Leafs Training Camp Takeaways: Gavin McKenna Starts on Line 2, Easton Cowan Impresses
Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple LeafsShow Notes
Gavin McKenna’s Toronto Maple Leafs debut is finally here! The first overall pick is set to start on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander as the Leafs prepare for preseason action against the Montreal Canadiens. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasutti discuss McKenna’s projected role, his impressive first day on the ice, and what they want to see from him in his preseason debut — including his defensive awareness, puck battles and ability to play with confidence. The guys also break down Easton Cowan’s strong start to training camp, Jim Hiller’s praise for the young forward, Ben Danford’s opportunity on the blue line, and five Maple Leafs they’re excited to watch in their preseason debuts.
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David Morassutti welcomes James from Offside Hockey Talk to discuss whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally turning the corner after a difficult start to the season. They examine Auston Matthews' improved play, the importance of building chemistry under a shortened preseason, and why Easton Cowan's emergence could make him too valuable to trade. Plus, a preview of the matchup against the New York Rangers, a debate over whether Nashville defenceman Brady Skjei would fit Toronto's plans, and the latest NHL discussion surrounding Brady Tkachuk and Connor Hellebuyck.
David Morassutti is joined by guest host Michael Mazzei to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Toronto back-to-back victories. They discuss Easton Cowan's shorthanded goal and growing role, Morgan Rielly's three-assist performance, Kirill Marchenko's return to Columbus and Marshall Rifai scoring his first NHL goal. They also examine the encouraging update on Jake McCabe, the Leafs' strong penalty kill and their need to stay disciplined. The episode wraps up with NHL news, including Dylan Larkin's expanded trade list, Connor Hellebuyck's situation in Winnipeg and Brady Tkachuk's matchup against Florida.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, which snapped their three-game losing streak. He highlights Sergei Bobrovsky's best performance as a Leaf, Auston Matthews' three-point night, Nick Paul's strong two-way effort and Gavin McKenna's go-ahead goal. Despite the victory, Toronto's five-on-five defensive play remains a concern. David also previews the matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Kirill Marchenko facing his former team and Matthew Knies going up against the Leafs for the first time since the trade.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders as their losing streak reaches three games. He examines the team's defensive-zone breakdowns, explains why Sergei Bobrovsky shouldn't shoulder the blame, and discusses the struggles of Morgan Rielly and Troy Stecher. David also looks at Toronto's need for more depth scoring, Vinny Lettieri's potential call-up, and Elliotte Friedman's report that the Leafs are willing to move premium assets for a difference-maker on defence. The episode wraps up with a preview of the Sharks' visit to Toronto, featuring Macklin Celebrini.
David Morassutti breaks down the Maple Leafs' collapse against the Buffalo Sabres after Toronto surrendered a 4–2 lead. He examines Jim Hiller's decision to shift to a defensive approach, the controversial reduction in Gavin McKenna's ice time and Kirill Marchenko's career night that went unrewarded. David also discusses Toronto's ongoing blue-line concerns with Chris Tanev out week to week, the team's trade for Aatu Räty and the challenges facing the Leafs as they prepare to host the New York Islanders on Saturday.