Leafs Morning Take

The Nation Network

If you’re a fan of spicy hot takes & bitter honesty, you’ve come to the right place. Nick Alberga and former Toronto Maple Leaf Jay Rosehill have your daily dose of opinions, analysis, and guests that will leave you wanting more.  This podcast is your one-stop shop for all things Toronto Maple Leafs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 44 MIN AGO

    Doug MacLean Interview

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former NHL head coach & GM Doug MacLean for an in-depth, no-nonsense breakdown of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ current situation—both on and off the ice. MacLean dives right in on the state of the franchise, stressing that hiring the right general manager is the most critical decision facing the organization. He pushes back on the overreliance of analytics, calling it a useful tool—but one that still leads to costly mistakes when misused. He also makes a strong case for restructuring the front office, suggesting the Leafs need both a president and a GM, with the president ultimately calling the shots on the hire. The conversation shifts to Toronto’s reluctance to tank, the lingering impact of the Boston draft pick, and the glaring need to overhaul the team’s backend. MacLean poses the big question: how do you properly retool a blue line that’s clearly not good enough? He also weighs in on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench—and why he doesn’t expect him to return. Most notably, MacLean sounds the alarm on the Leafs’ ongoing management search, warning that going with an inexperienced candidate could be a major misstep. In his view, Toronto needs a proven, seasoned executive—even if it means asking other organizations for permission to speak with their top people. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Mike Johnson Interview

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by former Maple Leaf and TSN Hockey analyst Mike Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on all things Toronto. To start, MJ weighs in on Anthony Stolarz’s latest injury and what it could mean for both his trade value and the Leafs’ short- and long-term outlook. From there, he discusses Artur Akhtyamov getting set to make his first NHL start on Long Island, before diving into the idea of tanking and whether finishing in the bottom five is a viable strategy. The conversation then shifts to Toronto’s front-office search, with MJ offering thoughts on candidates like Sunny Mehta and Ron Francis, while stressing the importance of a dual structure featuring both a president of hockey operations and a GM. MJ also reflects on his own future, admitting he’s thought about a move into management, but reiterating his passion for his current role in media. Looking ahead, he outlines what the Leafs’ top priorities should be this summer and weighs the idea of a rebuild versus a retool — leaning rebuild, with a few important caveats. To wrap, MJ shares his perspective on whether Toronto remains a desirable destination across the hockey world, and highlights one key on-ice adjustment he believes is crucial: improving the team’s ability to advance the puck up the ice. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    Don Granato Interview

    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by Don Granato, who’s set to coach Team USA at the upcoming Men’s World Championship. Granato kicks things off by detailing how the opportunity came together and what the experience means to him. From there, he dives into the player selection process and the role scouts play in building out the roster. Naturally, the conversation shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Granato weighing in on several American players on the team — including goaltenders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, who are expected to be firmly on Team USA’s radar. He also shares insight into what recruitment looks like at the international level, before offering his perspective on whether Toronto is still viewed as a premier destination across the hockey world. To wrap things up, Granato discusses what would intrigue him about a potential opportunity with the Leafs and reveals the one thing he’d change about the team’s on-ice identity — pushing for a more exciting, up-tempo brand of hockey. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  4. 3 DAYS AGO

    Bruce Boudreau Interview

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by longtime NHL bench boss and noted Leafs fan Bruce Boudreau to break down the chaos surrounding the organization. Boudreau doesn’t hold back—starting with his thoughts on Keith Pelley’s reported micromanaging and just how unusual it must’ve been having him in the room during trade deadline discussions. He also weighs in on Pelley’s recent press conference… and let’s just say, he wasn’t a fan. From there, Boudreau offers up the advice he’d give Pelley if the Leafs president picked up the phone today looking for answers on how to fix things. When it comes to potential leadership candidates, he doesn’t see an obvious choice—but does float George McPhee’s name, noting their history together in Washington, while acknowledging a move from Vegas feels unlikely. The conversation then shifts to Mike Gillis’ candidacy and the likelihood that any new executive would bring in familiar faces. Behind the bench, Boudreau shares why he doesn’t believe Manny Malhotra is the solution, before wrapping with candid thoughts on Craig Berube’s future—and whether he may already be coaching for his next opportunity. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  5. 4 DAYS AGO

