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. 39 min ago ·  Bonus

    Chris Pronger on the Reported Matthew Knies Trade That Never Happened

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger for a jam-packed interview. To kick things off, Pronger weighs in on Dylan Larkin's reported desire to leave Detroit and discusses potential landing spots for the 29-year-old star centre. While he sees a fit in Toronto, Montreal, and several other markets, Pronger stresses that acquiring a player of Larkin's calibre would come at a significant cost—especially in a weak free-agent class. From there, Pronger reflects on his experience interviewing for the Maple Leafs' President role and shares his thoughts on the direction of the organization under John Chayka. He believes winning the draft lottery was a massive boost and likes several of the moves the Leafs have made since Chayka took over. The conversation then shifts to David Pagnotta's report that Toronto and Montreal had a Matthew Knies trade completed at the deadline before complications prevented it from being finalized. Pronger isn't convinced the Leafs were getting enough value in the reported package and cautions against moving a player like Knies unless the organization is committing to a full-scale rebuild. In his view, if you're trading Knies, you need proven NHL talent coming back—not just futures. Pronger also discusses Auston Matthews' influence on the franchise moving forward, suggesting the Leafs likely have two separate long-term plans: one with Matthews and one without him. Plus, he weighs in on what Toronto should do with the No. 1 overall pick, the ongoing coaching search, and whether he believes the Leafs can get back into the Stanley Cup Playoff picture next season. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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
  2. 2 days ago

    Gerard Gallant Talks Leafs Job, Coaching Future & NHL Return

    Long-time NHL head coach Gerard Gallant joined Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to discuss his coaching future and the Leafs' vacancy. Firstly, Gallant provided an update on his health after stepping away from his coaching position in Shanghai due to health reasons back in January. He revealed he's feeling 100 percent and eager to get back behind an NHL bench. Gallant also reflected on his time in the KHL, what he learned during his break from the NHL, and his desire to return to coaching. The conversation then shifted to Vegas' Game 1 victory over Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final before Gallant candidly discussed his frustration with the lack of NHL interest despite his lengthy résumé and track record of success. Naturally, the Leafs' coaching opening came up. Gallant admitted he was somewhat surprised by Craig Berube's dismissal, called Toronto one of the most desirable jobs in hockey, and acknowledged his interest in the position. He also shared his thoughts on the Leafs' roster, their defensive shortcomings, and his overall coaching philosophy. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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.

    11 min
  3. 3 days ago

    Guy Gadowsky on Why Gavin McKenna Is Perfect for Toronto

    Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to talk all things Gavin McKenna. Fresh off the Maple Leafs winning the NHL Draft Lottery, Gadowsky shared his immediate reaction and explained why he believes Toronto would be the perfect fit for the projected first overall pick. He detailed the recruitment process that ultimately brought McKenna to Penn State and discussed the star forward's impressive freshman campaign, including a dominant second half after a relatively slow start. Gadowsky also touched on McKenna's unique ability to learn and adapt, his natural instincts on the ice, and what makes him so effective when he's playing at his best. Furthermore, he raved about McKenna's coachability, describing him as respectful, humble, easygoing, and eager to improve. Unsurprisingly, Gadowsky made it clear that he believes the Leafs should select McKenna first overall. To wrap things up, he discussed the ever-changing landscape of college hockey, the transfer portal, and the challenges of building and sustaining a successful program in today's game. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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.

    12 min
  4. 29 May

    Phil Housley on the Leafs Job, Coaching Again & Toronto's Pressure Cooker

    Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Housley joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to discuss his coaching future, what he's been up to since parting ways with the New York Rangers, and his brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. To start, Housley touched on the added intrigue surrounding Toronto's head coaching vacancy now that the organization holds the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. From there, he discussed the importance of defense and puck movement in today's NHL, while outlining his overall coaching philosophy and what he's looking for in his next opportunity. Additionally, Housley broke down his approach to running a power play — a particularly relevant topic given Toronto's long-standing inconsistency with the man advantage. He also reflected on his experience playing in Toronto, the intense media spotlight that comes with wearing the Maple Leaf, and how players handle that pressure. Finally, Housley shared his thoughts on Jake McCabe, whom he's coached before. "Just courage. The way he plays the game..." 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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
  5. 28 May

