Kent Hughes says: The Maple Leafs got lucky

Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Kent Hughes says: The Maple Leafs got lucky

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 5:11 PM ET

It's been over a month since the Maple Leafs' season ended. The team didn't make the playoffs this season, which means summer started early in Toronto.

Detractors will say it doesn't usually start much later, but I digress.

Except that doesn't change the fact that the team is still making headlines. John Chayka's arrival as general manager, the team's draft lottery win, and Mitch Marner's deep playoff run have put Toronto at the center of springtime discussions.

And it's interesting to note that even this morning, Kent Hughes himself spoke about the Leafs. The Habs' GM mentioned that one must be cautious before saying that players aren't capable of performing in the playoffs… citing Marner's years in Toronto as an example.

Did Hughes do this because the Habs didn't appreciate Keith Pelley mentioning Michael Hage in a press conference a few weeks ago? The question arises.

Just speculating, but bringing up the Leafs here feels intentional. Maybe a response to Keith Pelley bringing up the Habs and Michael Hage in his press conference a few months ago? Lots of reports the Canadiens weren't happy with that. https://t.co/pd674OMDAg

— HabsLinks (@HabsLinks) June 1, 2026

We know that Marner, who has long been criticized in Toronto for his playoff performances, is having a red-hot spring in his first year in Vegas. The change of scenery has clearly helped him perform in the playoffs.

And Hughes is right that we need to be cautious when evaluating star players' playoff performances… even if he did so with a little dig at the Toronto market.

Except that Hughes might not be the last one to take a jab: Mitch Marner, who recently spoke about having experienced “dark moments” during his NHL career, was asked about it by the media.

His response? He doesn't want to talk about it further today… but he will if Vegas wins the Stanley Cup.

Mitch Marner didn't want to elaborate on his comment about going through “dark times” earlier in his hockey career, but says he will if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 1, 2026

And since Marner spent his entire career in Toronto prior to this season, it makes sense to assume that the “dark times” are linked to his years in a Maple Leafs uniform.

Imagine a scenario where he decides to take on the Leafs right after winning the Conn Smythe: that would be something.

In a nutshell

– Hehe.

Jakub Dobes when asked about the Luke Combs concert and if that was the first time he shotgunned a beer:

“I went to Ohio State…” pic.twitter.com/CbvJa0Jqtw

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 1, 2026

– Interesting.

Darren Dreger: Re Sabres: Jarmo Kekalainen was trying to swing for the grand slam at the trade deadline; could he revisit that trade with St. Louis involving Robert Thomas? I think he probably will – Morning Show/McKenna & Starr (5/29)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 1, 2026

– Details of the blockbuster trade in the NFL.

Full trade terms, per ESPN sources:

Rams receive: Myles Garrett

Browns receive: Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. https://t.co/3WdPta3vrz pic.twitter.com/mXq3tUEhdt

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2026