Leafs Morning Take

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill dive into some of the biggest comments coming out of Toronto as training camp gets set to begin.

The boys break down Alberga’s 1-on-1 with Matthew Knies, including Knies’ candid thoughts on the trade rumours that surrounded him this summer and his knee injury from last season. They also discuss Auston Matthews sitting down with Ryan Leslie, where the Leafs captain called Toronto “home” and said he feels the best he has in a long time.

Plus, John Chayka revealed that the Leafs never had a serious trade opportunity for Morgan Rielly this summer. The boys discuss what that means and where things stand with the veteran defenceman heading into the new season.

With the preseason opener just days away, Alberga & Rosehill also reveal their top three Leafs training camp storylines to watch.

Former NHLer Sean Avery drops by to talk about his new show, the Leafs, Gavin McKenna, Auston Matthews, William Nylander and what he expects from Toronto this season.

Lastly, the boys react to Todd Crocker being named the Leafs’ new radio play-by-play voice, taking over alongside Jim Ralph for the legendary Joe Bowen.

🚨 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 sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former NHLer Sean Avery joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging and, as expected, unfiltered conversation.

Avery kicks things off by promoting his brand-new show under The Nation Network’s HockeyFights banner, The Sean Avery Show, which launches September 23rd. Then, the gloves come off.

Avery takes aim at Auston Matthews’ season opening interview, calling it a “fluff piece,” before diving into his thoughts on the Maple Leafs. He says there’s a lot of pressure being placed on Gavin McKenna and questions whether the highly touted prospect can truly be considered a generational player. He also loves what Sergei Bobrovsky brings to Toronto, calling the veteran goaltender a competitor and a “dog.”

Avery believes the Leafs have new leadership in place, but says the level of accountability surrounding Matthews needs to increase. He also discusses where McKenna should start in the lineup, arguing that training camp will be vital and that the youngster needs to dictate where he belongs.

He has plenty to say about Matthews, too: “He’s an elite player. It’s time for him to take the next step, though.”

Plus, Avery goes on an extensive rant about the Canadian tax landscape and the CRA, arguing that the Leafs could have difficulty attracting and retaining players if the situation doesn't change.

Avery also talks highly about Mats Sundin and what he can bring to the organization, weighs in on Jim Hiller’s arrival, takes a few shots at the Los Angeles Kings’ arena environment, and shares some great stories about playing with William Nylander’s father, Michael Nylander.

And yes… there’s even some discussion about Willy’s fashion choices.

🚨 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 sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill set the scene as the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic unofficially kicks off Leafs training camp.

The boys address the Auston Matthews engagement rumours after the Leafs captain was spotted in New York City at the US Open over the weekend, where his girlfriend Vanessa appeared to be wearing an engagement ring.

Plus, Nick and Jay react to the report of the Leafs signing Nick Blankenburg to a PTO and recap the rookie tournament, including Toronto’s decision not to play Gavin McKenna and a standout performance from Tinus Luc Koblar.

Also, Ron MacLean, host of Rogers’ Saturday Night Hockey, drops by to discuss his summer, the new Saturday night broadcast and the Leafs heading into another season.

🚨 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 sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ron MacLean, host of Saturday Night Hockey, joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of the new NHL season.

Ron previews what fans can expect from Saturday Night Hockey alongside Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa, and Colby Armstrong, while also reflecting on the transition from Hockey Night in Canada and the evolution of Saturday night hockey coverage.

The conversation then turns to the Maple Leafs. Ron weighs in on Toronto’s offseason, calling John Chayka “maybe the most important pickup” for the organization. He also has plenty of praise for John Tavares and Gavin McKenna, including what he expects from the young phenom in his first NHL season.

Plus, Ron identifies what he believes could be the biggest reason for a Leafs bounce-back season: the power play.

🚨 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 sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.