Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Chris Kreider file: the Maple Leafs have been left behind

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 1:14 PM ET

I’ve said it before: the Maple Leafs had to get Chris Kreider this summer.

Why? Because the Queen City club needs help up front in terms of players with character who can make a difference in the playoffs.

Talk to the Habs: they can make the difference…

Finally, the Maple Leafs saw the Anaheim Ducks pick him up. They were on his no-trade list, but the club managed to convince him to say yes and move.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Joel Quenneville’s presence made the difference. Having a veteran coach like him can really make a difference for the California club.

Stanley Cup Game 4 reaction pod. Still can’t believe what we saw last night

Also: news, information and analysis.

Links to your preferred podcast, here:https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm Enjoy!

– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 13, 2025

And now we understand that the Maple Leafs did indeed have their noses in the matter.

But according to David Pagnotta’s report, the Ducks were too far advanced in the file and were able to table a decent offer, which the Rangers – and the main interested party – accepted.

.@TheFourthPeriod joins @EJHradek_NHL and Cory Schneider to discuss how the Chris Kreider trade went down and what’s next for both clubs.#FlyTogether | #NYR | #NHLTNFirstShift https://t.co/R1TCIoM7Qf pic.twitter.com/TfOqhfZjBe

– NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 12, 2025

Would the American have wanted to go to Toronto? History doesn’t say.

But to me, there’s no denying it: the club had to push harder to get Chris Kreider’s contract from the Big Apple for two years and $6.5 million a year.

With Mitch Marner on his way out, it’s clear that the club would have had room in terms of payroll. And he fits the identity the Maple Leafs are trying to find.

Better luck next time… especially with Sam Bennett likely to elude them, as he’s likely to stay in sunny Florida. So, how will the club change its identity?

David Pagnotta: Sam Bennett is pretty much locked in to stay in Florida; deal around 8×8 being discussed – NHL Network

– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 13, 2025

overtime

– A page turns in Toronto.

On the day Joe Bowen announces he’ll give up his seat in the broadcast booth after next season, here’s a story I did for The Toronto Star on the guy who would be a great replacement. https://t.co/F9PZuh8o61

– Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) June 13, 2025

– Coming up.

The Reds pitcher is not facing criminal charges, but things could change. https://t.co/OZ6KhE1ETf

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 13, 2025

– Interesting.

Are we making a mistake by not including Blake Fiddler in virtually any mock 16th and 17th draft picks?

Five years after Guhle’s selection, the Western Beef becomes inviting again. https://t.co/CpiQG7FQCd

– Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) June 13, 2025

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: