***THERE IS GROWING SPECULATION THAT STANLEY CUP–WINNING GOALIE SERGEI BOBROVSKY WILL BE TARGETED BY THE MAPLE LEAFS IN FREE AGENCY NEXT WEEK… PROVIDING, OF COURSE, HE DOESN’T RE–SIGN WITH FLORIDA***
TORONTO (June 22) — What’s happened to the uproar? The media–driven hysteria over the Maple Leafs hiring a sub–human as general manager? All of a sudden, it seems respectfully quiet around (and toward) John Chayka. Three days after he filled one of his club’s most–glaring needs: a puck–moving defenseman with a bomb from the point; the latter skill missing from the Toronto line–up since Dion Phaneuf wore the ‘C’ more than a decade ago.
Chayka’s total package in obtaining Darren Raddysh was ridiculous. Eight years for a 30–year–old with one very good season on his résumé. If the Leafs get half–value from the contract, they’ll have done well. But, the Toronto GM stole a 70–point rearguard for a fifth–round draft choice — the type of trade other National Hockey League teams make that generates “why couldn’t we do that?” cries from Leafs Nation. Well, Chayka did it, yielding only salary and term. Not the sort of transaction you’d expect from a no–nothing hockey exec that couldn’t find work.
Now, if he’s really smart, Chayka will grab the best defenseman in the draft (I’m told, explicitly, it is Carson Carels of the University of North Dakota) with his No. 1 pick. Overhauling a position that has been ignored, absurdly, by the Leafs for a half–century. More than likely, however, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has already started to form a business plan around Gavin McKenna. “Branding” at Rogers/MLSE takes precedence over strategy on the ice. So, Chayka will be strongly “encouraged” to choose yet another soft, skilled forward — around which the Leafs have built absolutely nothing in the past decade. If anyone were apt to buck the trend, it’s the new manager. But, he will not be granted that authority if MLSE is “sold” on McKenna’s No. 72. It’s the lone reasonable explanation for Auston Matthews still being a Leaf. His brand has taken a big hit, but there remain observers who think the first decade of his career in the playoffs was an illusion. It’s obvious, by now, that yours truly is not among them.
The trade of Joseph Woll last Thursday included spare parts that will not likely impact the Maple Leafs or Philadelphia. But, it leaves Toronto with injury ravaged Anthony Stolarz as the lone experienced stopper. Then, a bunch of “maybe’s” and “don’t know’s”. If goaltending fails the Leafs, nothing that Chayka accomplishes this off–season will stand for much. And, there are no bigger questions surrounding the club than between the pipes.
A couple of decorated veterans could be available this summer: two–time Stanley Cup champion Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida) and American gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg). Bobrovsky is an unrestricted free agent at 37: not overly ancient for a netminder. Hellebuyck is 33 but contracted for five more seasons at $8.5 million a shot… with a full no–movement clause. On the surface, either could be attractive to Chayka while the Leafs develop their younger goalies. Hellebuyck, of course, would need to be acquired in a trade and would probably seek a location south of the border. Another target could be Adin Hill of Vegas, who lost his job in the playoffs to Carter Hart. Hill is only 30 and carries a manageable $6.25 million cap hit for five more years. Adin has a modified no–trade; he can present the Golden Knights ten cities to which he’d not accept a move. Would Toronto be among them with the possibility of regaining a No. 1 role? For Chayka, it is clearly worth an investigative telephone call.
Otherwise, young John is proceeding exactly as he should… by thinking outside the box. Then doing it again. I read a newspaper headline that claimed the Maple Leafs were taking a “calculated risk” with Raddysh. Gimme a break. What possible “risk” could the club assume after a 60–year absence from the Stanley Cup final? Any and everything should be on the table, including a coach that nobody wanted. Just like the fella that hired him. This will either be the disaster that so many predicted the day Chayka was introduced… or the most–competent GM/coach battery in recent Leaf annals. I wouldn’t discount the latter. It’s about time the most–popular sports team in the country abandoned its stale “insanity” scheme — trying the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result.
