Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | David Kirouac-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs had a very disappointing 2025-26 season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17, but with now the first overall pick, and a new management staff in John Chayka as the general manager and Mats Sundin as the senior executive advisor, things are slowly beginning to turn around for the Maple Leafs. John Chayka and Mats Sundin understand that things in Toronto need to change, and need to change fast if they are going to be competitive next season. What they are figuring out is what went wrong with the Maple Leafs this past season and what caused the majority of their struggles this season. From a viewer’s perspective, much of the Maple Leafs’ struggles stemmed from their blueline. Their inability to move the puck efficiently often left them trapped in their own zone for extended stretches. Morgan Rielly, expected to anchor the defence, had a rather forgettable season. As the team’s primary puck-moving defenceman and key contributor to breakouts and offensive transition, his struggles highlighted a broader issue that limited the team’s overall success. Pierre LeBrun reports on Simon Nemec at the trade deadline Dating back to the trade deadline, Pierre LeBrun reported that Simon Nemec had become available from the New Jersey Devils as long as the price was correct heading back the Devils' way. Heading into the offseason, John Chayka and the rest of the Maple Leafs management staff need to phone John Fitzgerald to see if this is a player they can target heading into next season. LeBrun also reported that the Devils are looking to receive a forward to help out their core and get back to the team they were just a few seasons ago. Simon Nemec fits the mould of what the Maple Leafs should be looking for this offseason. They need to begin replacing their veteran players with proven young talent to help push the retool forward, as well as make them competitive for many years to come. Nemec has the making to become an elite offensive defenceman, but struggled throughout the end of 2025 with an injury. While his defensive play has lacked at times this season, his talent and still being just age 22, there is a lot of time for him to grow into the player he is expected to become. What the Maple Leafs likely need to send in return for Nemec Looking into what the Devils want in return for Nemec, the Maple Leafs can begin discussing packages with Nicholas Robertson and Matias Maccelli. Robertson, for as long as many could remember, has wanted and needed a fresh start. Robertson is a proven goal-scoring winger who simply hasn't gotten the chance he's deserved within the Maple Leafs lineup. Nemec has had a similar story in New Jersey, and a deal involving the two could make more sense for both teams. The Maple Leafs are adding Maccelli to push the Devils to accept this deal. Nemec is liked by the Devils organization and is still viewed as a key part of their future, and if the Maple Leafs want to make this deal happen, they are going to need to give up more than they may be comfortable giving. The Maple Leafs need to circle back with the Devils on where Nemec stands and if there is a possibility of a trade involving the former second overall pick.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a lot of rumours swirling around their organization as of late, and that is for good measure; they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in a decade, and with the newly hired general manager, John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin, many are unsure of what the Maple Leafs could look like heading into next season. If one thing is certain, it is that William Nylander is going to be a Toronto Maple Leaf heading into the beginning of next season. He has undoubtedly been the team's best player over the course of the previous two seasons, and with Auston Matthews not sure of his future, the team will have to begin to look to build around the Swedish forward. Auston Matthews hasn't committed to the Maple Leafs long-term According to NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Auston Matthews has not yet committed to playing for the Maple Leafs next season, leaving a potential massive hole in their roster. While Matthews is under contract for the next two seasons, the American forward could look to leave the organization before his contract comes to an end. The Maple Leafs captain is reportedly waiting to see "meaningful improvements" before looking to stick around long-term. If he doesn't see the improvements he was anticipating, his tenure with the Maple Leafs would likely come to an end relatively soon. For starters, John Chayka is going to listen and try his best to please number 34; however, that may not be the correct way to go. Matthews is clearly not the player he once was, and with William Nylander under contract for the foreseeable future, it may be in the best interest of the organization