do celebrities and you don't want them to do this sort of cutesy thing.

I get that. Then have the teams at the draft. But if you're going to do celebrities, you can't knock people. That's just like, he's like. Yeah. If it's going to be a hokey event where you have people from different things announcing it, then that's got to be allowed. And if it's not, then it's.

But if Matt Sondee was in the room and they brought Bieber up there, yeah, I'd be pissed. I still think the Leafs, knowing who they were going to pick, knowing their first overall. I think they should have had someone there. Totally. They should have said, yeah, I know we all want to be in one place, but someone's got to be there.

Matt's and Justin Bieber. would have been a lot more. Anyway, it wouldn't have made a difference to the kids' career or the Leafs. It is what it is. I think they're going to tweak a few things here still and work on it, I guess. And I don't know, there's some people

that wanted to go back to the way it was before. I don't necessarily see that. In the meantime... Gavin McKenna. Like, it was never a question. Never. Well, we didn't have any questions on this show. It only made sense

that it was going to be Gavin. There are still plenty of people who, you know, doubt the pick or whatever, but the Leafs picked him. I mean, we're, I'm totally ecstatic. Yeah. I mean, I can't tell you how ecstatic I am about this. He had a great weekend. He did. He did.

He had a fantastic weekend. He handled it very professionally. He said all the right things. He's, it's a good start. Nothing wrong there in terms of, and he is, to me, he's, this is me just prejudging, totally. I do hear a few things, but he is going to be that kid that just, there's a lot of stuff going around me, but I just want to play the game.

Yeah. And he's got a little Sid himself in there. I see little Connor McDavid where it's just, this guy just wants to play the game, which is a really good thing. That's a good trait. It is. So I will say this,

that my one worry from the leaf, perspective is that you don't overpush this guy. I get it. It was a horrific year last year. You want to capitalize on this. You're pushing out the Instagrams. You're pushing out the appearances to the Blue Jays or the soccer or, you know, but there has to be a part of you that just don't over promise on this kid.

coming into the league for the first time. Don't push him now to the point where you got the Sammies of the world and everybody believing that he's going to run shotgun with Austin and he's going to end up with 40 goals and 80 points. Protect this kid a little bit here. You know, the only part of that I'm torn on is I felt like the Corps 4, the new wave of Nielander, Marner, Matthews, I thought those guys were too protected.

I was there with the Marley's when those guys couldn't play the third game in the American League when you'd play three and three, but the rest of the team would, but they couldn't. And you couldn't do an interview because you're protecting them from whatever. It's like they need to learn that in this market they're going to have to do interviews, then they're going to have to play in tough spots like the other kids. The part doesn't worry me, but what does is that it eventually leads to entitlement. And that's where they went wrong with those kids. These guys, that entitlement came built in when you do that.

The rest of the team has to play three and three, but you don't. The rest of the team has to answer questions, but you don't. That, to me, was worse than saying, this is what it is. It depends on. Yeah, it depends on what's presented. But I just, if it gets, if it's not a great start and people like are going, what happened or what's going on, it's just. He's just, he may take time. He will.

It just may take time. And at the end of the day, it's a big ass to. to write and shotgun with a 30-year-old man that's been trying this for 10, 11 years in Austin, and you coming out of your draft year and thinking that you got to go out there and you got to get Austin back to a 50 or 60 goal score. Can I present the other side of the case you're making here? Is that he's insulated with guys who are already punching bags. Like, I don't think that a lot of Leaf fans were pumped about having Gavin McKenna.

if the Leafs suck next year are going to be blaming him. It's going to be Willie who they've always punched. It's going to be Matthews. It's going to be potentially Morgan Riley. It's going to be John DeVar. He has a layer of guys that are making the big bucks that are supposed to be the guy and he can be more of a support guy to them. That's actually nice.

I don't think that people are going to be excited about him, but I don't get the sense people are going to put all the pressure on him to start. Other fan base as well. Like what Matthew showed up was like, Kay, bring us to the problem. But you got also. watch him and look at his play and see how good it is. Like if he's coughing pucks up the middle, they're going to go after him.

