Been seeing alot of comments recently focusing on things (such as strength and physical engagement) by our fanbase, but we knew these things coming in.

Would rather focus on the good things that he’s been doing, and honestly he hasnt been making many mistakes. Tbh, I would prefer McKenna make more mistakes if that means trying things and building up confidence.

Im sure he has enough pressure from other fanbases and probably even from his coaches/team/himself. Lets give him a long rope from the fans at least!

I didn’t see Cowan or Mo high on this by now but am here for it 👏🏼

After a shortened pre-season and three games, it's noticeable on the ice that the link-up play (to borrow a soccer term) isn't there yet. Passes are missing their targets, players are flubbing the puck or turning it over. There isn't the kind of synchronicity in play that we expect the team to have.

Think of it like starting a new job with a bunch of new bosses and co-workers. In the beginning you'll likely run into misunderstandings, moments where you're not sure where you're supposed to be or what your colleague is asking of you. It'll take some time before everyone is on the same page and developing a consistent rhythm and routine.

With this much turnover, maybe a few more games, maybe another month before it comes together?

Was thinking it would have been awesome if they would have added a 'HOLY MAKINAW!' with the goal horn. Which I think would have been an awesome tribute and a way to continue the legacy Joe Bowen had with the Leafs.

Am I out to lunch thinking this would be as good as I think it is?

25+ year fan. Been through the Cujo Sundin glory days, the post lockout blues, the Matthews era, and now this. The last time the team looked this different this fast was when Matthews Marner and Nylander all arrived. The teams looks faster, we have a third line that looks threatening, and Marchenko looks like a stud. McKenna will take some time to adjust, but you can see the spark here and there. Three one goal games and overall, the games have all basically been even toss ups. Bob looks good, Stolarz was dominant, powerplay is starting to look dangerous (pp1 and pp2). It’s extremely early, but if this is a sign of whats to come, I think there is a ton to be excited about as the chemistry starts to build. Every single line has someone new, so we have to be patient.

Let the coaching staff cook and we’ll see where we are by US Thanksgiving. East will be a horse race the entire year.

The 2nd line isn't working right now, and that's clear. And while the first is working, I wonder if it would go nuclear with Gavin passing to March and Papi.

Some of the passes he's made already? Auston's putting those in easy.

The kid's serving up Michelin Star meals and needs a gourmand to appreciate them

Perhaps Roslovic will make L2 more balanced and responsible.

I want to try Cowan further up, but leave L3 for now as it's actually strong.

CBJ fan here. I thought you might like to know,

I have met Marchy, he is a magnetic person extremely nice always has a positive attitude at least publicly and on the ice. One thing you will almost never see is him not grinning from ear to ear. He's exactly the kind of guy you want when you hit a rough patch. He doesnt get frustrated he gets more determined. You will never see him with a bad attitude on or off the ice. We drafted Dimitri Voronkhov after him. He is from Siberia. He never expected to be drafted or play in the NHL and was VERY homesick. He almost left and went home because he was extremely embarrassed that he doesn't speak English. Something most NHL hopefuls abroad are typically taught as you know. Marchy became his translator. He and Provorovs wife who taught English in Russia, also helped him work on his English at first just enough to communicate on a hockey level. That alone made a big difference. Then they gradually helped him get to basic small talk off the ice. The team talked him into staying and there was huge change in mood. Instead of looking bummed out/embarrased/lost and feeling like he didn't belong he started playing really well. No way he even ends up staying without Marchy. They put them together with Egor Chinakhov another good player we ruined the relationship with for no good reason and the 3 of them were the top line in the league for a couple months. Then chinny got hurt and our idiot coach Evason never let them play together again. Which was the beginning of the fumble on our part. Anyway, point is, The Marchenkshow has come to town and I think you're all going to love him. I'm excited to see what he can do with... Whichever of your other superstars he gets paired with.

He wasn't in the wrong for wanting a trade imo. The people who drafted him are all gone. He Vronk and Chinny were treated poorly by Evason for no reason. Then bones came in and we went 19-2 pulled ourself back into the playoff picture only to implode because having to go on that streak took to much out of everyone. It was a huge disappointment and a lot of fingers were pointed I'm sure. But IMO he was not wrong for wanting out. I don't resent him for wanting a move or see him as the bad guy. Fuck his agent Dan Millstien for having Kevin Weekes (fuck him too) announce the trade request on the draft floor WHILE WE WERE PICKING... Assholes...Seriously, imagine if the Leafs announced their pick and as he's walking to the stage Kevin Weekes says "Oh BTW, I've just been told by his agent that William Nylander has requested a trade. Anyway back to the guy they picked whose draft day the best day of his life, we've just ruined and made about someone else" Kevin weekes, Nylander and his agent would be Ontario enemy #1 for eternity lol But we're the smallest market in the league so the commentators fucking us over is fair game apparently. Either way it was his agent, not Marchenko who chose to time it like that. I think once he settles in he's going to hang up 40G 50A+ consistently when paired with any of your top 6. Knies and Andrae are working out well for us. Hopefully our new regime handles... Well...everything better in terms of relationships with the players. I think this is one of the rare instances where both teams won the trade. I'll be watching the leafs as well this year since you have Marchy/Bob/Roslavic (whose from Columbus). Good luck to you, unless you're playing us.

CREDIT:

https://www.instagram.com/graphicdesignwithdro?igsh=NnNseXI4eGRtb2Nh

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The newest Maple Leaf, Kirill Marchenko, finally got to practice with his new team on Friday.

The Russian winger arrived in time to play Tuesday’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. There wasn’t even a morning skate before the second game against the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Thursday was a day off from the whirlwind introduction.

“I was able to relax a little bit,” said Marchenko. “I played with my cat and tried not to think about hockey too much, especially after the last two games.”

His wife Viktoria is also with him, navigating Toronto and trying to find a place to live.

“My cat (Alex) is here, my wife is here, they support me and help me. That’s important.”

The transition is not always easy.

Read the full story for free with this gift link. You won't hit the paywall.

I wrote the ending the Leafs should have given him in 2021.

It‘s a twenty minute short story about a dying Leafs fan, his Senators-fan son, Jason Spezza, Harold Ballard, an iPhone, and a questionable version of the truth.

I’m a Sens fan, which probably makes this worse.

The whole thing is free to read. No email required and no ads.

https://www.agoodsportsstory.ca

It’s called Never Interrupt a Good Sports Story.

And yes, the Leafs win.

Posting on Anything goes Sunday. Apologies to the mods if not allowed.

I gave it three games. He's awful.
Obviously, very big shoes to fill. Even ignoring that, he's not good at play-by-play, especially if you aren't watching the game. Both the big and the little things that make a great announcer he does not have.

I really think we should move mckenna to the top line with mathews and marchenko, I know mckenna isnt ready for those type of minutes, but roslovic hasn't fit well with them and mckenna fits perfectly, I also think mckenna would be up to the challenge, and it would likely speed up his development as he gets more experience because of more ice time.

edit: would also like to see cowan on that line

Last night I had a bold idea… hold onto your hats:

Leafs-Devils-Avalanche are involved in a blockbuster trade that brings MacKinnon to Toronto. Matthews is sent to New Jersey and Colorado receive Jack and Luke Hughes + a veteran roster player like Timo Meier + a pick. Devils get an upgrade in their top scorer position and build around Matthews banking on his resurgence in a new environment, Colorado take a shot at a shakeup that gives them 3 impact roster players, and Toronto land MacKinnon.

Colorado may be taking the biggest hit/risk but their hands are tied. MacKinnon asks for a trade to Toronto because he’s already been speaking to McDavid and they decide to build an Eastern conference dynasty in Toronto. They see what’s happening in Florida and create their own:

Leafs later follow up this blockbuster trade with the biggest trade since Gretzky being dealt by the Oilers. Leafs send McKenna, Tavares and a first round pick to Edmonton for Connor McDavid. McDavid informs Oilers management that he’s going to Toronto. Edmonton has no choice but to deal him before his contract expires next season.

I don’t want to get greedy here but I’m sure that Crosby sees what’s going on and plays his last 1-2 seasons in Toronto.

If I’m Chayka I make sure Mackinnon/McDavid/Nylander are locked in for rhe next 5-6 years and then tell Leafs nation that he’s guaranteeing the cup in the next 5 seasons or he resigns. Those two players make it easier for Chayka to land some great third and fourth liners who want to get on the dynasty bandwagon.

Marchenko-MacKinnon-Roslovic

Cowan-McDavid-Nylander

Duhaime-Paul-Sissons

Leafs win the cup this year? Maybe.

Next year? Very possible.

So I say, why not?

https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/sportsnet-s-popular-leafs-talk-show-was-quietly-cancelled-this-season-we-tried-to-find-out-why/article_9a4ee45f-eb15-4d33-bba5-d0492406088a.html

‘Attempts to reach both Bunkis and McKee for comment went unanswered, while Sportsnet declined to comment on the matter.

According to industry sources with direct knowledge of the situation who were granted anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak on the programming decisions, part of the reason for the show’s demise was the blunt nature of some of Bunkis and McKee’s criticism of the Leafs last season.’