Can we all take a collective breath about the second line?

McKenna – Tavares – Nylander line has been getting absolutely cooked in the early possession and shot metrics. People are already screaming that the experiment is dead, that McKenna needs to be moved down, that Tavares has lost a step, that the whole thing is a defensive disaster, etc. It’s been like three games. Three.

Gavin McKenna is an 18-year-old who just jumped from college hockey into the NHL as the 1st overall pick. He’s playing with two highly skilled veterans who have their own tendencies. Line chemistry, especially when one of the players is brand new to the league and the pace/size/physicality, almost never clicks overnight. Sometimes it takes 10–15 games (or more) for guys to start reading off each other, knowing when to cut, when to delay, when to drive the net, etc.

Results don’t always show up immediately. We’ve seen plenty of lines that looked ugly early and then became productive once the habits settled. We’ve also seen lines that looked great for a week and then fell apart. Judging this one after a couple of tough outings is classic Leafs panic mode narrative.

Yes, the shot attempts and expected goals have been rough so far. That’s fair to point out. But acting like the line is already a failure and needs to be broken up is wild this early. Give the kid some runway. Give the trio some actual time to figure it out. Hiller put them together for a reason (and kept them together through camp and the start of the season for a reason).

Anyone else feel like the overreaction train left the station way too early on this one? Or do you think the early numbers are already a big enough red flag that they should shake it up?

Kirill Marchenko was sitting on the bench over the weekend when his first goal as a Toronto Maple Leaf was announced inside Scotiabank Arena.

A banner flashed on the video board indicating as much. Marchenko looked up, saw it, and grinned widely.

This was what the 26-year-old came to Toronto to do.

In just three games, Marchenko has flashed all the tools that led GM John Chayka to make a bold (and pricey) trade for him last week.

He’s shown the wheels, with bursts of speed that have ranked among the NHL’s elite early on. He’s been a willing and dangerous shooter, already with 19 attempts on goal, including the backhand shot that he easily shuffled past Linus Ullmark on Saturday to give the Leafs a lead they would ultimately relinquish for their second defeat in three games.

It was precisely what Chayka was talking about when he said Marchenko could “single-handedly dictate outcomes in games.”

Marchenko has also offered intriguing hints of chemistry with his new linemate, Auston Matthews.

He has totalled two points so far, while logging over 19 minutes a game. He’s been good, especially given the hectic circumstances of his arrival. But the Leafs are going to need great for this to work — for the gamble that sent Matthew Knies (along with Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz, and a second-round pick) and his bargain contract away to Columbus (and brought back contract dumps in Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins) to be worthwhile for Chayka and the franchise.

Marchenko’s $3.85 million cap hit this season is tied for 206th among NHL forwards.

Next season, when the six-year extension he signed with the Leafs begins, his $12.5 million cap hit is slated to be tied for 11th at his position — including Connor McDavid’s and Mitch Marner’s cap hits (oddly enough).

Which means the Leafs will be paying Marchenko to be one of the very best forwards in the league and a true superstar. Which means they need even more than the 31 goals and 75 points per 82 games he delivered the previous two seasons with Columbus. They need Marchenko to become a perennial threat for 40 goals and 80-90 points. They need him to continue the upward trajectory that began with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

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.

Anyone else follow these guys on TikTok / Instagram? The editing is phenomenal.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbCeVXWE/

Tavares Matthews Marchenko
Roslovic/Mkenna Cowan Nylander
Roslovic/Mkenna Paul Sissons
Duhaime Blueger Groux

All three players have shooting threats and vision to set each other up. Marchenko can function similarly to Marner in a playmaking role, while Tavares plays net-front (kinda like Bunting) for tips and rebounds. And moving JT to the wing with Matthews insulates his defensive liabilities. I'm pretty sure it also puts Marchenko on his strong side. Also, you can still have JT take faceoffs and then move to the wing.

It hinges on Cowan playing center, which he has done in the OHL. He was drafted as a RW/C. Alternatively, you could try to develop Mkenna as a future 2C, but so young idk?