They are. It's not, he's not going to be insulated by anyone else if his play doesn't dictate. Who's going to go after him? Who are you saying they? Leaf fans? I disagree with that. I'm actually with Sammy.

I completely disagree. He is going to be protected beyond by Leaf fans. That's if, but if the. the protection first has to come from the coach and the manager and you're right they need to build in expectations they got to just manage but the expectations i think but i think a lot of people like we're not idiots we understand that he's an 18 year old kid there's a lot of idiots out there there's a lot of idiots right now going he's on the he's playing with willie and he's playing with

austin and they're going to be great i see how stanberg does matters too right i i i think that if you want to talk about who will do this, it's fans of opposing teams. It's fans of opposing teams that see Stenberg riding shotgun with McKenna having a great year. With a... Oh, sorry, oh, it's a very celebrating. I said, McKenna.

I just... I'm not particularly worried about next year Lee fans being like, oh, we suck again. It's all McKenna's fault. We disagree on that. Totally. Yeah, it's... That part's interesting.

But it is fun now to start mocking up lineups. It's tough to imagine him playing not with Austin, isn't it? I know you want to manage expectations, but... I would imagine that that's what everybody wants to see. And that's, again, you got a training camp, you got a few exhibition games,

you got some scrimmages. I think people are dying to see that skill level with Austin. And was that missing last year from Austin? Was a true playmaker?

Yeah. Because he is a playmaker. Without Mitch, right? That's the... Did he miss Mitch that much that if he gets a guy with McKenna's skill level, albeit the inexperienced, underdeveloped physically, he can still find a way to shine with that type of skill level? Yeah, I mean, people are going to want to see it. You sure hope so.

I mean, the concern with Matthews is separate from McKenna, right? Because, I mean, he had Marner two years ago and still was not quite himself. So, yeah. He's just, I think he's insulated by a lot of whipping boys. Yeah. And that the last guy that's going to get whipped is McKenna next year. What's really clear is they're now walking this line of older Matthews and Nylander, Riley, if you want to include him, Tanev, those sort of guys, this is older core.

And then this younger Nyes, Cowan, McKenna, this sort of group. And they've got, I don't know, like, uh, two timelines. Well, that's right. They seem to be trying to win this year. But if it's not working out in the next year, or two. You can see how they would transition to this next. Yeah. That's providing if you still have Nyes and Cowan

or you're going to try to move them and the Leafs have been trying very hard to move Nyes. They had a seventh pick from Dallas for Nyes. Like do you just stop? What do you mean?

Well, it was Robertson to Seattle. Seventh pick overall to Dallas. Dallas's seventh pick to Toronto that would move nyes down. Yeah. I mean, but the way you phrase that is that they're trying to move nyes. They have been trying to move nyes or at least pulling the value of him out for the whole

world to see. And I don't know. I don't get the sense they'll stop. What do you make of this warrenski stuff? You know, we had a pretty good conversation on Werenski last week before it snowballed. Yeah. We did get things going there. The last thing I told you is if they go get Wruenski,

I'd like to see what it would cost them because I thought it would be a neat trick. It would be a neat trick. It would be a hell of a trick. You know, I've got an article up on SportsNet today, and it's about the Leafs decor and the status of where it's at and where it's going. I ran through some different iterations,

like if they started today what it would look like, if they traded Nyes, if they got Werenski, you know, all these different versions of it, the Werensky one's fascinating because they say from what we hear that they want bodies not picks it just at least can't do two bodies they can't do Nyes and Cowan

they cannot Yeah they can no they can't No they can't because then you don't have any forwards You're literally you're McKenna Matthew Yeah you gotta go You gotta go get creative and you gotta go find them But your second line would be Would have Machelli and Nick Robertson

McChely got non-tender while we were talking So he's gone he's gone UFA I like that Yeah I thought of it about that driving in. I'm fine. Glad Robertson got qualified.

He needed to. Stetcher also extended since we've been talking, which I'm good on that. Thanks. One and a half? Yeah. Whatever. I don't even know.

Troy's boys are back. I like Troy's. But it's, needs someone bigger. Yeah. I told you, typically you don't, you want a number one center

for a number one D. And I don't even know if Nye's building around Nyes would be enough for Columbus. Well, the thing with Nyes is it's five years of value contract, which is appealing. Very attractive. And then you have to, I worked through it all, but you have to go, okay, you get the Colorado first. You get another second rounder.

Do you want this Koblar kid who's kind of taken off Tinas Luke Kobler, you know, Actimov. What can you put together in the soup to make it appealing? Because it sounds like Wrenski's named a few teams. Dallas is probably one of them and they can offer Thomas Harley. How do you beat that? And And multiple first picks Which Toronto doesn't have

No No, that hurts I'll take 2029 That hurts Can give you next year's late Colorado one And then a 2029 But do you think

Wrenski is for sure Getting traded? Yes, when I don't know We are I told you We are in the Brady Kachuk

scenario here All over again I'm not signing with you what do you want to do with that? And Columbus goes, oh God, I don't know. I don't know. That's what they're saying right now.

Yeah. And that's it. If I'm a Blue Jackets fan, get your Nye's package out of here with Tinas Luke Kobler. I don't want to hear it. No, I don't hear it either. You don't?

No, no, not from a lead perspective from a Columbus Blue Jacket fan. If I'm a Blue Jacket fan, I'm like, it's not getting it done for me. He's 28 and just won the Norris Taurus Trophy. Okay.

You know, it's like, he is the best defenseman. He is, he is a game changer. Okay. He, when he's out there, like,

there's a very good chance, 80% of the game will be dictated by him. That's, there aren't many guys that can do that. I, he is one of them.

I just, we don't know what the list of teams is, Dallas is clearly a tough one to contend with, but like, I think we're underselling how valuable Nize is. I think,

I understand. Listen, do I think they're going to get Werensky for a pass? I really don't. But I do think that if you're looking for players back and you're looking to not stink or whatever for Columbus, we can't just sluff it off like he's not an attractive ass. Give me a winger right now off the top of your head that you would trade Wienke for straight up, a winger.

Marion Hosa in his prime. Gutrov? Mitch Marner? Those two? I get what you're doing. I'm just thinking of good wingers. Kutjurav. Well, the idea is not that it's one for one.

There's not... Yeah, yeah. The... Yeah. So what you're telling me is there's no chance that it's happening. Yeah, I don't... Listen, even Mitch...

It depends what you need. But those, like I said, one position plays almost 30 minutes a game, and the other one plays 20. It's very rare. You want to talk about a position of Sydney, Crosby, McDavid, Austin, and his prime.

That's what you look for. One pacemaker, you know, who sets the pace of play over another one that can do it at the forward position. So you've just stated Columbus's viewpoint on that perfectly. The problem, Columbus, is you've come to my store to sell, We're pawn stars here and you've come to redeem your Zach Wrenski. Unfortunately, you've named four teams.

Best I can do. Best I can do is Matthew dies. You've got Dallas, Toronto, Florida, Vegas, whatever the teams are. Those two teams don't have room for you, don't have the assets. They've made big deal. So you're talking to two of us now. This guy's not going to play for your hockey teams. You have to move them.

We've got this. They've got that. Which package do you like better? It may not be a fair package for Columbus. And that's why it sucks for Columbus. But that's my only hope for Toronto is that, if you're going to move them it's us or them.

What do you like? You also... Would you trade David Pasternak for... You also have... No, I wouldn't. For Rensky? I wouldn't. You love pasta.

I do love pasta. Cole Cofield? Cole Coffield? I'm looking at the top... Not even close. Not even close. No. Okay.

I'll take Werenski's 28 minutes. Okay. Back there. Okay. They're also do have a little bit of a cushion of two years. So you can be like Ottawa. Ottawa had a lot of issues behind the scenes with Brady.

