Latest news with #MapleLeafs
National Post
6 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Free-agency 'fun' for Maple Leafs in swing with July 1 still over a week away
Article content Well, isn't that bleepin' great. Article content With the Mitch Marner door expected to slam shut on the Maple Leafs once National Hockey League free agency begins on July 1, a few other doors are being closed. Article content Article content And that's still with more than a week to go before we get to the annual NHL festivities on Canada Day. Article content For those who figured, or were hoping to any degree, that perhaps Leafs general manager Brad Treliving might entice Sam Bennett or Jonathan Toews to sign in Toronto once the market opened, you're going to have to look elsewhere for your free-agent fix. Article content Article content Hours after Bennett indicated that he's going to re-sign with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Winnipeg Jets on Friday said announced that Toews will be signing with them on July 1, when he is eligible to do so. Toews hasn't played in an NHL game since April 13, 2023, for the Chicago Blackhawks, before stepping away for health reasons. Article content The Leafs had some initial interest earlier this year when Toews' desire to return to the NHL went public. His hometown Jets were always thought to be heavily in the mix, however, and now the 37-year-old Toews will get a chance to wear Winnipeg's colours on a one-year contract. Article content Bennett caught the hockey world's attention late on Thursday night — or early Friday morning — when he said, while on a nightclub stage during a Cup celebration party in Miami, that he 'ain't f–ing leaving,' indicating to a frenzied crowd that he's going to re-sign with the Panthers. Article content Via text on Friday morning, Bennett's agent, Darren Ferris, told us a new contract with the Panthers was not done. Article content Article content 'It was an incredible and emotional night for the Panthers and well-deserved,' Ferris said. 'The celebrations have been amazing to see, and Sam's just taking it all in with his teammates right now. Article content Article content 'At this time, no contract has been signed — when there's something official, we'll share it accordingly.' Article content Panthers general manager Bill Zito said on Tuesday night after Florida beat the Edmonton Oilers to repeat as Cup champions that he thinks he can bring back all three of the club's bold-face potential free agents — Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. Article content After winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP, Bennett is line for a major bump in pay. The centre, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, is coming off a four-year contract that carried an average annual value of $4.425 million US.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL Insider Drops Maple Leafs Plan to Land Panthers Stars
NHL Insider Drops Maple Leafs Plan to Land Panthers Stars originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Maple Leafs roster could look very different come next season. With multiple key players entering free agency, the Maple Leafs front office should be hectic this summer. Advertisement The Maple Leafs will need to replace any production that leaves, and this could create a very active offseason. The team has already been linked with a few players, and the offseason can now fully get going. According to Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs are planning to make a run at some of the stars of the Florida Panthers. Toronto is eyeing Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad this summer. If the Maple Leafs were to land any of these players, it could be a game-changer. Each would bring different pieces to the team, with Marchand likely being the biggest fish. Even at his age, Marchand has still been able to produce very heavily, especially in the playoffs. In the playoffs, Marchand scored 10 goals and 10 assists over 23 games, as he helped the Panthers claim another Stanley Cup title. Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) scores a goal and celebrates with defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in game two of the second round of Turchiaro-Imagn Images Bennett is expected to stay with the Panthers, especially after his strong postseason run. But Ekblad could be the long man out. Advertisement It has been rumored that Florida would allow the defenseman to test the open market, and that could open the door for the Maple Leafs. Ekblad would dramatically improve the Toronto defense, something that struggled against Florida in the postseason. No matter what the Maple Leafs do, the goal is a title. The front office will need to get creative, but it could come at a price. Related: Anaheim Ducks Predicted to Pull off Substantial Offseason Move Related: Oilers' Connor McDavid Turns Heads With Future Comments This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Maple Leafs Named Possible Threat to Steal Brad Marchand
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers were able to win their second straight Stanley Cup Final this week, knocking off the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 to take the series. In what was another magical run, the Panthers capped off an impressive all-around season. Despite facing some adversity, Florida was able to avoid going to a winner-take-all Game 7 against the Oilers like they did last season. As for Marchand, he was not playing for Florida last season. However, it was also his second championship. He won his first Stanley Cup Final back in 2011 with the Boston Bruins. Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie... Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie Arena on April 22, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. More Photo byPrior to joining the Panthers this season, Marchand had played the first 16 years of his career with the Bruins. It was strange to see him playing elsewhere, but the move worked out well for him. Read more: Bruins Emerging as Potential Suitor to Steal Connor McDavid Now, the question becomes, where will the 37-year-old center be playing next season? Entering the NHL offseason, Marchand is a free agent. Many believe that he will simply re-sign with Florida, but that is not a guarantee at this point in time. Sports Illustrated's Karl Rasmussen has taken a look at potential free agency fits for Marchand. One name that was brought up as a potential suitor was the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Mitch Marner potentially on his way out of town in free agency, the Maple Leafs could look to replace him with Marchand. "The Maple Leafs could see Mitch Marner make for the exit door in free agency, and Marchand may be a suitable replacement," Rasmussen wrote. "He comes with a bevy of postseason experience and two Stanley Cup championships. That type of leadership and experience could be exactly what Toronto needs to get over the hump." Read more: Stanley Cup Finals 2025: Panthers Win, Become First Back-to-Back Champs Since 2021 During the 2024-25 NHL season, the Maple Leafs finished the regular season with a 52-26-4 record. They were able to knock off the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in six games. Unfortunately, Toronto saw its season come to an end at the hands of Marchand and the Panthers in the second round. While the mostly likely scenario for Marchand is simply re-signing with Florida, he could receive outside interest. The Maple Leafs would make a lot of sense as a possible destination if he does open up to offers from other teams outside of the Panthers. For more NHL and sports news, head to Newsweek Sports.