to look to see what he believes fits best moving forward. Nylander, this past season, despite the Maple Leafs struggles and lack of offensive production, led the way for the team. Playing just 65 games and struggling with injuries in the latter part of the season, he was able to register 79 points, including another 30-goal campaign, while their captain had the worst season of his career, not even surpassing the 30-goal plateau. William Nylander remains the face of the fanchise With both Nylander and Matthews being stars in the NHL and the two faces of the Maple Leafs organization, I can assume the two are going to speak with the management staff on improvements that they both think are for the best. What should scare Maple Leafs fans is that even if the Maple Leafs have another losing season, but improve the team the way Matthews best sees fit, he can very quickly turn around and demand a trade heading into the final year of his contract, leaving Nylander as the face of the franchise. It could be the safest bet for John Chayka and Mats Sundin to build the team around Nylander moving forward, instead of hoping that the Leafs play well next season to please Auston Matthews. With how Matthews has been playing over the past two seasons, he hasn't been a player who should and can demand these changes, especially if he is ready to pack up and head out of Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs received a gift on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs won the draft lottery, stunning the NHL, giving them the first overall pick on June 26th in Buffalo. Heading into the draft, the Maple Leafs sat with the fifth-best odds on Tuesday with an 8.5% chance of winning the lottery. In just one night, the outlook of the Maple Leafs' season and the future of the organization changes. With the opportunity to add an elite prospect, the Maple Leafs are now positioned to form one of the most dangerous cores in the NHL, building around Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Heading into Buffalo in late June, there will likely not be a lot of speculation on who they draft, with many believing the obvious choice is Gavin McKenna. However, the 2026 NHL Draft is not expected to have one single generational talent, but rather a lot of high-end players who can change your franchise overnight. This article is going to analyze who may fit best within the Maple Leafs system and who the best choice could be for John Chayka on draft night. Gavin McKenna - Penn State University (NCAA) The Gavin McKenna sweepstakes have highlighted the 2026 NHL Draft for as long as hockey fans can remember. Since the beginning of McKenna's junior career, he has dominated. At the age of 16, he set a Medicine Hat record in the WHL, scoring 97 points, including 34 goals. He continued this, his very next season scoring video game-type numbers, producing 129 points in 56 games, including 41 goals. Heading into the 2026 season, McKenna decided to make the change and head to the NCAA, where he impressed, registering 51 points, including 15 goals in 35 games played. McKenna's reasoning for being the projected first overall pick goes far beyond just the stats. He has a very special skill set that sets him apart from everyone else in this draft class. This was noticeable from a young age, when he played in the famous U-10 Brick Invitational Tournament. McKenna's jump to the NCAA this past season proved that next season, he can make an impact in the NHL. Instead of staying in the WHL and dominating, McKenna decided to challenge himself and play against older players who have already been drafted and are signed by their NHL organizations in the Big Ten Conference. Playing this level of hockey can help ease the jump into the NHL next season. McKenna continued with Penn State, was able to drive the play five on five, which is what the Maple Leafs missed at points of the season, and continued to develop as the season went on. Ivar Stenberg - Frolunda HC (SHL) Ivar Stenberg has been second among mock drafts this season and is the number one rated international forward. Over the past few months, Stenberg and McKenna have separated themselves from the remainder of the draft class. In Stenberg's first season playing professional hockey in the Swedish Hockey League, he has proved to have played extremely well, producing 33 points, including 11 goals in 43 games. Where many heard Stenberg's name was during the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he dominated, scoring 10 points in seven contests, including four goals over that span. The Swedish winger provides a strong two-way game, while providing a dynamic offensive style of hockey, with a high hockey IQ. His defensive presence in all three zones earns the trust of any coach. The Maple Leafs, for the majority of this past season, struggled to keep the puck out of their own net, as they didn't have a true two-way forward to be effective on all sides of the puck. Over the course of the SHL season, Stenberg