It sounds like this Brady thing was like needed to happen for other reasons too. Yes. People just were okay with him. I don't think, I don't know, this has been tweeted a thousand times, but how many players came out and said, we're going to miss our captain.

How many of them came out? Jake Sanderson. One? One American corn. One. That's what I saw. Okay. And how many, wasn't there a thing that, like, his teammates knew for years that he didn't plan on resigning there?

Did you want to quickly mention Carlo before we go to break to get to Luke? We need Riley too. Yes. So part of your, I did skim through your article, you were, which I agreed with, that I think they moved too quickly on, Carlo. Totally. I, I, I'm not sure. everyone was all excited, hey, this guy had to go. Okay, well, you're trying to win next year, I'm told.

So who's better that's going to play third pair? To me, he was miscast, he was hurt, he was playing. The top pair defense last year for the Leafs was Riley Carlo. That's not where he's supposed to be. If he's your third pair PK guy playing 17 minutes, I think you're pretty good. Now it's going to be Stetcher or Andre. I have a bit of a different take to Carlo. one is that he was on the ice in front of the net

when Stolars went down Hold on though I don't want to hear reasons why he needed to go Did nothing? Did nothing? Yeah. And he was also on the ice when the captain went down Yeah. And nothing was done.

And you think Andre would have kicked the crap out of red And uh, Troy Stetcher. Just don't want that. I know. I know. He doesn't. play with jam. In the article,

I have a list of reasons why there were reasons to move on from them, but they got two thirds who doesn't, say you're trying to win. That doesn't help you. I would have waited. I would have waited. I would have used them to come out of the gate. Yes. And those two thirds, let them re-dream some value. If we get off to a decent start,

that pick, those two picks are getting only better. You get the deadline if Carlo has a pretty good 40, 50 games for you. Yes. And you feel like it's time to move on. He's making three, four. He's still six, five, and 29 years old and kills penalties. Sammy's Uber is driving them.

I can't think of a... But how are you better? Because it's June 29th. Like, you can be better. I don't know. I just thought he was... I agree that if they do something, I'm okay with it, but they just signed, re-signed Troy Stetcher.

Yeah, but I mean, he could be their seventh guy. Like he was last year coming into the line. I don't know. Like, it sucks. The visual of it sucks. And what happened, whatever deadline that was, is a borderline crime. That trade, looking back on. it will be one of the worst in franchise history, his time here.

There's not one moment. There's not one thing that he, I guess he fought the UFC brothers, UFC fighters brother. That was like the only thing I can really remember on that was positive. I just think that they knew they weren't going to get much for him. They don't like the way he played soft, big, didn't score, doesn't pass. Like he's just, I understand this point, but I have no reservations of him not being on the lease anymore. I really don't.

Seems like a good guy. Great talk. That's his, his, his press conferences are his best. This has for years been the least problem is this guy's got to go. And no one has a better plan for how you get better, you know. Listen, if they do nothing, it's bad. Right. But it's June 29th and I'm assuming they're not going to do nothing.

That's what the article says. If they're able to say, hey, we went out and got Mario Ferraro, I'll go, okay. I get it. We're still kind of caught in the middle between the messages of we're trying to win next year or we're just trying to protect our next two or three years as well. They're trying to do both. They're trying to do both. They want to win next year because they don't have.

their first, but just in case they don't, they don't want to burn it all down. They drafted 10 guys this year. That's awesome, right? We've been saying forever. They got no assets, maybe one of these two third rounders they got becomes a player for them.

Like every other team. You know what? It says the same thing. Totally. Better than having no picks, though, no prospect. The thing, I don't know where it was that I read it. Maybe it was athletic. I forget, but the Leaf's got a

A plus draft rank. That never works out. Give me the D, like, give me the D plus one. Give me the F. Everybody loves their draft. Yeah, but it's... Everyone likes the Leafs draft. Love their draft.

I know. I know. I have no idea. I know Gavin McKenna is probably going to be there. And we probably won't know for three years. Yeah. But I think a lot of times we've sat here and said, what can they trade?

