Episode notes
JD Bunkis and Sam McKee talk about the positive and negative spins from Canada's heartbreaking loss to the United States. JD and Sam split their blame pie, discuss how they think Connor McDavid's perception if shifting, and debate if Auston Matthews, the winner, is a potential conern for Maple Leafs fans. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
Podcast
Leafs Talk
Following every Maple Leafs game, JD Bunkis, Sam McKee and Justin Bourne will break down all the action! Airing live on YouTube & SN NOW!
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5 Mar 2026 · 25 min
The Tank is On
The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a fifth straight game as they fall 4-3 to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss a new, tanking feel for the team as they sit Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for roster management purposes. Then, they discuss Auston Matthews' recent scoring slump, Anthony Stolarz standing on his head, and what the Leafs should expect in a Nic Roy trade. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or…
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3 Mar 2026 · 30 min
Buds Fall to Flyers in Deadline Showcase
The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a fourth straight game out of the Olympic break, falling 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and take a scouting perspective of players the Leafs may be showcasing ahead of the trade deadline. They discuss the play of Nic Roy, Scott Laughton, Brandon Carlo, and Bobby McMann, then chat about the Flyers' skill in the shootout, Auston Matthews' search for a slump-breaker, and poor discipline from Easton Cowan. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not…
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1 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Leafs Lose Battle of Ontario, Time Running Out for Craig Berube
The Toronto Maple Leafs drop their sixth straight on home ice, losing 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the lifeless stretch after the Leafs opened the scoring, Craig Berube's time running out, the team needing more from Matthew Knies, and Auston Matthews' reception for his gold medal. Later, they ask whether the Leafs are closer to a rebuild than a retool, and if Berube will be behind the bench on Monday. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers…
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27 Feb 2026 · 26 min
A Direction-Defining Defeat in Florida
The Toronto Maple Leafs get swept in their back-to-back in the Sunshine State, as they fall 5-1 to the Florida Panthers. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee start with a broader view of the team, how this loss reinforces the case for selling at the deadline, and their levels of trust in Brad Treliving to get it done. Then, they break down the game and discuss the brutal first period, another slow one for Auston Matthews as he works back to speed, William Nylander's costly giveaway, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect…
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26 Feb 2026 · 33 min
Bolts Give Buds A Reality Check
The Toronto Maple Leafs return from the NHL's Olympic break with a 4-2 loss to the Lightning in Tampa Bay. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss why the Leafs must be sellers at the trade deadline and how the Lightning have outpaced Toronto in player development. Then, they dive deeper into the game and discuss Auston Matthews' play after being rushed back from D.C., Matthew Knies regaining some pace, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson continuing to elevate his trade value. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily…
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20 Feb 2026 · 20 min
Canada Talk 3.0
JD Bunkis and Sam McKee chat following Canada's victory over Czechia, thanks to Mitch Marner's overtime goal. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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16 Feb 2026 · 40 min
Canada Talk 2.0
JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down Team Canada's final two preliminary games over the weekend, and the biggest storylines heading into the knockout round. The guys discuss Macklin Celebrini's breakout tournament at 19 years old, Tom Wilson dropping the gloves against France, the goalie conversation between Jordan Binnington and Logan Thompson, and the decision to be made about who should come out of the lineup for Brad Marchand in the Quarterfinal. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports &…
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13 Feb 2026 · 41 min
Canada Talk
JD Bunkis and Sam McKee banter about what makes Olympic hockey so special and the biggest winners from Canada's first men's game; how Doug Armstrong's selection of Tom Wilson impacts the team, Macklin Celebrini's impressive debut, Mitch Marner credit, and Jordan Binnington's statement. JD and Sam's biggest loser: Maple Leafs fans. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
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4 Feb 2026 · 38 min
Buds Hit the Olympic Break With a Win in Oil Country
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the NHL's Olympic break on a three-game win streak after taking down the Oilers 5-2 in Edmonton. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss what this streak means for the Leafs' direction as they approach the deadline, a much-needed stellar outing for Anthony Stolarz, the team's play without Morgan Rielly in the lineup, Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid's reserved play ahead of the Olympics, and Bobby McMann's Oilers audition. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the…
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3 Feb 2026 · 29 min
Willy Takes Over in Calgary
The Toronto Maple Leafs make it back-to-back wins on their Western Conference road trip as they take down the Flames 4-2 in Calgary. JD Bunkis and Frank Crupi break down the game and discuss William Nylander's dominant performance, Joseph Woll building momentum before the break, what this winning stretch means for the Leafs as they get closer to the trade deadline, and why now is the perfect time to move Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Later, they share their levels of hope with one game to go before the Olympic break. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests…
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