displayed a level of maturity well beyond his years, particularly impressive for an 18-year-old competing against professionals. His point totals surpass those of players such as Leo Carlsson and Anton Frondell from a few years prior, when he played in the SHL. Stenberg is projected to become a top-line winger in the NHL. Chase Reid - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Chase Reid is a player many did not expect to be this high on anyone's list just one season ago. He began his 2024-25 season in the NAHL playing for the Bismarck Bobcats, where he impressed many, producing 12 points in 18 games, including six goals. His play then began to catch the eye of many, and he decided to move to the OHL to play for the Sault Ste. Marie over the past two campaigns. In his first season in the OHL, Reid played solidly, expanding his offensive style of hockey, registering 40 points in 39 games, including seven goals. This season with the Greyhounds, Reid continued his success, producing 56 points, including 15 goals in 57 games. Chase Reid also earned the opportunity to represent Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship, where he played well, scoring four points in five games. What makes Reid an intriguing player for the Maple Leafs is his ability to move the puck and be the offensive defenceman they have desperately needed. Morgan Rielly is no longer the player he once was, and the Maple Leafs need someone to step into that role and be their number one defenceman moving forward. Reid is also a great skater, having impeccable edgework, allowing him to carry the puck with ease. He has been a crucial part of the Greyhounds' blue line, being their best defenceman in all three zones of the ice. On the defensive side of the puck, Reid has shown he can slow down the rush with his stick. The 18-year-old is able to lead the breakout and play critical minutes in all scenarios. For what the Maple Leafs are missing on the blueline, Reid is someone they have been missing, and someone they can build their blueline around for the future. John Chayka and the management staff will have a big decision as the NHL Draft is set for June 26th in Buffalo. All sources have the Maple Leafs selecting McKenna; however, any of these three choices will help the Maple Leafs get back to the team we saw just one season ago.

The Toronto Maple Leafs introduced their 19th general manager in Toronto Maple Leafs history on Monday, as they took to the media for the first time since hiring John Chayka and Mats Sundin. There were a lot of questions regarding the team's future after missing the postseason for the first time in a decade; however, Craig Berube's future with the Maple Leafs was one that many had spoken about a lot over the past couple of weeks since the departure of their previous general manager, Brad Treliving. John Chayka, on Monday, quickly defended Berube, but didn't say directly whether his job is safe with the organization. Is John Chayka willing to bring back Craig Berube? When Chayka was asked if he was willing to bring back Berube next season, he responded with " Yes, of course." "It's hard to find great coaches. He's a great coach. I was lucky enough to work with Rick Tocchet in Arizona. Obviously, there's a deep friendship there, and I think they share notes and ideas on things, so I'm not starting from zero, and I think Craig's a really, really good coach." Chayka continued. Craig Berube was hired by the Maple Leafs when Brad Treliving moved on from Sheldon Keefe during the summer of 2024, after they lost in game seven to the Boston Bruins. Over his two-year span with the Maple Leafs, he has a record of 84-62-18, while winning the Atlantic Division in his first campaign before losing to the Florida Panthers in game seven of the second round. Craig Berube's tenure with the Maple Leafs to date Craig Berube's time with the Maple Leafs is filled with mixed emotions and two completely different stories. In his first season, the Maple Leafs were one of the best all-around teams throughout the entire NHL; however, this season, they finished with the second-highest goals against and most shots against per game, while finishing last in the division and bottom-five in the NHL. Chayka later spoke on how he will make the decision moving forward with Berube, mentioning, I think data is one part of the puzzle. And I think you need to look at what a coach is given, you need to look at what he's good with, and I think you have to take it into part of the entire holistic review of things. But certainly I would definitely ask that question, why the team was subpar in several underlying categories, to Craig and get his input as well." With Chayka and Sundin taking over the front office, it is interesting to see if they decide the best foot forward is to start fresh with a new look all around, or if they truly believe Berube is the correct option moving forward. That decision will have to be made soon, as the offseason is right around the corner.

The Toronto Maple Leafs held a press conference on Monday, regarding the new hirings of their new general manager, John Chayka and Mats Sundin as senior executive advisor. Both of which shared insights into where they see the team moving forward, and what it means to be in this role. Mats Sundin comments to begin the media availability Mats Sundin, to begin the media availability, touched on what it means to return to the city of Toronto and how Sundin and Chayka share a similar vision for the team moving forward. "I’m extremely excited to be sitting here today. I’m very emotional connected to the team, to the city. I think we (Chayka and I) have the same vision of what a winning team looks like, and we will complement each other." Sundin said on Monday. Sundin also touched upon why he feels it was the right timing. "Well, it was actually great timing. My kids are a little older. I’ve been watching the game from the outside, both the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past 10 years, and I’ve done some work for the Swedish national team and watched prospects in Europe while also watching the whole league develop. It was a perfect time to come back with a perspective from the outside for a long time." Sundin said. Mats Sundin also spoke about what working with Chayka will look like and why he feels they can be a successful duo working in the NHL. "I know John. I’ve watched John for a long time. He is a super-intelligent, progressive, hard-working guy. He understands the game. Even though he hasn’t been a GM for a long time, he has followed the game closely, stayed in contact, and watched players, the game, and prospects for this period that he has been out." Sundin added on Monday. Mats Sundin spent 13 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, serving as the team captain for 11 of those years. Sundin was loved by many of the fans and holds a special place in Maple Leafs history as one of the greatest players to wear the blue and white. While he doesn't have any experience working in the NHL, he is a well-respected person around the NHL. What role will Sundin play with the Maple Leafs It remains unclear exactly what role Mats Sundin will take within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. While MLSE CEO Keith Pelley did not formally replace Brendan Shanahan as team president, Sundin’s position appears to closely resemble that type of role without being around the team every day. Like Shanahan in the past, he is expected to work alongside general manager John Chayka, guiding key roster decisions. At the same time, Pelley’s vision likely extends beyond structure. Bringing Sundin back adds a strong sense of identity, reconnecting the organization with one of its most respected people and adds a sense of excitement to both the organization and the fan base. Sundin and Chayka are taking over the Maple Leafs at a very pivotal time. They had just missed the postseason for the first time in a decade and don't have a true identity on where they are going, moving towards the future. Sundin ended the press conference with a quote that should get Maple Leafs fan excited for the future. "We’re going to do everything we can to help the Toronto Maple Leafs win and make you guys proud.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Sunday that John Chayka is set to become the Toronto Maple Leafs 19th general manager in the franchise's history. Chayka has not been in the NHL since his tenure with the Arizona Coyotes lasted four seasons between 2016 and 2020. At the time of Chayka's tenure with the Coyotes, he was just 26 years of age and the youngest general manager in the NHL. Now, 10 years later, the Maple Leafs are looking for a much more mature general manager. While his time with the Coyotes is leaving fans feeling uneasy, we are going to be looking back on the moves he made during his time in Arizona. Why John Chayka's time in Arizona was cut short The reasoning for Chayka's tenure with the Coyotes only lasting a brief four-year stint was that, in 2020, Chayka was suspended from the NHL for "engaging in conduct detrimental to the league, and breached his obligation to the club.” This included illegal scouting practices, which involved scouting prospects who were separate from the draft combine. The Coyotes in result of this, had their 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick taken away from them. With the Maple Leafs ready for a big offseason ahead of themselves, does Chayka have the prior history to be the right man for the position? Many are not sure of it. Trades Chayka made during his time with the Coyotes Chayka came into the Coyotes organization at a time when they had missed the playoffs four seasons in a row and had finished fourth in the Pacific Division each of those seasons. The Coyotes weren't bad enough for a top lottery pick; however, they weren't good enough to get to the next level and qualify for the playoffs. The early portion of Chayka's time with the Coyotes was obvious; he