McKenna Learning From NHL's Best | Chayka's latest Leafs Hires
Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple LeafsShow Notes
Gavin McKenna is already making an impression before his first NHL season. Mike DiStefano and David Morassutti react to the Maple Leafs' top prospect hitting the ice in Toronto for the first time and revealing that he spent the offseason training alongside Macklin Celebrini. What can McKenna learn from one of the NHL's brightest young stars, and how could those habits help him make an immediate impact? The guys also reveal their Friday 5-Pack, ranking the five Maple Leafs they're most excited to watch this season. From Auston Matthews looking to bounce back under Jim Hiller, to Matthew Knies, Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh, and, of course, Gavin McKenna, there's plenty to be excited about heading into 2026-27. To wrap things up, they discuss the latest additions to John Chayka's front office and what the new hires could mean for the organization's long-term direction.
More from Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple Leafs
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.