    Steven Ellis Talks Leafs’ No. 1 Pick, Gavin McKenna & Ivar Stenberg

    Daily Faceoff Prospect Analyst Steven Ellis joined Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to break down his latest top 100 NHL Draft rankings and everything surrounding the upcoming draft. The conversation started with Ivar Stenberg’s impressive showing at the World Championship and what it’s done for his stock. That said, Ellis still has Gavin McKenna atop his board and believes the Leafs should select him first overall. He explained what makes McKenna such a special talent, what Toronto fans could expect from him in his rookie season, and weighed the pros and cons of McKenna versus Stenberg. Additionally, Ellis touched on Leafs prospect Tinus Luc Koblar, who’s having a strong World Championship representing Norway. The conversation then shifted to the Toronto Marlies’ playoff run, where Ellis praised the play of Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. He also discussed the crease, highlighting Artur Akhtyamov’s stellar postseason and why he believes Dennis Hildeby should be with the Leafs next season. In fact, Ellis said there’s a world where Hildeby and Akhtyamov eventually become Toronto’s NHL goalie tandem. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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
  6. 27 May

    Troy Stecher on Wanting to Return to Toronto + Berube Firing

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill are joined by pending UFA defenceman Troy Stecher. To start, Stecher discusses his trademark compete level and what he wanted to bring to the Maple Leafs after being claimed off waivers from Edmonton back in November. From there, he reflects on his overall experience in Toronto, calling it a “world class organization,” while admitting there’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding the team’s offseason changes. Most notably, Stecher made it clear he’d love to return, saying: “I hope I’m back, I really enjoyed being a Leaf.” Additionally, Stecher weighs in on the pressure and media spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto, his reaction to Craig Berube’s firing, and why he believes the responsibility ultimately falls on the players. He also shares the team’s reaction to winning the draft lottery and touches on the latest surrounding Max Domi. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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.

    9 min
  7. 26 May

    Michael Bunting Talks Leafs Tenure, John Chayka & NHL Free Agency

    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by former Maple Leaf Michael Bunting, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Scarborough native discusses the upcoming free agent market, the NHL salary cap boom, and what he's hearing ahead of a massive summer around the league. Additionally, Bunting weighs in on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his experience playing for Rod Brind'Amour in Carolina, and Mitch Marner's strong postseason showing in Vegas. He also reflects on his time playing alongside Marner and Auston Matthews in Toronto, where he posted back-to-back 23-goal seasons with his hometown team. Meantime, Bunting shares stories about his relationship with Leafs GM John Chayka dating back to their time together in Arizona, the pressure and spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto, and why he actually embraced the market as a local product. He also revisits his 2023 free agency departure from Toronto, admitting the Leafs never really circled back due to cap constraints, while emphasizing how much he loved playing for his hometown team. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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.

    12 min
  8. 25 May

    Sid Seixeiro on Mitch Marner, a Vegas-Montreal Final & the Leafs’ Coaching Search

    Sid Seixeiro joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from Mitch Marner’s dominant postseason run with Vegas to the nightmare Stanley Cup Final scenario Leafs fans are trying to avoid. To kick things off, Sid dissected Marner’s incredible showing in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Golden Knights. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t think Marner is playing angry — and openly wondered why so many Leafs fans seem miserable watching his success. Rosie countered by suggesting the frustration stems from years of watching Marner fall short in the playoffs in Toronto. The conversation then shifted to the very real possibility of a Vegas-Montreal Stanley Cup Final, which Sid labeled a worst-case scenario for Leafs Nation. He didn’t mince words on Carolina either, calling the Hurricanes “frauds” and predicting a Golden Knights-Canadiens Final. Naturally, the guys debated the impossible question for Leafs fans: if that matchup happens, who are you rooting for — Marner and Vegas, or the Canadiens? Sid admitted he’d probably lean Montreal, believing Marner winning the Stanley Cup in Year 1 with Vegas would be beyond embarrassing for the Maple Leafs organization. Additionally, Sid weighed in on the Max Domi injury news and Toronto’s slow-moving coaching search. While David Carle stands out as an intriguing option, Sid doesn’t want to see the Leafs begging anybody to take the job. In his view, the organization needs to show a little more ego and confidence throughout the process. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼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

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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