Over the course of this season The Leaf will look at what it means to be a Toronto Maple Leaf from every perspective: players, fans, the community and many more
After 6 years in the Canucks organization, Mason Raymond arrived at Toronto's camp without a contract, but the promise of an opportunity. He made the most of it, and is now settling - into the lineup and the city.
In the 3rd episode of the highly acclaimed series, The Leaf - Leafs Nation meets Connor Brown. Brown was drafted by his hometown NHL team in 2012, signed to a 3-year contract by the team last month, and currently leads the OHL in scoring for the Erie Otters. We also visit Sick Kids Hospital with the Maple Leafs and go behind the scenes and on the ice with Andrew MacWilliam and the Toronto Marlies.
On January 1, 2014, Leafs Nation congregated at The Big House in Ann Arbor for an afternoon of outdoor hockey. They congregated with future Leafs, former Leafs and current Leafs - they congregated for, The Leaf. Make sure you catch the 4th episode of The Leaf - brought to you by BlackBerry, but starring you, the #SEAofBLUE.
10 years ago a kid from Mimico was drafted. This summer, he came home a champion. Memorial Cup, World Junior, Stanley Cup -- twice. David Bolland always wanted to play for the Maple Leafs. And now, after a fluke injury, he wants to play more than ever. Also in this episode: Inside the Leafs TV Broadcast truck and a trip to Saskatchewan with Leafs Ambassador Darcy Tucker.
After a stellar Junior International career representing the United States, Jerry D'Amigo was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009. With his first taste of the NHL coming this December, he's hungry for more.
His Wikipedia page just keeps getting longer. He played more than 600 games in the National Hockey League, including parts of two seasons with the Maple Leafs. When playing career was over, he went and got his law degree. Since then, he has worked for the NHL, NHLPA, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks and currently, as the Leafs' Assistant General Manager. Claude Loiselle looks back at what it meant to be a Maple Leaf on the ice, and what it means now, from the 15th Floor. Also: Carl Gunnarsson and behind the scenes with Kessel, Bozak and JVR.
They are defencemen, first round picks, young professionals, and now, roommates. Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly are at remarkably similar stages in their hockey careers. Brought together by the success in their past, their friendship now contributes to the success of their future. Presented by BlackBerry.
An inside look at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies
A look back at the 2014 NHL Draft and the Leafs hiring of Kyle Dubas.
Darryl Sittler travels to Chicago as his statue is made for Legends Row.
Expectations are always going to be high in Leafs Nation. But, in a season when expectations aren't quite met, it is vitally important to keep perspective. Perspective is the kind of weight that offers balance, and without it, expectations mean nothing. The latest episode of The Leaf, Cold Snap, looks at the long winter that was, and how the team not only weathered a tough season, but prepared for the future.
Regardless of whether you are a fan, a member of the media, a coach, or a player, there are many lenses through which to see the Leafs. After months of scrutiny and uncertainty, though, the focus now pulls back to the Big Picture.
Whether you are a fan who is fortunate enough to grow up playing the game at its highest levels, or one whose passion keeps you coming back to the team you love, hockey has to be a shared experience. Leafs Nation is connected to and from all corners of the world, through all sorts of shared experiences. Whether you are young or old, far or near, Leafs Nation has always been more than the sum of its parts.
Inherent positivity is not a weakness. In fact it was inherent positivity in the face of different kinds of adversity that got Morgan Rielly and Garrett Gamble under the same spotlights on a Saturday night at Air Canada Centre
There are about 6000 kilometres between Sweden and Canada, and this season, 67 different Swedes appeared in at least 1 NHL game. It’s clear the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t the only team in the NHL to have welcomed Swedish players - but the impact that Swedes have had on this franchise in the last 40 years is undeniable.
After missing the playoffs for the ninth time in ten years, Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan knew he needed to make a series of organizational and cultural changes. From the additions of coach Mike Babcock and GM Lou Lamoriello, to the 2015 Draft and the Leafs’ training camp in Halifax, Shanahan talks about the team’s new blueprint for long-term success.
The Leafs begin their 2015-16 season dedicated to day-over-day improvement. Despite a string of early losses, General Manager Lou Lamoriello is pleased with how the team has responded to coach Babcock’s system. Through a mix of hard work and solid workmanlike performances , the Leafs enter November looking more and more like a team to be reckoned with.
Episode 3 of “The Leaf: Blueprint” is about opportunity. Whether it’s more playing time for James Reimer or a fresh start with a new team for P.A. Parenteau and Brad Boyes, now is the time to push. Meanwhile, Leafs Nation looks on as Garret Sparks prepares for his first NHL start.
There’s a thin line between playing at the top of your game and falling below your potential. Whether it’s goaltender Jonathan Bernier looking to regain his form, centre Nazem Kadri’s quest to keep scoring, or Morgan Rielly’s journey to become an elite NHL defenceman, the road to success is fraught with challenges, but made easier by coach Mike Babcock’s support and vision.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs begin 2016, President Brendan Shanahan reflects on the team’s progress. Peter Holland, Byron Froese and captain Dion Phaneuf are among a host of Leafs who have increasingly come to embody the team’s new culture. Now, as the club welcomes legend Dave Keon into the esteemed ranks of Legends Row, it also prepares to unveil a new logo, hoping to inspire the next Leafs dynasty.
Episode 6 of “The Leaf: Blueprint” continues to chronicle the 2015/2016 season of the Toronto Maple Leafs. This time, a blockbuster trade, the fight for an opportunity to play and the blossoming of an NHL All-Star all contribute to the story of how the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to re-invent themselves with an eye toward the future.