This kid, that Kobler, I mentioned, on the top of the show, he took a step and became an asset. Yes. So... And it's new and it's fresh. Yeah. That's the most important thing.

I think to give, check a credit. is that at least he's brought a lot more optimism to Lee fans. I got to tell you. That's it. It's just fresh. It's new. And it's better than just sitting there sitting on your hands. The amount of just to that point quickly before we go here, just to that point right there,

the amount of DMs and messages and tweets that I've gotten over the last 48 hours over the weekend after the draft, there is a renewed sense. of happiness and hope and like something to look forward to and something different. Like, it was grim last year, boys. It got real grim with that. Up until they got the first pick, it was as grim as it could possibly be. And now you look ahead and you're like, okay, well, there's a way out at least. Just a little ball with a number 12 on it.

Changed everything. It's crazy. Ten draft picks. I mean, things have turned. Like the Kitchener Kid. Apparently. I've heard good things too. Yeah.

Like the Kitchener Kid. Okay. We'll take a quick break or you got to do anything. No, we got to hit the brakes. We can get to Luke. Luke Foxleaf and NHL writer for Sportsnet.com. We'll join us next. And then Elliot Friedman, top of the hour.

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Welcome back to the program. Nick Kiprios, Justin Boren, Sammy McKee. Before we get to Luke, maybe he's waiting, I'm not sure. I just wanted to mention while we were talking, the Florida Panthers traded the rights of

A.J. Greer to the Anaheim Ducks for Radco-Gutus' rights. Ogletorp? I think that... Is he just going to beat the crap out of everybody next year? They got Garned halfway over the weekend. What is the plan there? How much penalty killing are they going to do? You know what the plan is?

Pain. This is easily. the most butcher shop team I've ever seen assembled. Yeah, they are. They're going to be playing with... Never seen anything like this. They're going to be playing with... In this area, awesome.

Pire irons. Like, they're not even having sticks. I actually, I think that's a terrible trade for, or move for Florida. I think A.J. Greer was a great depth guy. Tough. And Goudis was pretty bad. Yeah, he's kind of...

He didn't want to pay him, I guess. Yeah. To me, Goudis is at the end of his... Career. Usefulness. I don't know. He's going to sign. I like Greer.

We get another $15, $20 million. $9 in Anaheim for five or six years. Kind of like Malenstein got in Buffalo. I think that's a good comparable, Sammy. Okay, let's welcome him in, Luke Fox, who's been very busy throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs and, of course, the draft. Welcome him in, sportsnet.com.com.

Him in, Sportsnet.com's very own. Luke, how are you? Tired? Are we making you work on a day you should be resting? But there's light at the end of the tunnel. July 2nd, July 2nd. I second. Yeah.

Big didn't. We're going to get into the thoughts of Werencki and the Maple Leafs, like probably half a dozen other markets are doing the same thing. But before that, just your overall feel. We just spoke moments ago about just the vibe changing from down and out at the end of last season to what we're looking at today and just that transition period and your overall thoughts on it. It's unbelievable, Nick. You know, I was playing shinny late last night, and naturally, it's in Toronto.

So a bunch of the guys are Leaf fans. And the mood has just switched. Everyone's on the McKenna bandwagon. You know, there's cautious optimism about Darren Radish, but they're excited that they got a high-profile defensemen who can blast it from the point. And then you listen to the draft experts, and they're all pretty thrilled, giving an A-plus. to the work that Cheichen, as Scouts did at the draft. You know, it's been a long time since they got 10 picks. So they're restocking the cupboards while simultaneously adding some intriguing pieces for next year.

And plus, he's firmly in the mix when you're talking about a trade for Werenski or, you know, some of the bigger free agents that are still out there like Patrick Kane and Sergei Babrofsky. I mean, these guys have their warts. to be sure, but the Leafs feel like a player again. And having no first rounder in 27 or 28, the course of action is clear. They have to go for it. Those two years or the final two years

that we know for sure that Matthews is under contract with them. So it feels like there's a plan. And I felt like we went through a year, year and a half, where we weren't sure what the plan is, At least now, Leaf Nation knows what the plan is. And with that has come incredible optimism. And it felt like a celebration in Buffalo Friday night, to be sure. Luke, one of the things that you do for us on the website is keep track of potential UFAs and who's out there.