THE EMBITTERMENT OF LEAFS NATION
Human nature is what it is, but I have never felt more embarrassed for fans of the Maple Leafs than in the wake of the reaction to Mitch Marner not winning the Stanley Cup. And, failing to produce offense for Vegas in the last three games of the final. Given the repulsive sour grapes and bitterness, perhaps the Maple Leafs should raise Carolina’s Cup banner to the girders of Scotiabank Arena. Not since 1967 has there been so much relief in these parts over the result of a playoff round. It truly was the epitome of pathetic. While cheering his decline late in the series, Toronto hockey zealots refused to admit and digest what was undeniably true: Marner accomplished more for the Golden Knights in this year’s Cup run than he did over the bulk of a decade with the Maple Leafs. He led the 2026 playoffs in points and essentially carried John Tortorella’s former club to the championship round.
No one since Dave Keon and Terry Sawchuk has accomplished as much for the Blue and White.
WITH NOTHING LEGITIMATE TO CHEER FOR, LEAFS NATION EXPRESSED EUPHORIA OVER MITCH MARNER FAILING TO WIN THE 2026 STANLEY CUP. IT WAS PITIABLE AND LAME.
And, it would have never occurred for Marner had he been silly enough to remain among the Corpse–4 of the Leafs. Breaking away from Matthews and William Nylander was the best move he ever made. He went to a team with legitimate Stanley Cup posture and nearly won the big prize. The rancour and comtempt for Marner reflected as poorly on Leafs Nation as anything in recent years. It was the height of buffoonery and poor sportsmanship — albeit from fans that know nothing about success when real money is on the line.
RARE PROGRAM FROM EARLY NHL EXPANSION
There aren’t a ton of these items floating in the collectibles universe. A program from the second month of NHL expansion: Oakland Seals vs. Los Angeles Kings at the old Los Angeles Sports Arena. The first–year team split its games between the Sports Arena and Long Beach Arena until the Forum in Inglewood opened on Dec. 30, 1967.
Here are some contents from the latest addition to my hockey memorabilia:
COVER OF THE PROGRAM FEATURED KINGS DEFENCEMAN DALE ROLFE (DETAILS BOTTOM–RIGHT).
CENTERSPREAD LINE–UPS (ABOVE). CLOSER LOOK AT EACH TEAM, BELOW.
ED FITKIN WORKED FOR THE SMYTHE FAMILY IN TORONTO BEFORE MOVING WEST AS THE FIRST PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE L.A. KINGS. HE WROTE THE NHL PREVIEW STORY (BELOW) IN THE MAGAZINE.
TICKET INFORMATION (BELOW) FOR THE LOS ANGELES EXPANSION FRANCHISE.
MEANWHILE, ON THE SAME NIGHT IN TORONTO…
THE EXPANSION MINNESOTA NORTH STARS MADE THEIR FIRST VISIT TO MAPLE LEAF GARDENS.
EMAIL: HOWARDLBERGER@GMAIL.COM
Two things can be true at the same time Howie. Marner had a playoff for the ages but was still a bust when it mattered most.
Like all Leafs at playoff time. If you were Matthews, wouldn’t you want to try something different? Like Mitch?
I don’t think Chayka’s an idiot, clearly he’s not based on his business success.
I do think he’s a bad GM hire based on his track record, and my absolute lack of belief in Keith Pelley’s judgement regarding sports management hirings. Add to that my belief that Rogers is not motivated in any way whatsoever to prioritize making the leafs a more successful team on the ice over being wildly profitable and revenue positive. That they excluded other available options from the potential hiring process because they don’t believe in the position of president or vice-president of operational divisions adds to my belief that Chayka/Sundin was an “on-the-cheap” hiring and Pelley’s favored choice as it didn’t threaten his authority/position within the corp(se).
I don’t think signing a 30 year old defenceman who has been a career minor leaguer until the last couple years on an entry level contract to an 8 year, $8.5 million per year contract is really out of the box or revolutionary thinking. It’s just more of the desperately delusional thinking that has permeated the organization for decades. That this player immediately becomes the most significant defenceman on the team is pathetic and a sad indicator of the lack of talent existing in the organization.
Truly dynamic, revolutionary or creativity when it comes to managerial decision-making simply isn’t part of Rogers DNA. As they are half of a bloated and sclerotic duopoly in their primary business and they know nothing of, nor are they interested in anything resembling competition nor creativity.
I’m not sure who will be jettisoned first, Raydish for the sin of being a mediocre defenseman with a massive contract benefitting from one career year on a very good team, or Chayka, a fellow with a (charitably) mediocre GM resume but a shining corporate executive resume and a mouthful of trendy corporate word-drool.