was moving on from veteran players, trying to make the team younger, while acquiring draft picks. He moved on from players such as Alex Goligoski, Maxim Letunov, Joe Vitale, Michael Stone, Martin Hanzal, Mike Smith, and acquired Anthony DeAngelo, as well as lots of mid to late round picks. Towards the middle to end of his time with the Coyotes, he very clearly attempted to make the team better and get them in a position where they are ready to contend. With up-and-coming prospects such as Jakob Chychrun, Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Matias Maccelli, and Victor Soderstrom, he understood the rebuild had come to an end. He made several strong acquisitions, acquiring Nick Schmaltz, who still plays a key role with the organization. Taylor Hall, who had just won the Hart Memorial Trophy just one season prior, Phil Kessel, who played a number of good seasons with the Coyotes, Derek Stepan, who played a critical role in the Coyotes' lineup, and Darcy Kuemper to take over the net. Questionable decisions made at a critical time However, some of the moves in the midst of these ended up hurting the Coyotes from reaching the next level. Chayka traded solid depth centre Nick Cousins to the Montreal Canadiens for essentially nothing, Anthony Duclair to the Chicago Blackhawks for Richard Panik and Laurent Dauphin, Jordan Martinook to the Carolina Hurricanes, who has played a massive role within the Hurricanes' bottom six, and Max Domi, who can be an effective middle-six winger or centre. Every general manager makes questionable decisions and mistakes that end up hurting the team in the long run, but when you look at the returns for some of these trades, it doesn't make sense with where the Coyotes are heading. It should also be noted that during his time in Arizona, Chayka did not make any massive free agent signings. John Chayka comes to Toronto at a pivotal time, and over the next couple of weeks, beginning Monday with the team holding a press conference, it will be clear the direction in which he best sees fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

For Connor McDavid, the message hasn’t changed; he wants to win, and he wants to do it with the Edmonton Oilers. “I want to win, and I want to win here in Edmonton. That’s my focus.” McDavid said on Saturday. But this time, there was a different tone behind it. Following a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks, the Oilers captain didn’t shy away from the reality of where the team stands. McDavid understands the team took a step back this season and was far less consistent than they have seen in the past. Connor McDavid’s Evaluation of the Oilers Season “I feel the same way. It’s only a couple days ago I made those comments about the Oilers being average, I feel the same way I did a couple days ago, and I agree with Leon that the organization as a whole has taken a step back, and that starts with me. It starts with Leon. We all can be better, and we all need to be better.” McDavid added. Over the past two seasons, McDavid and the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals. But disappointingly, they lost both to the Florida Panthers. Throughout the season, the Oilers looked different. They didn’t play with the same intensity we have seen in past years and struggled at times both offensively and defensively. The Oilers finished the season with a 41-30-11 record for 93 points, their lowest point total since the shortened 2020-21 season. Injuries Played a Factor in McDavid’s Performance The Newmarket native, unfortunately for the Oilers, dealt with an ankle fracture throughout their postseason run. McDavid spoke on this injury and how it hindered his performance. Had McDavid been healthy, the series might have gone differently. “It was more of a change of direction; stops and starts were tough. I’m fast, but my advantage is my speed burst, the quick step, and I had none of that.” McDavid said to the media. The Importance of a Strong Regular Season McDavid also realized the importance of having a strong regular season to build good habits and build momentum for when the hockey matters most. “The regular season matters. It’s not easy to get in, as we showed this year, and you’re building your team for when it matters most, and we searched for consistency all year long, and searched for it in the playoffs, too. We never found that rhythm that we were looking for, and that starts in the regular season, that starts Day 1 of training camp. We do need to find a way to have a better regular season. Talk about some of these injuries, maybe we’re not pressing so hard coming down the stretch. Maybe we’re finding some way to get some guys some rest, so we’re hitting the playoffs full steam.” The Oilers Plan to Be Busy This Offseason The Oilers are set for a big offseason, as McDavid only has two years remaining on his contract and has reaffirmed his desire to be in Edmonton. Another disappointing season could risk pushing their generational talent elsewhere.

According to Sportsnet's NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to name Mats Sundin and John Chayka to lead the front office. John Chayka and Mats Sundin set to take over the front office in Toronto John Chayka is set to be named the general manager, while Mats Sundin will serve as senior executive adviser. The Toronto Maple Leafs' search began when they relieved Brad Treliving of his duties as general manager on March 31st. While this hasn't been made official, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley is expected to make an announcement later on Sunday, with a press conference likely coming on Monday. The Toronto Maple Leafs conducted an extensive search process for their new leadership group, bringing in a law firm to help oversee interviews and evaluations. Several candidates were considered for the role throughout the process, but the team ultimately chose a different direction, hiring John Chayka and Mats Sundin to lead the organization's next phase. Chayka and Sundin's past experiences As for John Chayka, he became the youngest general manager in NHL history, taking over the Arizona Coyotes at just 26 in 2016. His tenure, however, was filled with inconsistency before ultimately stepping down from the position in 2020 after a disappointing season. Now at 36 years old, the belief is that time away from the NHL allowed Chayka to grow and learn from those experiences. Keith Pelley wanted to hire an analytics general manager in the front office. Following that suit, Chayka fills that role, having been one of the first to be data-focused in the team's decision-making in roster construction and team building. Mats Sundin rejoins the organization after his departure to the Vancouver Canucks in 2008. Sundin is largely regarded as one of the most iconic players in the team's history, being an inductee to the Hall of Fame. He spent over a decade with the organization from 1994 to 2008, serving as captain for much of that time and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Since retiring, Sundin has lived in Sweden, but he is now set to return to Toronto in a senior advisor role. Sundin does not have any prior NHL front office experience, but his reputation across the league and deep connection to the organization make him a valuable addition to the organization. Sundin and Chayka are set to have a big summer ahead of themselves with lots of questions regarding the state of their organization. Time will tell what the first order of business will be; however, Leafs fans will look to gain a lot of answers starting at their press conference on Monday.

Expectations were high heading into the 2025-26 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They had just won the Atlantic Division for the first time in over a decade, they pushed the Stanley Cup Champions to game seven in round two, and despite losing Mitch Marner, they still had the foundational pieces to make a serious push at the Stanley Cup. Instead, the Maple Leafs fell well short, missing the playoffs and raising serious questions about the roster’s direction. While the team's struggles were widespread, several players have stood out as the biggest disappointments of the 2025-26 Toronto Maple Leafs season. 1. Morgan Rielly - Disappointing start to finish Heading into the 2025-26 season, Morgan Rielly had a lot of expectations on his shoulders. After playing some of the worst hockey of his career during the duration of the 2024-25 season, many did not believe it could be worse. Coming into training camp, many saw a rejuvenated Rielly, who had put in the work over the offseason to play some of the best hockey of his career. Rielly later finished with one of the worst plus-minus ratings on the team and struggled in his own zone, often getting exposed against top competition. Offensively, he also failed to make up for these issues, posting one of his lowest point totals in recent years. Entering the season, Rielly had spoken to the media, setting himself up for one of the most productive seasons of his career, saying, "I believe that I did everything I could to be prepared for a great season, and I think that's the truth for all of our guys." Rielly told the media. " I know everyone puts a lot of pressure on themselves, approaching a new season, and you try to do everything you can to be prepared.  So for me, I took steps, and my goal was to leave no stone unturned in trying to bounce back and have a great year." This was not true, and heading into the offseason, many speculate Rielly could be on his way out of Toronto. 