This is notoriously somewhat of a thin class. But given the Leaf's needs aren't necessarily at the top of the group. Are there some names out there that you like for the Leafs or you can see them targeting heading into free agency? Yeah, for sure. I mean, Patrick Kane intrigues me. Yeah. Just because he's still, I know he's old, but he's still pretty close to a point of game. Yeah.

And their top nine needs bodies, right? When you consider all the guys they've lost, Lawton, Nick Waugh, Bobby McMahon, Max Domey, we don't know if or when he's coming back. Like they need some established guys. I know there's some guys on the Marley's. like Jacob Quillan, who they just qualified and Bo grew that want to push for a spot. But in my mind, they need some veterans. So Pat Cain's, I think, a name worth at least exploring. You don't want to overpay.

Mason Marchment, they're interested in him, was once a leaf. And then I wonder about even a guy like Ilya McKeyev, another former leaf. He's fast. Like one thing in talking to Cheka and Hiller, they're really prioritizing speed. They want guys that can skate. McCabe can skate. Maybe he can help kill a penalty or two. Shouldn't be overly expensive.

And then we just found out they re-uped one of their own Penda UFAs and Troy Stetcher. And I like that move for them as well. Depth move for sure. Sixth, seventh defenseman. Stetcher's right there. Anyways, the talk of Orenski. How strong was it in Buffalo?

How many legs did it grow, linking him to the truck? Toronto Maple Leafs. We've talked about it last week as well. I don't know if they have the assets to do it. Do you? Well, it sounds like you're not going to outbid Dallas if they dangle Thomas Harley.

To me, that's the guy that probably takes it. But I think you started this, Nick, with Wrenski on your trade board. But I think also people have been eyeing this, this date two years out and circling the agent Judd Mulm. Oldaver, the fact that he's got Austin Matthews, he's got Zach Werenski, he's also got some guy in Edmonton who's doing a new contract in two years. And so you've got multiple fan bases kind of dreaming of maybe a super team down the road.

But I love the fact that Werenstki is open to Toronto, especially in the wake of what, you know, Ottawa just went through with Brady and what Vancouver just went through with Quinn Hughes of these high-profile American stars. as wanting out of Canada. I love the idea that a guy who just won a gold medal for Team USA is at least interested in landing north of the border. In order to make it work, it's hard to see anyone but Matt Nye's. I mean, could Easton Cowan plus Danford plus Colorado's first get it done? I don't know. No, I think if you're Waddell, you love the fact that Nise is under contract for so long

because everyone seems to be asking out of Columbus. If you get a guy like Nyes, you have cost certainty, you have them locked up for a while, and then you've got to go plus plus. But if Dallas is serious about offering Thomas Harley, you know, how I feel about top-air defensemen is a lot, you know, I think of them a lot higher than top six wingers for sure. You're watching and listening to Luke Fox, NHL writer for sportsnet.com. So at the end of the season,

Austin Matthews, very uncommitted. I believe the term he used was, I don't know about the future, I can't predict the future. And now there's talk of Wrenzki. And I'm wondering, don't we need to know for sure if Austin's staying before we even entertain the thought of Werenski coming up here?

And would you like to see that reassurance from Austin if the Leafs are going to make this commitment. What's the sense of bringing Wrenski in if they both leave in two years? Because you're going forward in those two years. And it's desperation and there's risk to it for sure. But when has Toronto had a player like Zach Wrenski? Have they ever had a D? A Norris winner.

Yeah. Like that? Boria? Like I guess. Borea? Tim Horton? Like how far back? Brian Leach?

