Talkin' Buds Leafs Show

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is on a roll. First, he locked up John Tavares on a team-friendly extension. Now, Matthew Knies has signed a six-year deal worth $7.75 million AAV. We break down the contract and why Knies is a critical piece of the Leafs’ future. Plus, we dig into the wild Mitch Marner–Vegas Golden Knights tampering rumors and the reports that Toronto plans to aggressively pursue Brad Marchand when free agency...

The Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up a tidy piece of business Friday, signing John Tavares to a four-year extension at a $4.38M AAV. We break down how the Leafs finally won a negotiation and give Tavares credit for ending the trend of star players squeezing every last dollar. Plus, we dive into upcoming changes to the NHL/NHLPA CBA and preview the NHL Draft.

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wJuKzfQvvVw

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares remain far apart in ongoing contract talks. In this episode, we go all-in on the Tavares contract situation—why it’s critical for Brad Treliving and Leafs management to hold the line and avoid overpaying. We also explore why Leafs Nation needs to brace for the reality that changing this team’s DNA could take longer—and be more difficult—than many are willing to admit.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs offseason has officially begun. We kick things off by breaking down the Florida Panthers’ second straight Stanley Cup win and where this current team ranks among the greatest of all time. We then dive into the impending Mitch Marner departure — how did things get so sour between him and the fanbase? Finally, we react to reports that John Tavares' next contract could be north of $5 million... and why that wou...

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are serious about changing their identity, there's one name they should target on July 1st: Brad Marchand. The 37-year-old veteran has been a crucial piece of the Florida Panthers’ playoff run and brings the exact edge the Leafs have been missing. We break down why Marchand would be a perfect fit in Toronto, and what it might take to actually land him. Plus, we dive into the future of John Tavares and sha...

The Toronto Maple Leafs' quest to change their DNA kicks into high gear on July 1st. Could Sam Bennett actually be a realistic free-agent target? Are there other UFAs who make sense for the Leafs? Is Jonathan Toews worth considering? We break down the options Brad Treliving may explore when free agency opens. Plus, we dive into Easton Cowan’s standout Memorial Cup performance and what it could mean for his future in Toronto. We wra...

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving’s season-ending press conference had Leafs Nation buzzing—especially his comments about the need for a DNA change in the organization. We break down his entire presser: from his thoughts on Mitch Marner and John Tavares, to the team’s playing style, and what might be next. Plus, we discuss the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers heading toward a potential Stanley Cup Final rematch.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Brendan Shanahan officially parted ways last week, and to mark the 300th episode of the Talkin’ Buds Leafs Show, we present: “The Shanaplan: A Look Back.” We break down Shanahan’s 11-year tenure as Leafs President—from taking over a franchise in the gutter, to hiring Mike Babcock and Lou Lamoriello, to handing the keys to Kyle Dubas, and the eventual fallout in 2023. We dive into the highs and lows of th...

The Brendan Shanahan era in Toronto has officially come to an end. After 11 years as President of the Maple Leafs, the team announced they are parting ways with Shanny. We reflect on the highs, lows, and legacy of his tenure, and what this means for the future of the franchise. Plus, we dive into the uncertain futures of Mitch Marner and John Tavares, and share our thoughts on the growing debate around the challenges of playing in ...

The Toronto Maple Leafs are exactly who we thought they were. The Leafs’ season came to a crashing end with a 6-1 blowout loss to the Florida Panthers — yet another playoff disappointment in the Core 4 era. In this episode, we dive into the core’s continued mental struggles in big moments, the major changes that need to happen this offseason, and why restoring accountability should be the organization’s top priority as they head in...

The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to Game 7 against the Florida Panthers! After a disappointing showing in Game 5, the Leafs responded with a gutsy performance in Florida, fueled by a clutch game-winning goal from captain Auston Matthews and another rock-solid outing from Joseph Woll, who continues to build his reputation as a big elimination game performer. We break down all the key moments from Game 6 and dive into what the Leaf...

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the brink of elimination after one of the most disappointing performances of the Core Four era — a 6-1 blowout loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5. In this episode, we focus heavily on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, breaking down why they continue to come up short and struggle to make an impact when it matters most. With Marner likely headed for free agency this offseason, we discuss why the tim...

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are tied 2-2, setting the stage for a best-of-three showdown. In this episode, we break down the Leafs' lackluster Game 4 performance, the ongoing playoff struggles of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and the strong play of Joseph Woll. We also dive into Max Domi’s controversial hit on Aleksander Barkov and discuss what the Leafs need to change if they want to take two of the next three...

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a hard-fought Game 3 in overtime, with Brad Marchand playing hero for the Panthers. Flying solo on this post-game edition of the Talkin' Buds Leafs Show, Rob breaks down why Leafs fans should stay optimistic despite the loss. He dives into Chris Tanev’s steady leadership, Auston Matthews’ scoring struggles, and the rollercoaster ride that’s been Joseph Woll’s performance since taking over the crease.

The Toronto Maple Leafs grind out a massive Game 2 win over the Florida Panthers, and The Passion was on full display. We break down William Nylander’s continued rise as a clutch performer, the Leafs' gutsy, all-in effort, and how Craig Berube’s steady leadership continues to set the tone. Plus, we dive into the key contributions from Max Pacioretty, Scott Laughton, Max Domi, and the entire lineup — and discuss Joe Woll slamming th...

The Toronto Maple Leafs came out swinging in Game 1, earning a hard-fought 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers to grab an early series lead. We break down the Leafs’ strong all-around performance, dive into the controversy surrounding Sam Bennett’s elbow to Anthony Stolarz, and analyze Florida’s game plan. Plus, we discuss Joe Woll stepping up as the new starting goalie with Stolarz sidelined indefinitely.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs finally delivered the decisive blow, eliminating the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 to close out their first-round playoff series. In this episode, we break down the intense, nail-biting finish, spotlight Auston Matthews’ clutch performance, and reflect on the series as a whole. Plus, we look ahead to the highly anticipated second-round rematch with the Florida Panthers.

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/P9...

The Toronto Maple Leafs blew another chance to close out a playoff series, falling 4-0 to the Ottawa Senators in Game 5. In this episode, we break down yet another disappointing performance from the Core Four, whose record in series-clinching games now drops to an abysmal 1-13. We dive into why this group consistently fails to deliver when it matters most and try to make sense of why this continues to be a recurring issue year afte...

The Toronto Maple Leafs missed their chance to close out the series on Saturday night, falling to the Ottawa Senators, who stayed alive with a big win. We break down the Leafs' strong effort in Game 4, the 1-12 record in elimination games, and look ahead to a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/n-y0aV1FZvc

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