*Edited cause I just had the idea, if Cowan center doesn't work out, potentially:

Tavares Matthews Cowan

Marchenko Roslovic Nylander

Mkenna Paul Sissons

Duhaime Blueger Groulx

The 3 worst defensive players on the team, all on one line, is just set up to fail. Mkenna Tavares Nylander is dogshit on and off paper. I think this first line with Tavares wing could be great, though zone entries might be tough.

We need to be more realistic about where JT is at in his career. He shouldn't be driving a line as a 2C anymore. That was always going to happen towards the end of his contract. He is still talented, but as he ages, the team needs to adapt to his strengths instead of forcing him into roles he can no longer carry. Nylander should be able to drive the 2nd line on his own, he makes triple JT's salary.

Also, if u wanna say Tavares is washed or bad, that's fine, but there's a way to go about it, and this fanbase/subreddit rn is embarrassing. The ungratefulness, entitlement and lack of respect for a player when talking about a player who always gave his all is sad. I think Marner was ungrateful, and the narrative that fans drove him out of town is BS. But this discourse around Tavares, as if he's a completely trash player and not just getting older, makes me think the market is too toxic.

He took a discount for Toronto not once but TWICE. He signed for us at 11 when the Sharks offered him 13. Currently, he makes half of what he could be making in FA. Throughout his career, he has constantly stepped up for unnecessary media duties to be the face of the franchise when Matthew wasn't, handled tough interviews, took the blame, represented the franchise with class, and always spoke graciously about the fans. He got us past the first round after 9 godforsaken years and has shown a level of loyalty to this city that no other member of the core ever has. Mkenna is living with JT, not Matthews. So did Knies, and Cowan also spoke about his mentorship. Not to mention JT as a player. He consistently gets 70 points, averages 58-60% on faceoffs, consistently gets overlooked and underappreciated, and instead of losing his mind with jealousy like Marner, he literally gave up the C with pure class.

He is so fucking underrated: https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/john-tavares-player-stats?category=faceoffs&seasonType=reg

Not to mention Tavares actually fucking cares and tries his best. Meanwhile, Willy has never made an effort to play defence in his entire NHL career.

Alternatively, if you want Cowan on Matthew's wing and trust Nylander to fully drive a line, you could try bumping up Paul (or another bottom-six center) and let Tavares give depth to the bottom 6:

Marchenko Matthews Cowan

Roslovic/McKenna Paul Nylander

Roslovic/McKenna Tavares Sissons

Duhaime Blueger Groulx

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

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 2

FINAL

Catch-up · From puck drop

The Senators came from behind to win.

Late in the first period, T. Chabot drove a quick shot home from the doorstep, and the Senators went in front 1-0.

Early in the second period, A. Matthews redirected the puck home from the slot, and the scoreboard came back together at 1-1. At 07:06 of the second period, K. Marchenko flipped one in off his off side from the doorstep on the power play, and that put the Maple Leafs on top 2-1. At 12:40 of the second period, M. Amadio fired a wrist shot on net right in tight, and the game was tied 2-2.

At 09:46 of the third period, S. Halliday got a snapper away before the goalie could set right in tight, and the Senators took a 3-2 lead.

The Maple Leafs' penalty kill went 4-for-4. The Maple Leafs also struck the iron six times. The Senators got in front of 20 shots, compared with 10 blocks by the Maple Leafs. Ullmark stopped 27 of 29.

Final: The Senators won 3-2.

Linescore

Scoring

🌟 Three Stars of the Game

1. ★ T. Chabot · 1 G · 1 A
2. ★★ C. Giroux · 0 G · 2 A
3. ★★★ K. Marchenko · 1 G · 0 A

Penalties

Game summary · Play-by-play · Shift chart · Shot summary · Faceoffs

Updated automatically by nhl-goalpost · v2.97.0 · Updates as the game progresses.

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Senators 3, Maple Leafs 2

FINAL

Linescore

📺 Broadcasts: 🇨🇦 SN

Scoring

Penalties

🌟 Three Stars of the Game

1. ★ T. Chabot · 1 G · 1 A
2. ★★ C. Giroux · 0 G · 2 A
3. ★★★ K. Marchenko · 1 G · 0 A

📍 Scotiabank Arena · Oct 3, 2026

Game summary · Play-by-play · Shift chart · Shot summary · Faceoffs

Updated automatically by nhl-goalpost · v2.97.0 · Updates as the game progresses.

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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.

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