Why This Next Stretch Could Define the Leafs’ Season: Plus All Things Auston Matthews ft. Kevin McGran

We want to hear from you Leafs Nation!

LEAF IT TO THE LADIES https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/428755/1/70vrrftg0jeql7ag

In this episode, we dive into all things Leafs with special guest Kevin McGran, longtime Toronto Star reporter and author of the brand-new book Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey.

We kick off the show looking back at the Leafs’ roller-coaster week, what the team looks like with key players finally returning from injury, and how those missing pieces might shift the lineup, the vibes, and the playoff outlook. We also share a bit about our recent road trip to Montreal and get into the atmosphere at the Bell Centre — because let’s be honest, Leafs-Habs games just hit different — and why ticket prices continue to be in a league of their own when the Maple Leafs are involved.

Then, the moment you've all been waiting for... our first instalment of Leaf it to the Ladies, where you have the opportunity to join the conversation on our show with your questions and comments. In this instalment we welcome Leaf Fans Michael and Diana, sharing their thoughts!

Next for our Third Period segment, we welcome Kevin McGran, reporter and author of the new book Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey, who joins us to share his insights into coaching styles, lineup flexibility, and how those choices impact the Leafs’ identity on the ice. We talk team dynamics, what still feels “off,” and why the upcoming schedule could make or break playoff positioning. Plus, we dig into the heart of Leafs Nation — fan engagement, community support, and why the connection between the team and the city matters now more than ever.

And of course, we spotlight Auston Matthews: from his unique, unlikely journey to the NHL to the making of Kevin’s new book and the stories that define one of hockey’s biggest stars.

If you’re a Leafs fan looking for smart insight, real talk, and a bit of hope sprinkled in, this episode is for you. Go Leafs Go!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Season Overview
06:31 Game Experiences and Atmosphere
13:39 Coaching and Team Dynamics
21:34 Fan Engagement and Community
29:26 Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey
43:21 Current Team Performance and Future Outlook

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https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/auston-matthews-toronto-maple-leafs-biography-life-hockey-kevin-mcgran

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/auston-matthews-a-life-in-hockey/9781668063095.html?searchType=products&searchTerm=Kevin%20McGran

https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/maple-leafs-mailbag-has-the-team-gotten-old-or-is-it-in-the-infancy-of/article_368b1105-61cf-455d-a747-e105930b0275.html

https://theleafsnation.com/news/21-maple-leafs-takes-on-the-first-quarter-of-the-season-leaflets

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/five-maple-leafs-who-must-forget-the-first-quarter-and-provide-more

https://editorinleaf.com/craig-berube-doesn-t-deserve-blame-for-maple-leafs-failures

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/craig-berube-glass-half-full-coming-empty

https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/where-do-the-leafs-stand-playoff-team-or-lottery-team

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/a-long-time-coming-maple-leafs-explode-for-feel-good-rout-over-penguins/

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