That's 20 games ever, Brian Leach. Yeah, yeah. But, I mean, two runs at it. I mean, this is what Minnesota did, right, Nick? Like, there was no guarantee that Quinn's going to, and there still isn't. I mean, it's trying that way. The owner's coming up so much my future. But when they made that deal, all they knew was they were just getting two years.

They didn't know there was an extension in place for sure. Yeah, is there risk involved for sure? I just, you know, I got to echo what Waddell said. These types of assets come on the market so rarely. And then how often do they come on the market and they're willing to go to Toronto in their prime? And you also get a year. And then if he's not going to re-up, then you know he's not going to re-up and you can trade him again. You could.

Yeah. You know, yeah. You know, it's, it is, I get your point that it's no, no guarantees with any of this stuff. So do you think he's not worth the risk, Nick? or you want Austin to say I'm in for the law. He's 28 years old. Austin's still, if as long as he's healthy, it could be another five or six years.

I'm going to bring you Rowensky up here, Austin. It's not for you to tell me in 12 months you want out. I need you to look me in the eye and you tell me you're prepared now to retire a Toronto Maple Leafs. That's what I need to hear. I don't need you pulling a Dylan Larkin on me. I'm sorry. But I got 10 years. I got to protect this organization.

Isn't Austin going to say, well, just let me know that Wrenski is going to be here and I'm in. You know, like he's going to want some assurance that way too, I would imagine. Yeah, and that way everybody's on the same page. I think three things have happened that should at least warm Austin, the idea of sticking around. A coach that wants to play more high-paced possession, no more dump and chase. Jim Hiller's going to play Austin Matthews hockey, it sounds like. Radish, blast from the point. I think the PKs are going to have to respect that.

That should free up a few more looks for Austin on the power play. And then McKenna, a real facilitator. I don't know how good he's going to be in his rookie year, but he's a real facilitator. Those are three things that have happened in a very short time that should warm Austin Matthews. Absolutely. You know, they're busy right now.

We're in this sort of like gray period between the draft and free agency, the Brandon Carlo trade. we talked about in our show here. I'm not 100% sold on it until I see what else they want to do. Do you think that there's many more deals yet to come for this Leafs team? I know that they wanted to do quite a few things, but how much action should we expect over the next few days? Yeah, I think there's going to be more.

I think they're going to, they need at least, in my mind, to for NHL ready forwards. And Machelli's not back, is that right? And Michelle, yeah, they're not qualifying him. He wanted to come back. They did qualify Robertson, which was a smart move. He was cheaper than Machelli. Machelli was, I think, 4.1 or something.

His qualifying offer, it was a tough call. So, yeah, Hillter and UFA. So that's another body out. So they need some NHL ready forward. So I would expect, you know, some modest signings on that front on Canada Day. And then I think the Morgan Riley thing's still a question mark. and, you know, I think Nyes is in play for a blockbuster, like a Rorensky type of deal.

But they're in it, right? Like they are not on the sidelines. Cheka is involved, and he's already accomplished some of the things on his checklist. And where do you see the goaltending? Sammy, you got anything for me? Yeah. Where do you see Bobrowski in all of this? You think there's a legit shot that he turns in his palm tree for,

traffic on the 401? I think it's possible. I think that him and Stolars had an excellent working relationship. That relationship would be a little bit different at this stage. He's going to be he's going to turn 38 Nick in September.

And then you got the two Marley's guys. He'll be an actium off pushing from behind him. I don't love it, to be honest, because it's going to be expensive and I don't know if that's how you want to spend your cap dollars. His numbers were atrocious last year.

He's getting a little bit older. I would be a little bit wary of making that deal, but the smoke around it is real. All right. Good. All right, Luke. Go back to sleep. All right. Thanks, Luke.

Appreciate it, bud. Great work. Take care, guys. That is Luke Fox from Sportsnet.com. He's been burning it at both ends. has a great job for sportsnet.com. Yeah. For sure. What do you like, what you don't like of what he said?

