I saw an interesting little chart from HockeyStats.com that measures something called “Goal Differential Above Expected,” and it gives us a different way to look at how the seven Canadian NHL teams are doing.
The Toronto Maple Leafs underwent an extensive offseason makeover to reshape their on-ice look, but the most profound transformation might actually be taking place between the ears.
For Toronto Maple Leafs fans, last night was fun. They went into Edmonton and absolutely handled the Oilers 7-2. It was their fourth straight win, and now they sit at 7-4-2.
Troy Stecher didn’t arrive in Toronto with a big introduction or a promise to change the team. He came over from Edmonton on waivers, hoping to keep his NHL career moving.
People love a good mid-round draft pick that pans out, and in the NHL you used to see those fairly often, but that’s obviously partially luck. If the Red Wings thought Nicklas Lidstrom was going to become a top-five defenseman in history, they wouldn’t have waited until the 53rd pick to take him.
The Maple Leafs’ blueline has been a revolving door. Except for Morgan Rielly. Of the six blueliners, only Rielly and Jake McCabe experienced the Kyle Dubas era, and for McCabe it was very much the final days of it only.
Auston Matthews looks completely reinvigorated to start the 2026-27 season, and it’s in part due to his running mates. Matthews has been one of the NHL’s best players, and was in terrific form once again during Toronto’s 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
First Period Goals: Jack Roslovic (5) / Unassisted at 14:16 / 1-0 TOR First Period Penalties: TOR / 3:33 / Jack Roslovic, 2 minutes for Tripping Jake Walman
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won four straight games, and the 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers was the sort of result that gets people talking. Beating a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is one thing.
The Sheet with Jeff Marek: Steve Werier on the Toronto Maple Leafs tagging issue for next season that may put them in a money in, money out situation this year if a player they acquire has term on their deal.
It was a night to remember for the Toronto Maple Leafs, stomping the Edmonton Oilers 7-2 to start their four-game road trip. Toronto submitted a defensive masterclass in the process, winning its fourth consecutive game.
People will talk about the “Mount Rushmore” for a franchise, which is to say the four people, usually four players, that most define the franchise. Not always the four-best players, but the four that evoke the essence of the franchise.
William Nylander scored two of Toronto's four third-period goals as the visiting Maple Leafs extended their winning streak to four with a 7-2 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Things have been great for the Edmonton Oilers to open the 2026-27 season, and almost all of that is related to their top-line duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have began to find some momentum in recent games, having won three in a row heading into Saturday night’s tilt against the Edmonton Oilers, so a meeting with Connor McDavid and his 31 points in ten games was set to be must-see TV.
Here’s something to think about. Imagine playing with Auston Matthews and watching Connor McDavid do his thing. Jack Roslovic has a pretty good view of both, and he’s got plenty to appreciate.
The Edmonton Oilers and Jack Roslovic went their separate ways this offseason after a productive, but ultimately uneven, one-year partnership. Roslovic joined the Oilers on a one-year deal after the regular season had already begun and went on to post solid offensive numbers.
The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need defensive reinforcements ahead of their upcoming road trip through the NHL’s Pacific Division. According to a team announcement, the Maple Leafs recalled Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
The Toronto Maple Leafs gave their fans a bit of a ride on Thursday night, but they found a way to finish the job. With the game tied 4-4 against the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena, Troy Stecher became the unlikely hero, scoring with just 28 seconds left to give Toronto a 5-4 win.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken another loss on their blueline. On Friday, Leafs defenseman Nick Blankenburg was placed on injured reserve. Toronto has also placed defenseman Marshall Rifai on injured reserve.
Sporstnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs have been scoping out the defenseman trade market. Easton Cowan may be one of their best trade assets, but they may not be that interested in moving him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to find some momentum. Thursday night’s 5-4 win over the New York Rangers, sealed by Troy Stecher’s goal with 26.3 seconds remaining, gave Toronto its third straight victory and improved its record to 6-4-2.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that defenseman Marshall Rifai will be placed on injured reserve and will be week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had one of those nights when their offensive talent was difficult to ignore. In a 6-2 road win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto showed what can happen when speed, skill, and good decisions come together.
There’s something fun about the graphic below. It puts the Oilers and Maple Leafs right at the top and brings back that old-school image of Edmonton coming at you in waves.