Leafs Hour: Shaping Expectations for Auston Matthews

Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne are joined by Gord Stellick (6:05) to get his thoughts on the debut of the new look Leafs roster, how long it could take for Auston Matthews to get acclimated with his new linemates, how the Atlantic Division is shaping up in the first week of the NHL season, and the current state of the Leafs' power-play. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam McKee discuss the expectations for Matthews' scoring this season, the uncertainty of Easton Cowan's spot on the roster, before going to the text line to hear your questions on which Blue Jay would most likely translate into becoming a hockey player, Fraser Minten's Boston Bruins debut 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 review Thursday's slate in the NHL, including the Red Wings' rough first impression, a scrappy game between the Canucks and Flames, and Alex Nedeljkovic's late-game gaffe for San Jose against the Golden Knights. NHL Network analyst and former NHLer Mike Rupp joins the show (14:25) to discuss the Rangers' outlook this season under Mike Sullivan, what to make of the Penguins and Bruins' hot starts, why the Leafs are built for the postseason, and whether Stuart Skinner can be the man for the Oilers. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss Kyle Connor's hat trick after signing long-term, Andrei Vasilevskiy fading for Tampa Bay, and Matthew Schaefer's debut before answering your questions on the text line!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 Maple Leafs' head coach Craig Berube (6:19) to chat about his assessment of the team's performance in a season-opening win against the Canadiens, if he'll consider line tinkering early in the year, Matias Maccelli's debut on the top line with Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly's skating, and Easton Cowan potential. Then, Nick, Justin and producer Sam McKee look across the ice on the Montreal Canadiens' first game of the year and how aggressive the Leafs will be in the top-six forward market.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 Wednesday's NHL action, including the Calgary Flames' comeback, shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers to start the season. Then, host of Canucks Central Satiar Shah joins the show (13:32) ahead of Vancouver's season opener against the Flames, and he discusses the the team's outlook this season, whether Elias Pettersson can turn things around, Quinn Hughes' future in Vancouver, and what to expect from Adam Foote in his coaching debut. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam react to the Vegas Golden Knights' opening-night loss to the LA Kings, break down Jack Eichel's extension, and discuss the impact of Alex Pietrangelo's absence. Finally, they go through the busy, 14-game Thursday slate and share what makes each matchup interesting.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.

Ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs kicking off their 2025-26 season against the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs Hour returns! Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne and Sam McKee set the stage for the game, discuss Easton Cowan being a healthy scratch for the home opener, the new-look bottom six, and Matias Maccelli's outlook on the top line. Then, they take a wider view and share their expectations and biggest concerns for the Leafs' season. Later, they discuss the pressure on the team to win this season and what's at stake if the Leafs can't stay a Stanley-Cup competitor without Mitch Marner.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 kick off the first two-hour edition of Real Kyper and Bourne of the season recapping all the action from Opening Night in the NHL! They touch on the Blackhawks' promising start and the Kings' stumble out of the gates, before sharing their thoughts on Kyle Connor's eight-year, $96 million extension with the Winnipeg Jets. Sportsnet's David Amber (10:12) stops by ahead of tonight's Maple Leafs-Canadiens clash to discuss the Buds' outlook without Mitch Marner and the optimism surrounding the Habs. D.A. also shares a bold prediction about the Senators, how the Canucks can bounce back, and what to expect for Connor Bedard in his third season. Later, they listen to some audio from Connor McDavid's teammates after signing his two-year, $25 million extension in Edmonton and discuss its greater impact around the league.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 break down the latest NHL goalie moves — including the Ducks sending down Ville Husso and the Sabres waiving Alexandar Georgiev — before welcoming MSG analyst and Clear Sight Analytics CEO Steve Valiquette (5:45). Vally discusses what Cayden Primeau brings to the Maple Leafs, Toronto’s search for a reliable backup, the pressure on Dustin Wolf after signing his new long-term deal with the Flames, the Canadiens’ outlook with Sam Montembeault in net, and whether stars like Elias Pettersson, Auston Matthews, and Jeremy Swayman can rebound in the 2025-26 NHL season. Later, Nick, Justin and Sam get into the suspension fallout from the Lightning and Panthers' preseason battle, the Panthers' Cup rings, and Alex Pietrangelo being ruled out for the season.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 start the week reacting to the big news out of Edmonton that Connor McDavid has signed to a two-year, 12.5 AAV extension. They break down the team-friendly deal, the Oilers' next steps, and how McDavid's deal impacts other extension-eligible stars. Then they discuss the Leafs' weekend roster moves, waiving Michael Pezzetta and claiming Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau. Later, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman joins the show (27:52) to discuss McDavid's contract, Sportico's recent franchise evaluations, the Penguins' potential ownership sale, the league's approach to further expansion, preseason feistiness, complaints about state taxes, 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 share some thoughts on the Leafs' penultimate preseason game, a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, before bringing in Doug MacLean (5:30) for his Off-The-Rails Friday appearance! Mac shares his thoughts on the Leafs' lineup heading into the season, Kirill Kaprizov's mega-deal, the Oilers' outlook in the West, Jackson LaCombe's extension with the Ducks, and the NHL's increased-cap landscape. Then, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the Leafs waiving David Kämpf, Scott Laughton's week-to-week injury and Easton Cowan's camp. Finally, they close out the week by answering your questions on the text line!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 react to more contract movement around the league, with Niko Mikkola signing an 8-year, $40M extension to stay in Florida, and the Ducks locking in young defenceman Jackson LaCombe to an 8-year deal carrying an AAV of $9M. MSG analyst and CEO of Clear Sight Analytics Steve Valiquette (4:41) weighs in on the deals, the immense pressure on today's goalies, Anthony Stolarz's team-friendly extension, the top five netminders over the last three years, and much more. Then, Vally introduces a new game for his weekly appearances: Grill the Panel! Later, Nick, Justin and Sam discuss the NHL franchise value rankings ahead of the start of the season. 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.