I was surprised, no, just the Machelli thing that they just cut him loose. He's not, you can't trade him, his rights for his fix. I totally agree with that. Like, so the call. It was not a fit. Here's what, the qualifying offers 4.1 million. That's not nothing, right? Like, that's a significant amount of money.

Robertson's 1.8, which, you know, we're getting basically the same points. But the Machelli thing, he needs to. play up with good players, to play in the power play and you get offensive opportunities. You're not good enough to play in those spots on a good team. I've seen people being like, you can't lose assets for nothing. Like Pontus Holmberg last year, you lost him for nothing.

I'm sure they took Matthias Machelli around the league and said, we will trade you his rights for a pick. They couldn't do it. There's just no takers. No takers. So someone will go to free agency. Yeah, we'll give you three by three and it'll be Columbus or whoever. Now, you move him out, you bring Pat Kane in, you

feel better? No. I have I don't want McKenna and Pat Kane to come fix my team. And all your smaller and dishier. I have a soft spot for Pat Kane. I love Pat Kane. I do. It would be pretty exciting. It would be pretty cool to see that.

Just his presence. Just bringing a guy like that into the room. And I don't think he can sign him because he can't wear a different number. And Willie's. Oh, stop it. He can't. It's just too bad. Like, he's just over.

Can't wear a different number. Is Willie going to give it up? Doesn't it feel to you like bringing in Thornton is more low and excessive? Yeah, it does. It does. It does. Except he's won before. And those guys that you named me,

never won. Totally. Yeah. Right. Kane won a lot. And this team... It scored big. Could not pass the puck last year.

The Leafs passed the puck. Zero percent. It went to Matthews and he shot it. It went to Matthews and he shot it. Anyone was near the puck. They just shot it. They love. Phil Myers shot it.

He's just, hey, fellas. I want a couple of one touch around the top. They had all guys who would fire it. And then Dalmy just head high sauce. to everybody. From behind the net, blind, I saw. Someone will shoot it. Yeah. Anyway. Yeah, listen, it's not what I'm hoping for. I was

hoping for Beck Malenstein and A.J. Greer, you know, to fill out the depth lineup. I wasn't hoping for small, old skill. Full respect to the career, but where is it out? No, it's fair. It is fair. Someone texts me, hey, you know, McDavid

has the same agent as Matthews and Werenzki, eh? Two years from now. There's a lot going on behind the scenes. A lot. If you want to talk. Care to discuss before 252 p.m. Eastern?

With one agent, there's a lot of talk. What kind of talk, Mr. Caprio? Like, what are our options in the next year or two years? Cap space open just in case. Yeah.

Don't hope to drive a man insane. Don't even go there with Connor right now. Don't go there. Okay, don't go with Connor, because Conner's, he's, he's focused on getting out of the gate and winning with Bab Cop. Babb, Babb, Babb.

He said Babcob? His name is Badcop. Mike Badcop from now on is probably a thing. That's going to be a tongue twister to welcome back into the league after seven years. Bad Cop, Bad Cop, welcome to Edmonton. Yes, that's his focus right now. Just to prove that is what was a smart signing. That's his focus.

And then what's his next focus? Figure it out later. Figure it out. A house on the riddle path? Is that the next focus? I'm not even the chief goer there. I don't do it that often. Just once in a while.

Once in a while, like to dip your toe in the pool. Everybody can fantasize on that one with their respective clubs. You know, the deputy that are out there at UFA, that's the one place that does intrigue me. There's some big boys, eh? Logan Stanley, Alexiac, Vinnie Dei-Harnay. surprised at John Carlson, right? His rights got to traded to Carolina. Yeah, so he'll have to decide.

Two by ten? Doesn't feel like a Carolina game? Sounds like it. Yeah, I mean, they've won a good players. Good players haven't wanted them. I know, but just like think of their decrored. Might have to fill some holes. Who? Chatfield, maybe.

What, move him? Yeah. Go get him. Is he available? Not yet. Okay. You got to keep an eye on that one. Okay, I will.

My eyes are wide open. We'll discuss further. in the next hour when we welcome in Elliot Friedman, our very own. Back after these words.