2. Auston Matthews - Worst season of his career Auston Matthews had a lot of weight on his shoulders heading into the 2025-26 season. After Mitch Marner's departure, he understood that his play had to rise to the next level. If the Maple Leafs had any chance of being a playoff team this year, Matthews was going to need to refind his scoring touch and be the difference-maker he once was early in his career. Over the past two seasons, everyone has seen a decline in Matthews performance. Coming off one of his worst statistically seasons, many didn't know what to expect from the Olympic gold medalist. But what many did not realize was how hard his game would decline. Looking into Matthews' in-depth stats, according to NHL Edge, Matthews' hardest shot this season clocked in at 88.3 MPH, placing him in the 73rd percentile, nowhere near where we once saw it. His max skating speed was about average in the NHL, at 22.10, while his shooting percentage fell below average at 11.9%. Matthews' game overall has seen another massive dip in production, which led to the worst season point total of his career with just 53. Matthews also was not able to score at the rate we once saw, due to his shooting speed and shooting percentage falling, as he only put the puck in the back of the net 27 times. While offensively, Matthews continues to struggle when the Maple Leafs need him at his best, on the defensive side of the puck, the Scottsdale native continues to develop in that area. It has become clear to many that Craig Berube has transformed Matthews into a reliable two-way centre; however, you are not paying our star forward $13.4 million per season to play this way. If the Maple Leafs want any chance of success next season, they need him playing the way he was during the 2023-24 season. 3. Max Domi - Inconsistent production hurt the Maple Leafs With opportunity in the top six alongside Auston Matthews, many were wondering who was going to be the one to take the next step. Max Domi entered the 2025–26 season with many believing he was that candidate. Over his time in Toronto, Matthews has enjoyed playing with Domi; they complement each other, building chemistry and production that the top six has lacked, especially when it matters most. While there were moments where Domi’s playmaking and energy stood out, those flashes were far too inconsistent. The former 12th overall pick struggled to maintain production over long stretches, costing the Maple Leafs scoring in times when the team was unable to win games. Domi had a very up-and-down season. The beginning of the year was very concerning for management, as it seemed no matter where he was placed in the lineup, he wasn't able to find a fit, leaving him as a healthy scratch during games against the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators towards the end of November and beginning of December. His game then slightly improved when re-entered into the lineup alongside Auston Matthews during January. The reason for his production could have been due to Auston Matthews' brief resurgence. Domi finished the 2025-26 season with a second-worst -29 plus minus rating, proving he was not effective and cannot be trusted in all three zones. Mix this along with just 33 points, one of the worst point percentages of his career, and you are waiting for disaster from a player expected to play a crucial role in the Maple Leafs lineup. The Maple Leafs’ disappointing season wasn’t caused by one player; it was a combination of underperformance, injuries, and many structural issues along the way. If Toronto hopes to get back in the playoff picture next season, it will need more consistency from its best players, health across the board, and meaningful upgrades to the roster. Otherwise, the same issues that defined the Leafs this year will carry into next season.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson is reportedly joining Team Sweden at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, according to The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga. Oliver Ekman-Larsson's strong season in Toronto earned him his spot This will mark the second time this season that we will see Ekman-Larsson representing Team Sweden, as he played in the 2026 Olympics in Italy this past February. OEL played in all five matches for Sweden, averaging 10:27 time on ice, as Sweden was later eliminated in the quarterfinals by the United States, which went on to win the gold medal. The Swedish defenceman is coming off one of his most productive seasons offensively at the age of 34. Ekman-Larsson registered eight goals and 39 points, which is the most he has produced since the 2018-19 season with the Arizona Coyotes, where he tallied 44 points that campaign. Despite the Maple Leafs struggles this season, Ekman-Larsson was their most consistent blueliner, playing crucial minutes night in and night out, when the Leafs were dealing with injury troubles and inconsistent play from their top players. Ekman-Larsson was also the Maple Leafs' Bill Masterton Trophy nominee, voted on by the Toronto chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA). Ekman-Larsson has extensive experience representing Team Sweden, having played in six IIHF World Championships, two Olympic Games, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, as well as the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. Over this stretch, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has two gold medals, both at the World Hockey Championship in 2017 and 2018. OEL is set to join John Tavares and Morgan Rielly at the World Hockey Championships, as they were announced to Team Canada over the past few weeks. William Nylander has not been named to Sweden as of yet, and many have been speculating whether he is willing to join the team, as the championship begins on May 15th. Sweden is set to face Canada, Denmark, Czechia, Slovenia, Italy, Norway, and Slovakia in the preliminary round of the tournament.

