Show Notes
Nick Alberga goes 1-on-1 with Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Knies takes us through his summer, his health after playing through a knee injury for much of last season, and the trade rumours that surrounded him throughout the offseason. He also discusses his early interactions with new head coach Jim Hiller, the next step he wants to take offensively, and his excitement about the new-look Leafs.
Plus, Knies reflects on his experience living with John Tavares as a rookie and shares his advice for Gavin McKenna as the highly touted prospect prepares for his first season 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+.
👍🏼 Coca Cola
Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Leafs Morning Take
Nick Alberga & Matt Larkin preview Toronto’s home tilt with the New York Rangers. Backstopped by surprise rookie netminder Dylan Garand, New York is off to a strong 7-3-1 start. Meanwhile, the Leafs have bounced back with consecutive wins after dropping three straight. The boys discuss whether the extra rest will benefit 38-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky, who’s expected to get the start, as Toronto looks to head into its four-game Western road trip on a high note.
Former Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down Toronto’s impressive 6-2 win over Columbus. Evason raves about the Leafs’ offseason additions, including Colton Sissons, Brandon Duhaime, Nick Paul and Vinni Lettieri, declaring, “I would be excited if I were a Leafs fan.” Plus, he opens up about Columbus’ cold reception for former teammate Kirill Marchenko, what Marchenko needs to do to reach his full potential, and why he believes both sides won the Matthew Knies blockbuster. Evason also discusses Auston Matthews’ elite compete level, Easton Cowan’s fantastic performance, Toronto’s penalty kill, first-faceoff battles and how the Leafs can help Gavin McKenna thrive early in his NHL career.
Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap the Maple Leafs’ emphatic 6-2 beatdown of the Columbus Blue Jackets! Kirill Marchenko made his return to Columbus count, while Easton Cowan continued his breakout start with a goal and two assists. Auston Matthews also chipped in with his fifth multi-point effort of the young season.
NHL Insider David Pagnotta joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill to break down the Leafs' 3-1 win over San Jose, Auston Matthews' renewed swagger, and whether Gavin McKenna could play a role in keeping the captain in Toronto long term. Plus, Pagnotta weighs in on the Matthew Knies trade, Toronto's ongoing search for a top-four defenceman, and which assets could be in play. The boys also debate Simon Edvinsson's value, whether Anthony Stolarz could be moved, and what it might cost to land Calgary's Zach Whitecloud.
Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill recap Toronto’s 3-1 win over San Jose. After calling for more emotion and urgency earlier in the day, Auston Matthews answered the call with a goal and two assists. Plus, Gavin McKenna notched his first career game-winning goal, getting the better of No. 2 overall pick Ivar Stenberg in their first NHL showdown.