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. 21 hr ago

    NHL Draft Preview with Pierre McGuire: Gavin McKenna & the Leafs

    Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill tee up the 2026 NHL Draft with the incomparable Pierre McGuire. McGuire breaks down why he believes this year's draft is top-heavy before detailing what Maple Leafs fans should expect from presumptive first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. He explains why McKenna should be in the Calder Trophy conversation as a rookie, compares his ceiling to Patrick Kane, and discusses why Toronto's current core is the perfect environment for the young star to thrive. Additionally, McGuire weighs in on another player the Leafs reportedly like in Chase Reid, assesses Carson Carels' game, and shares his thoughts on whether he would ever consider trading Matthew Knies. The conversation also touches on Jim Hiller's surprising hiring as head coach, why McGuire liked the Darren Raddysh acquisition, how the Leafs are addressing one of their biggest organizational weaknesses, the state of Toronto's goaltending, and, finally, the one player he would be calling about immediately if he were GM John Chayka: Mason McTavish. 🚨 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+. 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
  2. 1 day ago

    Michael Pezzetta on Winning the Calder Cup & Playing for Toronto

    Fresh off winning the Calder Cup, Toronto Marlies forward Michael Pezzetta joins Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta to relive an unforgettable championship run. Pezzetta says every kid dreams of winning the Stanley Cup, and that capturing the Calder Cup is the next best thing in professional hockey. He reflects on celebrating with family and friends, reveals his championship meal (his mom's lasagna), and explains what it meant to accomplish it all in his hometown of Toronto. Pezzetta shares what the championship meant to the city, why the Coca-Cola Coliseum atmosphere was electric throughout the playoffs, and why he believes Toronto will be "absolutely bananas" the day the Maple Leafs finally win it all. The conversation also dives into John Gruden's impact behind the bench, what made Mark Giordano such an important leader, Artur Akhtyamov's remarkable playoff run, Easton Cowan's growth, and Ben Danford's bright future. Plus, as a Toronto native who got to wear the blue and white, Pezzetta offers some advice for fellow hometown product Darren Raddysh as he begins his own Maple Leafs journey—including the reality of managing those ticket requests. 🚨 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+. 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. 2 days ago

    Jeff Marek on the Leafs' Next Move, McKenna & Josi

    Nick Alberga & David Pagnotta are joined by The Sheet's Jeff Marek for a draft week primer. Right off the bat, Marek dropped a bombshell, revealing that projected 2027 No. 1 overall pick Landon DuPont is headed to Michigan. From there, the conversation shifted to the trade market, which has been buzzing ahead of the draft. Marek wondered whether the Dallas Stars could be a team to watch, especially with all the speculation surrounding Jason Robertson. He and Pagnotta also kicked around the possibility of a three-team trade should Robertson ultimately be moved. Looking at the Leafs specifically, Marek was asked who he'd be calling if he were John Chayka. He floated the idea of Roman Josi as a potential fit in Toronto before discussing whether it would make sense for the Leafs to explore a move for Alex DeBrincat, who is slated to become a UFA next summer. To wrap things up, Marek weighed in on the No. 1 overall pick and made it clear where he stands: he fully expects the Maple Leafs to select Gavin McKenna and admitted he'd be shocked if they went in any other 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+. 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.

    19 min
  4. 3 days ago

    Ryan Leslie on Gavin McKenna, Darren Raddysh & the New-Look Maple Leafs

    Maple Leafs team host Ryan Leslie joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down a whirlwind stretch in Leafs Nation. To start, Leslie shared his thoughts on the blockbuster Brady Tkachuk trade to Florida, admitting he wasn't surprised to see the Panthers swing big once again. From there, he discussed the mood surrounding the Maple Leafs right now, noting that it's hard to feel anything but intrigue and optimism as the organization continues to turn the page under its new leadership group. Leslie also reflected on his recent trip to the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo, where he spent time around projected top pick Gavin McKenna, along with Ivar Stenberg and Chase Reid. Of the three, he raved about McKenna's competitiveness and edge, believing he possesses the type of jam every organization covets. The conversation then shifted to the Toronto Marlies' Calder Cup championship run. Having spent plenty of time around the team this season, Leslie praised Easton Cowan's character and talent while highlighting the complete buy-in throughout the organization, from the veterans to the youngest players on the roster. Additionally, Leslie weighed in on Toronto's acquisition of Darren Raddysh, sharing that everyone he's spoken to has had glowing things to say about the Toronto native. He also touched on the growing trend of local players embracing the opportunity to play for their hometown team, something that wasn't always the case in years past. Finally, Leslie discussed his excitement to work with the many new faces joining the Maple Leafs organization and what promises to be a fascinating next chapter 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+. 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
  5. 4 days ago

    James Mirtle on Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews & the Leafs' Future

    The Athletic's James Mirtle joined Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Maple Leafs as draft week gets underway. First, they discussed the blockbuster Brady Tkachuk trade to Florida and what lessons Toronto can learn from how things unfolded in Ottawa. Mirtle stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with Auston Matthews and his camp, noting that while Matthews appears committed for now, his long-term future could ultimately hinge on how competitive the Leafs prove to be over the next few seasons. From there, the conversation shifted to the Matthew Knies trade speculation. Mirtle cautioned against creating frustration with a young American star player, but acknowledged that Knies' name surfaces because Toronto lacks many other premium assets capable of landing impact talent. They also touched on the Sergei Bobrovsky rumours, with Mirtle questioning the fit unless the veteran netminder is willing to come on a short-term, prove-it deal. Finally, he weighed in on the Leafs' sign-and-trade for Darren Raddysh, admitting there's risk attached to the contract but understanding why Toronto felt compelled to take a swing on a player who fills a significant need. Plus, the boys continue to dissect the fallout from Ottawa's stunning trade, the state of the Atlantic Division, and what it all means for the Leafs moving forward. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼MOVEMBER: https://ca.movember.com/ 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
  6. 17 Jun

    Dakota Joshua Reacts to Jim Hiller Hiring & Leafs Fresh Start

    Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation. He started by reacting to the hiring of Jim Hiller as the team's new head coach, calling it exciting news and noting he's heard nothing but positive things about Hiller from people around the organization. Joshua also discussed the significance of change following a disappointing season, admitting the group fell well short of expectations. He said the fresh start brought on by organizational changes has been welcomed by the players, adding that everyone is eager to put last season behind them after it left a bad taste in their mouths. The conversation then shifted to the Leafs winning the draft lottery and the excitement surrounding the opportunity to add a franchise-changing talent. Joshua also weighed in on the current mood around the team, the lessons learned from last season, and why he felt the urgency level never reached where it needed to be. Additionally, he shared his thoughts on the trade that sent Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to Philadelphia, admitting it was tough to see two close friends moved out of the organization. Joshua also opened up about the lacerated kidney injury he suffered, detailing the physical and mental challenges that came with the recovery process. To wrap things up, Joshua set the record straight on William Nylander's viral middle-finger moment, revealing he didn't even see it happen in real time because his view was blocked. He also had a funny story about Craig Berube's bizarre barbell injury. 🚨 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+. 👍🏼MOVEMBER: https://ca.movember.com/ 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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