Ladies Talkin’ Leafs

The Leafs' future just got a whole lot brighter. This week on Ladies Talkin' Leafs, we break down the buzz around drafting Gavin McKenna first overall and what it means for Toronto's rebuild. We dig into the 2026 NHL Draft class, the pressure facing new prospects, and the mentorship and culture shaping the next generation of Leafs. Plus: the Brandon Carlo trade and what it signals for the roster, and a heartfelt farewell to franchise legend Cliff Fletcher. Prospects, trades, and Leafs history — all in one episode.

We break down why the Leafs’ biggest challenge might be mindset, not talent — and how belief, identity, and defense shape a true contender. ESPN’s Kristen Shilton joins us to give her insight on Toronto’s playoff struggles, the coaching impact, and what has to change for the Leafs to finally turn effort into winning hockey.

The Leafs are off to a shaky start — so what does that really mean? We’re breaking down what’s clicking, what’s not, and why Craig Berube’s mental approach might be the key to unlocking the team’s killer instinct. With Morgan Rielly stepping up early, Sean McKenzie sharing behind-the-scenes insight, and depth players battling for ice time, it’s all about finding consistency before the season slips away. Because it’s early — but Leafs Nation knows every game matters

Leafs Nation, the 2025 NHL Pre-season is here! Join us with Nick Barden from The Hockey News as we break down the Leafs’ roster, top prospects, and playoff hopes. Who will step up, who might surprise, and what does this season have in store? Don’t miss our full preview!

Mitch Marner’s gone, new faces are in, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are once again rewriting the script — for better or worse. We break down Brad Treliving’s roster shake-up, the arrivals of Maccelli, Roy, and Joshua, and what it all means for the season ahead. Win or lose, there’s always that spark of hope that keeps Leafs fans coming back.

In this episode of the #1-ranked podcast in women’s hockey, as recognized by Feedspot, we dive into the biggest questions facing the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason. With Mitch Marner’s departure all but sealed, we explore how his potential exit could reshape the team's identity—and what that could mean for John Tavares. We are also joined by Leafs beat reporter David Alter of The Hockey News, who shares his insight on playoff-tested rosters and the crucial role older, experienced players play when the stakes are highest. From creative contracts and free agency strategies to what it really takes for rookies to earn a spot, this episode is a must-listen for any Leafs fan bracing for big changes. Plus, as a special treat, David shares his "best of" media meals that fuel the press box from his popular TikTok. To wrap up the show we discuss the surprising retirement announcement from Joe Bowen, voice of the Leafs and touch on the enduring legacy of hockey broadcasters, as well as how listener support helps sports podcasts like ours thrive. We are heading into an offseason that will shake up the Leafs roster in ways we likely haven't seen for almost a decade! Our show will be moving to the Patio soon, but when the news breaks we'll have you covered with great guests, the latest news and more all summer long! Be sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Go Leafs Go! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Achievements and Father's Day 01:24 Coaching Changes: Derek Lalonde Joins the Leafs 05:45 Free Agency Buzz: Mitch Marner's Future 13:12 Team Dynamics: Impact of Potential Departures 15:49 John Tavares: Future with the Leafs 19:48 First Moves: The Domino Effect in Free Agency 22:03 Finding the Right Fit: Replacing Mitch Marner 27:09 The Playoff Factor: Experience vs. Youth 29:44 The Importance of Physical Preparation in Sports 32:20 Free Agency and Team Building Strategies 36:15 Assessing Player Performance and Future Prospects 39:37 The Dynamics of Team Relationships 41:18 Rookie Readiness and Development 43:19 Ranking Media Meals in Hockey 48:42 Reflections on a Legendary Broadcaster 54:14 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episodes and News https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/ https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917 Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/ https://hockeyhotstove.com/ladies-talkin-leafs/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/womens_ice_hockey_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_maple_leafs_podcasts/ https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-hire-derek-lalonde-as-assistant-coach-what-he-brings-to-toronto-s-bench https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/tanev-gourde-contracts-and-deferred-money-provide-a-blueprint-for-maple-leafs-to-re-sign-john-tavares https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/who-would-be-most-interesting-team-sign-mitch-marner-leafs-ducks-blackhawks-panthers https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2025/06/13/john-tavares-return-to-the-maple-leafs/ https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/data-suggests-veterans-outperform-in-nhl-playoffs-should-the-maple-leafs-follow-the-trend https://theleafsnation.com/news/why-the-maple-leafs-should-pursue-patrick-kane-in-free-agency https://theleafsnation.com/news/scott-laughton-came-hefty-price-still-time-live-up https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/what-s-the-ideal-contract-for-matthew-knies-and-the-maple-leafs https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/joe-bowen-started-his-maple-leafs-career-with-an-f__-you Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s only a little over a week since the Leafs were eliminated by the Florida Panthers and a lot has happened in this relatively short time. The biggest news? The Shanahan era has officially come to a close. In this episode, we discuss the legacy of Brendan Shanahan’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs — from the excitement of drafting Auston Matthews to the strong alumni relations he helped rebuild. But despite early promise, the inability to adapt the "Shanaplan" may have cost this team its true potential. Shanahan's exit has left more questions than answers, so we invited our LTL Insider Mike Augello on to give us his impressions in the wake of this shake up. Together we break down how long-standing loyalty to the core has failed to deliver results, why grit and roster diversity matter in the playoffs, and how past trade and contract missteps continue to haunt the Leafs. With Mitch Marner’s playoff performances raising eyebrows and Auston Matthews' leadership under a microscope, accountability is front and centre — both on the ice and in the front office. From coaching chemistry to free agency decisions, we explore how new leadership could finally shift the team’s direction. Morgan Rielly’s loyalty stands out in a locker room searching for identity, and we highlight how team culture, defensive strategies, and player development will shape the next chapter. Plus, what can the Leafs learn from ownership challenges in other Toronto franchises — like the Blue Jays under Rogers? And which names in this year’s free agent class could bring the spark this team desperately needs? If you're a Leafs fan hungry for answers, reflection, and hope for the future, this one’s for you. Go Leafs Go! 👉 Subscribe, rate, and share to stay in the loop with all things Leafs. Chapters 00:00 The Shanahan Era: A Retrospective 10:05 The Fallout: Analyzing the Leafs' Playoff Exit 21:30 The Future of the Leafs: New Leadership Dynamics 31:17 Ownership and Management Dynamics in Toronto Sports 34:08 Coaching Relationships and Team Strategy 36:14 Player Performance and Accountability 41:02 Mitch Marner's Future and Team Culture 46:12 Austin Matthews and Leadership Challenges 50:31 Morgan Rielly's Role and Team Loyalty 54:04 Future Prospects and Free Agency Strategy https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/ https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917 Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/ https://hockeyhotstove.com/ladies-talkin-leafs/ https://alumni.mapleleafs.com/ https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/with-marner-s-future-in-doubt-easton-cowan-could-be-next-up-for-the-maple-leafs https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/insider-unlikely-rielly-traded-offseason/ https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/anaheim-ducks/ducks-mitch-marner-landing-spot-maple-leafs/ https://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-fans-biggest-concern-is-the-core-cracked-beyond-repair/ https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/shanahan-will-not-return-team-president https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/05/22/maple-leafs-not-renewing-president-brendan-shanahans-contract/ https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs-president-brendan-shanahan-departs-organization-1.2310504 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.