Edmonton Journal
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Doug Ford on Netflix documentary about brother: 'Poor Rob's been dead for 9 years.... Leave the guy alone'
Article content Ontario Premier Doug Ford has commented on a Netflix documentary about his late brother and former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford. 'They're disgusting people,' he said, referring to the filmmakers, at a news conference on Tuesday. 'Poor Rob's been dead for nine years and they just want to keep going after him. I talked to one person that saw it. It's just disgusting. Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace. Let his family rest in peace.' Article content The premier said that he would not be watching the documentary, entitled Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. It was released on the streaming service in Canada on June 17. The 49-minute film covers Rob's rise to prominence as a politician, from city councillor to mayor, in Canada's largest city. Despite having the support of many of the city's residents, Rob was a polarizing figure. As his former staffer Tom Beyer described it in the film, there were often two reactions when people saw him driving Rob's campaign bus on the streets while he was running for mayor. 'People would be waving and cheering, and others would be giving me the finger,' said Beyer. 'There was no middle ground.' Rob was elected mayor in 2010. In the first year of his mayoralty, he was 'able to get his agenda passed,' city councillor Josh Matlow said in the documentary. 'He was ticking off, piece by piece, his plan to make the city work and end the waste,' said Mark Towhey, Rob's former chief of staff. Article content However, Rob was also known for making off the cuff remarks to the media and in city hall's council chambers. He was accused of inappropriate behaviour while intoxicated, including showing up at a gala while drunk, confronting a couple at a Maple Leafs game, and drinking in his City Hall office on St. Patrick's Day in 2012. Photos and videos allegedly showing him inebriated surfaced many times during his mayoralty, according to media reports at the time, which prompted him to either deny wrongdoings, or in some cases, apologize. The situation became more dire in 2013 when reports circulated that there was a video of Rob smoking crack cocaine out of a glass pipe. He denied the drug use at first, but later, in November of that year, admitted to it. 'Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine,' he told reporters. 'Do I? Am I an addict? No.' He said it was possible he had tried the drug in one of his 'drunken stupors.' Latest National Stories
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL Insider Drops Major Update on Maple Leafs Offseason Plans
NHL Insider Drops Major Update on Maple Leafs Offseason Plans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Maple Leafs front office may be one of the busiest around the NHL this offseason. With Toronto having multiple key players entering free agency, the roster could look very different come next season. Advertisement The Maple Leafs fell short in the playoffs once again, leading to a lot of frustration all across the organization. Even the fans have been frustrated, and they showed it during the Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers. As the offseason gets going, Toronto will have to make some tough choices across the roster. But it seems that the team may be eyeing one direction more than another to make moves. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs may be more active in exploring moves on the trade market rather than in free agency. This isn't overly surprising, but the Maple Leafs do need to add to this team. Toronto is likely to lose Marner, and the organization will need to replace his production in the lineup. Advertisement Additionally, star John Tavares will be a free agent, and the Maple Leafs will look to keep him around. Many around the league expect Tavares to stay in Toronto, but free agency always has some twists and turns. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner (16) and forward John Tavares (91) watch a replay on the scoreboard of a goal against the Seattle Kracken during the second period at Scotiabank E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Keith Pelley, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, understands changes need to be made and spoke on it after the season ended. "I think we have to be on the pathway to win the Stanley Cup," Pelley said. "I think the city has told us that, the media has told us that. We haven't won since 1967. When you look at the last 11 years, no other team has made the playoffs nine years. That's a testament to the development and foundation that Brendan built. Our next step is to take it to the next level and we felt that this move would help us get to the next level. Make no mistake about it, making the playoffs and winning rounds is not our aspirational goal; our goal is to win the Stanley Cup." Advertisement If Toronto doesn't replace the players they are expected to lose, next year could be even tougher. But this team wants to win a title, and seems determined to make it happen. Related: Maple Leafs Predicted to Land Connor McDavid After Stanley Cup Loss Related: Ducks Predicted to Make Major Offseason Splash Under Joel Quenneville This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