The Colorado Avalanche advanced to the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 5–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, completing a four-game sweep. On paper, it was decisive. On the ice, it was a grind from start to finish. Cale Makar was quick to speak about this point following their sweep, mentioning the matchup was a lot closer than fans may have anticipated and saw. Although the Avalanche rolled past the Kings, Los Angeles consistently worked Colorado for every inch of the ice and every scoring chance they had. Cale Makar’s Thoughts on the LA Kings’ Play “It was a tight series every night; they defend extremely well and force you to earn everything. We had to adjust, find different looks, and stay patient. Nothing came easy.” Makar told NHL.com’s Dan Greenspan. Due to the Avalanche’s strong play over this period, they have now earned the right to get some much-needed rest as they await the winner of the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild series, which has been nothing short of a dog fight on both ends, as the series remains tied at 2’s with game five on Tuesday. From the very beginning of the series, many did not anticipate the Kings to have any chance. While they were swept and unable to take control of any games, the score remained close. The first two games of the series ended in 2-1 wins, which could have gone either way depending on the bounces. Game three proved the Avalanche had another level as they won another tight contest 4-2, while they dominated the Kings in game four 5-1. The Kings played with a lot of fight and heart, while the Avs continued to search for answers, as Makar noted. Solid Contributions All Around for the Avalanche Scott Wedgewood played solidly between the pipes, only surrendering five goals over the four-game span. The Avalanche also received key contributions from their captain, Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon, who led the way with two goals and two assists. With Wedgewood’s strong play, it was going to be very difficult for the Kings to remain in the series. No team in the NHL is going to have a chance with the President’s Trophy winners if you are only able to put the puck in the back of the net five times. While the loss is disappointing for the Kings, they should exit, leaving their heads held high. They played strong hockey throughout the entirety of the series, gaining respect from players of the calibre of Cale Makar. The series result says sweep; however, the performance says something otherwise.

After dropping Game 1, the Anaheim Ducks have taken full control of their series against the Edmonton Oilers, and now hold onto a 3-1 series lead. The Ducks have had many standout performances from players this series; however, none stand above Jackson LaCombe. The young defenceman leads the NHL in playoff scoring with eight points, including one goal over four games. He was a key contributor during game four, where he set up Cutter Gauthier on the power-play, as well as Jeffrey Viel‘s game-tying goal. LaCombe’s play has earned him more points as generational talent Connor McDavid over the span of their series. Jackson LaCombe’s Breakout Season in Anaheim LaCombe has emerged as one of the best young defencemen in the NHL this season, showing signs of being a future number one defenceman. The Minnesota native was selected 39th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, proving to be one of the biggest steals of this generation. LaCombe had a strong regular season in Anaheim, recording 58 points in all 82 games, and was selected to represent Team USA during its gold-medal run at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February. The 25-year-old has been near perfect in all three zones this postseason, proving how valuable he is to this Ducks roster. Over the first four games of this series, LaCombe has averaged 26:42 of ice time and almost played a career-high 29:54 in the Ducks’ overtime win on Sunday. He has registered at least two points in each of the team’s wins. His eight points over his first four playoff games tie for the second most in NHL history alongside Cyclone Taylor in 1918, while trailing Joe Micheletti with nine points in 1981. The Ducks’ play has shocked the Oilers at times this series, but it would be hard to imagine where they would sit without LaCombe in the lineup. LaCombe has played a very crucial part in their lineup, and it will look to continue that way as the Ducks gear up for game five in Edmonton on Tuesday.