Leafs Hour: A Test Against the Avalanche

Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Sportsnet's David Amber (4:43) to react to the news of the Columbus Blue Jackets firing head coach Dean Evason and hiring Rick Bowness, how the Ottawa Senators can navigate past the off-ice drama, before looking at the state of the Canadian NHL teams including the Winnipeg Jets on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, if Dougie Hamilton could return to his native land and play for one of the 7 Canadian teams, and if he's still concerned with the online reports on the progress with the Olympic ice rink and amenities. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee debate whether Carter Verhaeghe deserved a major for his hit-from-behind on Artem Zub. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' win over the Vancouver Canucks over the weekend to extend their point streak to nine games. They discuss the recent winning stretch before looking to the test ahead, which kicks off with another measuring stick match against Colorado on Monday. Then, they chat about Dougie Hamilton's availability and whether the Leafs should be sending offers for the Devils' distressed asset. Later, the guys weigh in on Matias Maccelli overtaking John Tavares' spot on the top power play unit and Anthony Stolarz's looming return before welcoming in former NHLer and Avs analyst John-Michael Liles (30:50) to help tee up Toronto's matchup against Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the Avalanche. Finally, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the Columbus Blue Jackets firing head coach Dean Evason and hiring Rick Bowness.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee touch on the Ottawa Senators' statement on rumours around goaltender Linus Ullmark and his personal leave of absence, before bringing on former NHL president, general manager and head coach Doug MacLean (4:30) to get his thoughts on the Sens acknowledging online trolls. Then, Mac weighs in on whether the Maple Leafs' recent success gets them back into playoff conversations, the importance of having strong top-four defencemen on your team, Rasmus Andersson's potential landing spot in Vegas, and the Winnipeg Jets' 11-game losing streak. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam look at fresh updates on the ice rink for the Winter Olympics before ending off the week with some of your text messages! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. They discuss the teams' recent swing, Dennis Hildeby's stellar night, an exciting 3-on-3 overtime, and Scott Laughton's big game in his return to Philly. Then, they look ahead to the upcoming challenging stretch for the Leafs and discuss how the team should deploy their goalie tandem. Later, they dip into the Leafs Line to answer your calls and questions, including on Matias Maccelli's turnaround, Anthony Stolarz's trade value, and much more!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin the hour with a new segment, 'NHL Would You Rather...', asking if they would start a new franchise with Macklin Celebrini or Matthew Schaefer, the Montreal Canadiens' or San Jose Sharks' future, Jon Cooper or Paul Maurice to be your first coach, Sidney Crosby's or Alexander Ovechkin's career, having which pair of brothers on your roster between the Tkachuks and Hughes, and to expand the Stanley Cup Playoffs like the NBA's Play-In format or shrink the amount of teams. Then, NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp stops by (22:35) to discuss the New Jersey Devils' drop off from their early-season expectations, why their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins could tilt their future this season, if the fanbase is turning on Luke Hughes, and why the situation with the New York Rangers isn't as dire compared to the Devils.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee get set for the Toronto Maple Leafs' Thursday-night matchup against the Flyers in Philadelphia. They discuss Scott Laughton's first game back in Philly since being traded before taking a wider view of the Leafs' direction approaching the Olympic break, and whether they should buy or sell at the trade deadline. Then, they chat about whether the Leafs should extend Bobby McMann, what his next contract would look like, and Dennis Hildeby getting the net in Philly. Later, former Flyer and host of the 'Snow the Goalie' podcast, Chris Therien (32:46) joins the show to discuss the state of the Flyers, Trevor Zegras' growth, what direction they'll go at the deadline, Dan Vladar's impact, Matvei Michkov's development in Year 2, and much more.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee begin their second hour discussing Sheldon Keefe's positive post-game comments after his New Jersey Devils' 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders before bringing in Sportsnet's Eric Francis (4:59) to chat about the identity of the Calgary Flames into 2026, if Rasmus Andersson will be dealt with before the Winter Olympics, why the organization would be hesitant to move one of their leaders in the locker room Blake Coleman, keeping Nazem Kadri, and the state of the Western Conference. Afterwards, Nick, Justin and Sam take a look at Trevor Zegras' choice of words in his post-game comments, and the heavyweight fight between Ryan Reaves vs. Mathieu Olivier.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look back on the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers. They discuss the significance of the win, the Leafs' ability to match Florida's physicality, Auston Matthews finding his rhythm offensively, Bobby McMann's fit on the top line, and Matthew Knies showcasing his potential as a power forward. Then, the guys debate why the Leafs have played better without William Nylander in the lineup. Later, they weigh in on whether Nick Robertson has played his way off the trade market, the Leafs as a potential landing spot for Jason Robertson, and Eetu Luostarinen's dangerous hit on Scott Laughton. Finally, they dip into McKee's Midweek Mailbag to answer your questions!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Steve Valiquette (3:53) to chat about Jacob Markström dip in the final year before his extension kicks in, how Dennis Hildeby can learn from Jacob Fowler's style of netminding, how he would fix the Ottawa Senators' goalie problem, if the New York Rangers would become sellers with Igor Shesterkin placed on the IR, Anthony Cirelli's addition to the Team Canada roster and why Sam Bennett was left off the team. Then, on Grill Marks, the guys guess which area of the crease has the highest percentage of goals getting in. Afterwards, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee shift towards the World Juniors, Zayne Parekh's record showing, comments on NHLers' personalities, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee look ahead to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Tuesday-night matchup against the Florida Panthers. They discuss Brad Marchand stirring the pot in his pre-game availability and how close the Leafs were to actually signing him this past offseason. Then, they chat about Brandon Carlo's return to the ice, what his presence can do for Morgan Rielly, and what a win would mean for the Leafs' postseason outlook. Later, Gord Stellick (33:31) joins the show to share his thoughts on the Leafs' standing in the competitive East, why a trade can't bail them out this season, Auston Matthews' franchise record, and much more!The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.