Lots of questions to consider for the new NHL season. The two biggest: Who’s going to make the聽Olympic teams, and what is going to happen with Connor McDavid?
As far as the Maple Leafs go, captain Auston Matthews will captain the United States, William Nylander will play for Sweden and David K盲mpf will be with Czechia.
Beyond that, Matthew Knies has a chance join Matthews on the American team, and John Tavares remains on Hockey Canada’s radar.
As for McDavid, I’ve always believed he will play for the Leafs, the team he grew up cheering for, before his playing days are over. He could be setting himself up for a Tavares-like, mid-career switch by saying all the right things to the Edmonton media while biding his time.
He may believe it’s too soon to leave the Oilers, who are a lot better in the playoffs than the Leafs. A short-term deal in Edmonton would surprise no one.
That’s me asking myself questions. Now it’s your turn. We received a few questions earlier this month to start the season with a fresh Maple Leafs mailbag. As always, email me at any time at askkevinmcgran@gmail.com and we’ll get this season going again.
Hey Kevin, looking forward to your insights. I grew up with Frank Orr and insider perspectives are invaluable. So I’d love to get two to three specific nuggets on what cultural and personality changes we can expect in the Leafs room without Mitch Marner, and without the influence of Brendan Shanahan.
鈥擲teve P.
Frank was one of the all-time greats. He covered the Leafs in the 1980s, the real bad old days. After watching the Leafs lose again, he would turn to a colleague while writing his game story and ask: 鈥淚s f—-up one word or two?鈥
As far as your question, much remains to be seen, and that’s what makes life fun. The team without Marner obviously loses a big talent, but the third and fourth lines look stronger. So a balanced attack could be the result. Marner kept things light in the room. No question he and Matthews had a chemistry. I wonder who will stay out late with Matthews during warm-ups. I’ll guess Nick Robertson. He likes to stay out late, too.
As for no Shanahan, this will be Brad Treliving’s show. Under Shanahan, based on his relationship with taskmaster Lou Lamoriello, the front office took a hardline approach with the media. No information leaked out. That part I get, but even casual conversations were off limits. I get the sense that will change, and that could be the result of a media guy, Keith Pelley, installed as CEO of MLSE.
It will help if the team gets off to a good start. Smiles make for good conversation.
Who will replace the soon-to-be-retired @Bonsie1951 (Joe Bowen) for 2026-27?
鈥擬att Layden
There was a time when this would be one of the most coveted broadcasting jobs in North America, and it should still be. But the golden days of play-by-play broadcasting on radio are well over, and it wouldn’t surprise me if TSN Radio 1050 and Sportsnet 590 simply simulcast the TV broadcast as a money-saver. It would be a shame.
I just scanned a bunch of popular betting sites and the highest rank for the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup is eighth (one site), with them ninth on most sites and 10th on two. Would you lay a bet on the Leafs this year to win it all?
鈥擥eorge A., Port Dover, Ont.
Outside of fantasy pools, I don’t bet. And if I did I wouldn’t follow my advice, based on my lack of success in fantasy pools. That said, I’ve got to say I believe the Leafs are among the top five contenders for the Cup. Their problem is Tampa Bay and Florida are also in that group. Only one can make it past the second round. If the Leafs can’t beat Florida, they can’t go very far.
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