Screw Rogers. Screw MLSE. Screw the leafs.
Not at all impressed with John Chayka so far. Hiller for Berube is a downgrade. Raddysh’s sign and trade is insane. He’s really worth half the money, half the term and none of the clauses he received. The Philly trade makes no sense. Two useful young players, including a Leafs own draft choice made good, at affordable salaries now gone for a questionable return.
Chayka can prove he’s not an idiot by trading Matthews. Signing players on their last legs is not the answer, keep Knies and a complete overhaul is needed.
and another thing, ha! Re: Gavin McKenna, boy has he ever been promoted..but has he been over hyped? I am wondering whether John Chayka will perhaps pull off a surprise trade on draft day, perhaps trade the number 1 pick, and get, say Ivar Stenberg and another pick to boot, in exchange. As to Sergei Bobrovsky, thus far the guessers have been wrong re; Chayka’s maneuvers so I have doubts he’ll go for Bobrovsky, unless it is on a short term contract (hope this is the case anyway). p.s. I hope the Leafs keep Rielly for one more kick at the can
‘That’s’ what gets your panties in a bunch about Leafs Nation? What pisses me off is the fact that they drink the kool aid every year that this team is an actual Stanley Cup contender. An astute and honest fan would see right through the sham they’ve been selling and demand change in a unified voice. They truly believed the core 4 had it in them. So Marner suddenly producing was a complete shock, not understanding that he can never be ‘the’ guy as a leader of a team but can be a valuable piece if insulated properly on a team with veterans that compete ala Kessel on Pitt.
It didn’t help that Marner ? on the fanbase since he’s left. Had he been classy and left gracefully the fans would be more accepting of him winning Lords Stanley. He also vetoed a trade (as was his right) which would have put Raantanen in Blue & White. He made his bed…
if someone offered me two firsts for AM34 i am taking it.
I agree. Addition by subtraction.
…completely agree on the Marner take..as a side note, I was saying to a couple of Leaf fans a while back that Leaf fans are terrible, this to a couple who were wearing their Leaf hats post 2026 season. I got the impression they were taken aback by that comment. I thought after the fact that it’s better to say that not all Leaf fans are bad. There is a gamut, since there’s a huge fan base. I like to stay informed, and these days, I’m optimistic. It seems at the point that Chayka was a great hire!
Wow those 1967 Oakland vs LA Kings lineup cards: 37 players total, 36 Canadians!
I don’t remember anyone saying Chayka was an idiot or know nothing. I do think he’s a slime bag cheater though. That doesn’t mean he and his team can’t make good trades.
With McMann, Maccelli and Robertson leaving, Domi unsure but probably out, Raddysh and Andrae in, the Leafs need wingers and, in any case, when you get the chance at 1st, you take the top rated player! The Leafs would be laughed at for years to come if they didn’t!
I agree that Matthews should have been gone years ago. The bottom line is, if McKenna was traded in 3 or 4 years, he would almost surely fetch way, way more than Carels. McKenna is WORTH way, way more. That the Leafs organization screws up in stopping them from being traded is the problem, not the player drafted. What that would mean is the Leafs should always pick players who won’t amount to much so the organization will let them be traded.
Marner knew he could no longer suck out and he put himself out much more than he ever did for the Leafs. Anybody who watched should have seen that. He would go in front of the net and all. He would battle for pucks. Finally, his new teammates got a taste of how he disappears in the most important games. One secondary assist in the 3rd last game is all he got. He disappeared, just like on the Leafs for 10 years! He prove it yet he’ll keep the top player salary when he isn’t a top player. Top players show up in every important game. He knows he sucks out of important games so then why is he stealing off his teams?
Congrats. You fit right in with the masses.
Not really. I’ve been commenting that some of the soft, same skilled, all forwards core 4 needed to be traded since the Montreal series. A few years ago, that turned into Matthews needs to go, probably before you first commented such. I may have coined the term corpse 4 which I think you may have used in an article or so later. Unlike most, I’m based in reality, not what most people think. I back up almost every statement with reasons and facts, not just unsupported opinions most “offer”. Top players are extremely hard to get, let alone for free and on a cheap ELC! It could be 30+ years before the Leafs get the chance again. Top players are worth way more than the rest even if they trade him later. <– intelligent reasons why they must pick McKenna.
Lets agree to slightly disagree.