Episode notes
The Toronto Maple Leafs lose their sixth straight as they fall 6-2 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss whether these types of results are good because of the tank or bad because of potential lasting impacts on team culture. Then, they discuss Auston Matthews' scoring slump and Easton Cowan getting a larger opportunity up the lineup. Finally, they weigh in on the Nic Roy trade and share expectations for Friday's trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not…
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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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16 Mar 2026 · 22 min
Groulx Scores Two, Leafs Storm Past Wild
The Toronto Maple Leafs take down the Wild, winning 4-2 in Minnesota on the second night of a back-to-back. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the rise in effort levels since Auston Matthews' injury, Bo Groulx's two-goal night and future with the team, the goalie tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz hurting the tank, and Jake McCabe continuing to sacrifice the body despite the team's spot in the standings. 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…
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15 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Leafs Pick up a Point in Buffalo
The Toronto Maple Leafs push the Sabres to a shootout, but fall 3-2 in Buffalo. Sam McKee and guest host Brent Gunning break down the game and discuss a more visible physical edge from the Leafs after Radko Gudas' dirty hit on Auston Matthews went unanswered. Then, they share their concerns for the tank, discuss the impacts of recent call-ups Bo Groulx and Michael Pezzetta, and weigh in on Joseph Woll's stellar performance. Finally, they react to Gudas' suspension and discuss how his hit and the Leafs' lack of response will factor into Matthews' future as a Leaf. The views and opinions…
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13 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Buds Bust Slump, Gudas Wounds Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Anaheim Ducks 6-4 to snap their eight-game losing streak. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the win and discuss Radko Gudas' greasy knee-on-knee hit that injured Auston Matthews, the lack of immediate response, and the delayed response that followed in one of the Leafs' stronger third periods all season. Then, they get into Easton Cowan's fight, Bo Groulx's first goal as a Leaf, and what the win means for the Leafs' tank. 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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11 Mar 2026 · 36 min
Racing to the Basement in Montreal
The Toronto Maple Leafs' slide continues in Montreal, as they fall 3-1 to the Canadiens. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss the Leafs' standing in their pursuit of a bottom-five finish, the team playing with pride after a rough opening period, and William Nylander leading by example. Then, they chat about Bo Groulx's impactful Leafs debut, Jake McCabe standing up for Easton Cowan, and their thoughts on a rumoured deal between the Leafs and Habs for Matthew Knies before the trade deadline. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests…
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8 Mar 2026 · 37 min
2026 Trade Deadline Reaction + An Apathetic Loss to the Lightning
The Toronto Maple Leafs lose their seventh straight as they fall 5-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game before looking back on the Leafs' deadline moves. They discuss the returns on Scott Laughton, Nic Roy and Bobby McMann trades, Brad Treliving's future in Toronto, why Craig Berube should stay behind the bench for the rest of the regular season, and much more. 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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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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