Yardbarker

Manuel Meza

Manuel Meza is a sports journalist specializing in soccer (MLS, Liga MX, European leagues) and the NHL. With a writing career launched in 2020, he has contributed to industry leaders like Sports Illustrated, GRV Media, and Roundtable Sports. He is dedicated to providing news and analysis for Yardbarker's audience.

Maple Leafs need a simple plan to manage their injury woes

Setback after setback. The Toronto Maple Leafs learned on Monday that Brandon Carlo's expected return might take even longer than initially thought.

How the Rangers can fix their poor performance at Madison Square Garden

The New York Rangers have a problem that can no longer be ignored. The team is not performing at Madison Square Garden.

Maple Leafs' win over Penguins shows their true identity

Finally, good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did they win 7-2 in Pittsburgh, but they finally played like a team with a clear identity.

What the Maple Leafs must do ahead of the trade deadline

If Toronto gets hot and leads the division with sustainable metrics, it should not fix what isn't broken.

Rangers lose again, but face a bigger problem than the loss

Mike Sullivan's team has now recorded eight losses at home this season, and losing their best defenseman only makes things worse.

Maple Leafs' performance raises concerns, but Easton Cowan offers hope for the future

Toronto did not expect to have a rookie who already produces quality minutes, but it is a more than pleasant surprise.

Rangers give the rest of the NHL reason to take notice

The New York Rangers marched into Boston and authored a statement victory that reverberates beyond a single game. 

Rangers assistant captain Vincent Trocheck is right and changes are needed

Trocheck is correct because the competitive context can turn any stumble into a slide.

Maple Leafs get good news with latest injury updates

There is some good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs' Simon Benoit vows improvement after critical self-assessment

Simon Benoit is holding himself accountable, admitting his play for the Toronto Maple Leafs has fallen short this season.

Rangers HC Mike Sullivan's roster gamble pays off in win over Blues

Good news for the New York Rangers. And it's not only about their 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, but also about the right call from the coaching staff.

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews has become a better player despite team struggles

Maybe more was expected from Auston Matthews before the season started, but the forward has managed to evolve into a more complete player with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs could find answers to their bad form in Europe

As the franchise looks for a younger, faster and hungrier roster, two former prospects who returned to Europe after their ELCs — Topi Niemela and Roni Hirvonen — are putting on performances that invite a reconsideration of their fits in Toronto.

Maple Leafs' William Nylander leads NHL in elite stat amid team struggles

Not all is bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. William Nylander, for example, is one of the positive aspects of the franchise this season.

Maple Leafs must urgently correct a roster management error

The Toronto Maple Leafs cannot continue choosing their lineups based on sentimental value. Craig Berube must understand that the best players must play.

Lowly Maple Leafs still have hope to salvage their season

With Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto is 9-9-3 and has lost six of its last seven games.

Maple Leafs should address offensive needs with this Penguins forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a rough patch. Little by little, the fans' patience is wearing thin after a rather inconsistent first stretch of the season with a record of 9-9-2.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving takes first step toward solutions with honest assessment

Treliving took a good first step towards turning around the negative situation in which the franchise finds itself.

Senators are the clear winner in trade with Flyers

Good news for Ottawa Senators fans, as the franchise accelerated its timeline to be competitive in the 2025-26 season following the official announcement of a trade on Monday.

Matthew Knies holds the key to solving a critical Maple Leafs problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for their killer instinct. Matthew Knies thinks the same and explained it recently.

Canadiens HC Martin St. Louis has work to do after recent bad news

Bad luck continues to stalk the Montreal Canadiens. After starting the season very well, they continue to accumulate losses and injuries.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving needs to rethink his team-building philosophy

The Toronto Maple Leafs can't get out of their slump. They are now on a six-game losing streak, with an overall record of 8-9-2 for Craig Berube's team.

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube's words fall short after loss to Blackhawks

Maple Leafs fans must be losing patience. And with good reason.

Rangers HC Mike Sullivan must do one thing to secure a playoff run

The New York Rangers fans must be enjoying that their team is finally fixing itself after a complicated start to the season, with an overall record of 9-7-2.

Craig Berube's goaltending call is key to Maple Leafs revival

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through a rough stretch that includes a four-game losing streak amid issues with a fragile defense in transitions and coverage.