Latest news with #MapleLeafs'
Edmonton Journal
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Joe Bowen started his Maple Leafs career with an 'F__ you'
Article content From a Walt Poddubny goal at old Chicago Stadium when it seemed his Maple Leafs' broadcast debut was doomed, Joe Bowen will have put in 44 years behind the microphone when he retires next year. He's seen it all with this team, except a Stanley Cup to date, and those memories are sure to be part of a wonderful final season, even if there's no farewell tour after cost-conscious Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment saw fit to ground him and sharp witted colour man Jim Ralph in recent years.
Global News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Fans in McDavid's hometown show their support
NEWMARKET – With the Oilers in the Stanley Cup final again this year, the decision to bring back 'Connor McDavid Square' in the hometown of Edmonton's star forward was a no-brainer for Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. The temporary renaming of the town's Riverwalk Commons area and viewing parties of the NHL championship series were quite popular last year. Local fans and McDavid supporters have been out in force again this spring. 'People love it, they love the idea,' Taylor said Monday before the start of Game 3. 'They love coming down and sitting together in beautiful weather and watching Connor McDavid on a giant outdoor screen. 'It really is bringing the community together and the Oilers are bringing the country together.' The Toronto suburb of about 90,000 is in the Maple Leafs' heartland. Many locals have put their blue and white jerseys away though — at least for this fortnight — in favour of Oilers' orange and blue or the always popular red and white Canada uniforms, many featuring No. 97 on the back. Story continues below advertisement While McDavid is a fan favourite, many spectators are also eager to see the Oilers beat the Florida Panthers so that the country will end its 32-year Stanley Cup drought. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'It's great to come out and support the community and support the country at the same time, cheer on Canada,' said Newmarket resident Maryann Patterson, who was sporting a 4 Nations Face-Off Canada jersey. 'Why not? 'The Leafs are gone. All the other Canadian teams are finished. So let's support Edmonton.' McDavid can often be spotted around town during the off-season. He often trains in the area with other top players and can sometimes be seen at local restaurants and attractions. As a youngster, he played competitively with the York Simcoe Express of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association before joining the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Story continues below advertisement McDavid was selected by the Oilers with the first overall pick of the 2015 Entry Draft and has spent his entire NHL career with Edmonton. The 28-year-old centre has been named league MVP on three occasions. Throughout his career, McDavid has continued to devote time to local community charity events and programs. 'I think everybody knows who he is, everybody wants to support him, and everybody wants Connor McDavid and his team to win this year,' Patterson said. 'It's their turn. He's put a lot of time and effort into the Oilers and it's time.' McDavid recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) in 67 games this past season. He also scored the winning goal in Canada's overtime victory over the United States in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off. A victory over the Panthers though, particularly after falling in Game 7 of last year's final, would serve as the ultimate hockey moment for Newmarket's favourite son. The Panthers and Oilers split the first two games in Edmonton before the best-of-seven series shifted to the Sunshine State for two games. The Oilers haven't won the Cup since 1990. 'We're dealing with tariffs and 51st state nonsense,' Taylor said. 'To have this to rally around right now is what we need, to positively cheer together as one country. Story continues below advertisement 'A win would really, I think, go a long way right now.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL Insider Addresses Possible Breakup of Maple Leafs' Core Four
NHL Insider Addresses Possible Breakup of Maple Leafs' Core Four originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Toronto Maple Leafs head into another offseason marked by disappointment, the spotlight remains fixed on their long-standing Core Four and what might happen next. Advertisement Following a second-round collapse against the Florida Panthers, speculation has grown about whether general manager Brad Treliving will break up the group that has consistently fallen short in the postseason, even more after he claimed the "DNA has to change" during his final media availability. Despite those remarks and steady calls for major change, analysts Bryan Hayes and Darren Dreger are not convinced that trades involving Auston Matthews or William Nylander are on the table. Speaking on TSN's "OverDrive" on Monday, Hayes pushed back against the idea that Toronto could shop any of the big names outside of Mitch Marner in an offseason trade. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) speaks with Mitch Marner (16), William Nylander (88), and Matthew Knies (23) at Scotiabank Hamilton-Imagn Images "They're not trading Matthews or Nylander," Hayes said. "I just can't see it, man. Advertisement "Matthews, they're not moving off. Nylander is a year into an eight-year (contract with a) full no-move (clause). Willy's not going anywhere. I just don't think Willy would waive." Hayes pointed to the Maple Leafs' past behavior—with all of Marner, Nylander, and Matthews having signed at least one contract extension in Toronto—as further evidence that the club won't pressure their top stars to move. "They've never shown at any point a scenario where they felt like they would make things uncomfortable or they would try to do that," Hayes said. Dreger, speaking on "Leafs Morning Take" on May 23, precisely pointed toward that trend while echoing Hayes' sentiment. Advertisement The insider, however, dismissed the idea of Matthews being part of any bold shift unless he requests a trade. "Come on, this guy is an absolute stud; he's a superstar," Dreger said. "For it to happen with Matthews at any point in the foreseeable future, that would be on him." Related: NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation Related: Only One Thing Could Make Maple Leafs Trade Auston Matthews, Insider Believes This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch
Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Blackhawks enter the offseason with nearly $30 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia, and with phenom forward Connor Bedard leading the next generation of Hawks hockey. Advertisement Speculation has mounted that the Blackhawks could make a splash in free agency, given their huge cap room and need for improvement. Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner's name has been loosely linked to Chicago, given their flexibility and market size, and the fact that the Leafs star will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, while the Blackhawks will likely inquire if Marner hits the market, they aren't expected to aggressively pursue the winger. "If Marner does hit the open market, the Blackhawks, like everyone else, would likely inquire about him," Powers wrote. "The Blackhawks just aren't expected to open their checkbook and allow Marner to fill out the amount. Advertisement "As much as they like Marner, they don't see him — or any unrestricted free agent — as an essential piece to add, considering where they are in their rebuild." Powers reported that general manager Kyle Davidson maintains full support from chairman Danny Wirtz and will continue focusing on long-term development through the draft instead of rushing moves. "They might be hard to hold off the dogs," one Eastern Conference executive told Powers, "but I think the Blackhawks need to stay out of that game for another two to three years." Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) skates with the puck during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Rather than enter a potential bidding war for Marner, Chicago is more likely to explore the trade market for younger players under team control. Advertisement "One potential path to adding a notable player is through trade," Powers wrote. He mentioned someone like Buffalo's JJ Peterka as a potential target. "If another team is looking to move a young restricted free agent because they're struggling to work out a deal, that's where the Blackhawks could be aggressive," Powers wrote. "Someone like Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka could intrigue the Blackhawks." Regarding a Marner pursuit, Powers summarized the chances bluntly, claiming, "it isn't likely to be." Related: NHL Insider Describes 'Heel Turn' Scenario for Mitch Marner's Free Agency Related: Insider Says $1.85B Franchise Is Not the Favorite to Land Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs' Coaching Announcement is Turning Heads
Maple Leafs' Coaching Announcement is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Derek Lalonde as an assistant coach under Craig Berube, the team announced Friday. Advertisement The move comes after Lane Lambert left the organization to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken. Lalonde, 52, was most recently the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, where he posted a combined record of 89-86-23 across three seasons. Detroit relieved him of his duties at the end of December with the team sitting at 13-17-4. Before his time in Detroit, Lalonde spent four seasons on Jon Cooper's staff with the Tampa Bay Lightning, also as an assistant coach. Lalonde played a key role in back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021, serving as an assistant during one of the NHL's most dominant playoff stretches with the Lightning. Advertisement In Toronto, Lalonde is expected to take over most penalty kill duties and lead the team's defensive structure. Shortly after announcing the hiring, Maple Leafs and NHL fans jumped on social media and offered their thoughts and reactions on Toronto's move with a variety of feelings. Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube during the post game media conference following the game seven loss to the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images "That facial expression is... interesting," one user wrote about the Leafs' post. "Always loved his insight on the SN panel. One of only times I actually tuned in was to hear his stories and perception on things going on in the games. Love this hire replacing Lambert!!" another person chimed in. "I just spit out my coffee," one person added. Advertisement "At least he's off the broadcast," someone said about Lalonde's last job as an analyst. "I mean i guess so? Want Bruce Boudreau but this could work….. maybe?" one person wondered. "No wonder some people refuse to come to the Leafs. He's been a Leaf for 5 min and people are already cooking him in the comments. I love the Leafs, but too many of our fan base is awful," a Leafs fan posted. "Good now sign Mitch... because without him we wouldn't have made the playoffs.... one of the best in the league," another user wrote, bringing pending free agent Mitch Marner to the conversation. Related: Mitch Marner's Potential Maple Leafs Exit Sparks Unexpected Debate Related: Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