    Craig Button Interview

    TSN Hockey analyst Craig Button joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the Maple Leafs. To kick things off, Button weighed in on Toronto’s reluctance to tank — a stance Rosehill called “inexcusable,” with Button in full agreement. The trio also discussed the strategic approach taken by the Florida Panthers, and why short-term pain can sometimes lead to long-term gain — especially with their top-10 protected pick owed to the Chicago Blackhawks from the Seth Jones deal. From there, Button shared his thoughts on Peter DeBoer landing with the New York Islanders, before addressing a major concern in Toronto: could the ongoing front office search cost the Leafs key candidates? In his view, no — stressing, “you can’t put the cart before the horse.” The conversation also touched on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench, what Toronto should prioritize in a potential coaching replacement, and how the organization should structure its front office moving forward. Button suggested a return to a President-GM model, emphasizing the job is too big for one person, while floating veteran names like Dean Lombardi and Bob Gainey as potential options worth exploring. To wrap things up, Button put himself in the GM’s chair — and revealed the very first call he’d make: a conversation with Auston Matthews about his future in Toronto. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  6. 2 APR

    Jeff Marek Interview

    Jeff Marek, host of The Sheet, joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down what’s next for the Maple Leafs as their pivotal GM search begins. Marek weighed in on Keith Pelley’s press conference, acknowledging the heavy use of corporate language while noting that it aligns with Pelley's business-first background. He suggested the presser may have doubled as a feeler—an opportunity for MLSE to gauge how certain ideas would resonate with the market. From there, the conversation shifted to Toronto’s front office search and the growing emphasis on data-driven decision making. Marek floated names like Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta as potential fits and joked that plenty of candidates may suddenly start branding themselves as “data-centric” as the process unfolds. That said, he also spoke highly of Mike Gillis, identifying him as a strong and credible option. Marek emphasized that the Leafs are expected to cast a wide net—and made it clear this remains one of the most coveted jobs in hockey. Simply put: it’s Toronto. To wrap, he touched on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench and how it factors into the organization’s broader direction. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  7. 1 APR

    John Shannon Interview

    John Shannon of 100% Hockey joins Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill for a loaded conversation on the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Shannon breaks down Keith Pelley’s messaging following the dismissal of Brad Treliving, offering insight into what was really said—and what it all means moving forward. With a strong understanding of Pelley, Shannon shares what kind of leader he is, what he values, and how that could shape the organization’s next steps. They dive into potential front office structure, including the possibility of adding a President of Hockey Operations alongside a new GM. Shannon also gives his candid take on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench and why he’s skeptical about a return. Plus, a closer look at potential candidates: Shannon weighs in on Mike Gillis, who’s already been linked to the role, and discusses whether Doug Armstrong could realistically be a fit in Toronto. #LeafsForever #LeafsMorningTake 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  8. 31 MAR

    Terry Koshan Interview

    Terry Koshan, who covers the Leafs for the Toronto Sun, joins Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to break down a chaotic Monday for the Maple Leafs. Koshan weighs in on the team’s response to Radko Gudas, including Max Domi stepping up early, calling it a bit over the top—but praising Toronto’s overall effort in Anaheim. That performance raises a bigger question: where has that intensity been all season? He also highlights Easton Cowan and others for rising to the occasion. The conversation then shifts to Auston Matthews and how he rebounds from a tough, high-profile moment, especially after the team didn’t immediately respond in his defence. From there, Koshan dives into the dismissal of Brad Treliving—focusing on the puzzling timing, what led to the move, and what comes next for the organization. He outlines what Toronto could prioritize in its next GM, with names like Doug Armstrong continuing to surface. #LeafsForever #LeafsMorningTake 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. 👍🏼Table Fare + Social: https://www.tablefoodhall.com/ 👍🏼Sunwing: https://www.sunwing.ca/en/ Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min

About

If you’re a fan of spicy hot takes & bitter honesty, you’ve come to the right place. Nick Alberga and former Toronto Maple Leaf Jay Rosehill have your daily dose of opinions, analysis, and guests that will leave you wanting more.  This podcast is your one-stop shop for all things Toronto Maple Leafs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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