Leafs Talk - podcast cover

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!

Episodes

A Very Knies Leafs OT Win vs. Tampa

The Leafs stage a third period comeback and grab a 4-3 win in OT vs. the Lightning! JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the big win, including Matthew Knies' two third period goals, and the relief goaltending work of Joseph Woll. Should he be the new starting goaltender for Toronto going forward over Ilya Samsonov? They also discuss the contributions of Max Domi on the Knies goals, the gutsy efforts of Mark Giordano, and the up-and-down performance from Jake McCabe. The views and opinions express...

Oct 22, 202330 min

Taking the Leafs' Temperature Four Games In

The Leafs hit the road for the first time this season but fall 3-1 to the Panthers in Florida. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the loss, including a discussion of what Leafs fans have collectively seen over the first four games. Did they play well enough to win (despite the L), or should fans be concerned this early in the season? They also get to Sheldon Keefe's line deployment, the play of Morgan Rielly, the outing from Ilya Samsonov, and the presence of Auston Matthews on the penalty kill....

Oct 20, 202342 min

Leafs Suffer First 2023 Loss vs. Blackhawks

The Leafs fall 4-1 to the Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena - what went wrong in their first loss of the year? JD Bunkis and Justin Cuthbert break down the game, including the play of William Nylander, Auston Matthews being denied a third consecutive hat trick, and what they saw from Connor Bedard's first game in Toronto. 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....

Oct 17, 202331 min

Matthews Makes History in Wild Win

The Leafs filled the net once again and take down the Wild 7-4! JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the Leafs offensive outburst, Auston Matthews' second hat trick in a row, William Nylander's elite outing and his contract situation, their early impressions of the teams bottom six, and 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....

Oct 15, 202330 min

Leafs Complete Comeback vs. Habs in Season Opener

The Leafs are back! Toronto kicks off the 2023-2024 season with a big 6-5 comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens in the shootout! JD Bunkis and Sam McKee are back with Leafs Talk as they break down Toronto's first game of the season, a vintage season-opening performance from Auston Matthews, early impressions from Tyler Bertuzzi, the Leafs new goal songs, and much much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect th...

Oct 12, 202339 min

BONUS: JD & Sam on Matthews' Extension w/ Frank Seravalli

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee offer their thoughts on the Auston Matthews' extension, before welcoming on Hockey Insider and President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli, to get his thoughts on how it all went down and what it means for both the team and player! 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 affiliate.

Aug 24, 202343 min

BONUS: Matthews Signs 4-Year Extension

Nick Kypreos, Justin Bourne & Sam McKee are back for an emergency episode of Leafs Talk after the Maple Leafs signed Auston Matthews to a 4-year contract extension worth $13.25 million AAV! The guys give their immediate reaction and analysis on the signing, whether it was a good yearly figure for the term and how this changes the Leafs' approach in Nylander and Marner extension talks. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflec...

Aug 24, 202323 min

BONUS: Michael Bunting Interview

JD Bunkis is joined by Carolina Hurricanes forward Michael Bunting to chat about his experiences as a Maple Leaf, the decision to sign with Carolina, his relationship with NHL officials, and his recent playoff run with Toronto. 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 affiliate.

Aug 16, 202327 min

BONUS: Off-Season Check Up w/ James Mirtle

JD welcomes back James Mirtle, Managing Editor at The Athletic, to share an update on the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs in mid-August. The pair focus in on the contracts of both Auston Matthews and William Nylander, how the final roster will shape up on opening night, if there are still more moves to come, and Matt Murray's LTIR status. 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...

Aug 15, 202343 min

BONUS: James Mirtle on Leafs Signings

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee are joined by James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor at The Athletic, to go over all of Toronto's free agent signings made over the weekend! They share their thoughts on new additions Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, the key players lost from last year's roster, and question if this group has another move left in them. 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 af...

Jul 03, 202349 min

BONUS: Leafs Begin Free Agency

On this bonus episode of Leafs Talk, JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down a busy first day of NHL free agency for the Leafs. The guys discuss the notable Leafs who hit the open market, what John Klingberg brings to the blueline, what role Ryan Reaves will have on the team, and 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.

Jul 02, 202338 min

BONUS: Leafs Introduce Treliving

On a bonus episode of Leafs Talk, Blake Murphy and JD Bunkis begin with the news that Kyle Dubas is being hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins as their next president of hockey operations. They discuss what he has in store in Pittsburgh and how he'll be remembered in Toronto before they go live to Brad Treliving's introductory press conference (13:11). Blake and JD give their reactions and takeaways, discuss what kind of autonomy Treliving will have, his plans for the core four and Sheldon Keefe, an...

Jun 01, 20231 hr 2 min

BONUS: Leafs Part Ways with Kyle Dubas

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee are back for an emergency podcast with the news today that the Maple Leafs will not be bringing Kyle Dubas back as general manager. They react to the events leading up to the decision, Dubas' negotiation, Brandon Shanahan's press conference and what comes next for the Leafs. 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.

May 19, 202337 min

Leafs Playoff Run Ends in OT vs. Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs season came to an end after a thrilling game 5 against the Florida Panthers. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the Leafs overtime loss and discuss what went wrong in the series, what the future has in store for the core four, whether or not changes are coming in the front office, and more on Leafs Talk! 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...

May 13, 20231 hr

Leafs Avoid Sweep, Force Game 5

On the brink, the Toronto Maple Leafs avoid getting swept by the Florida Panthers in game 4. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne, break down the Leafs 2-1 victory over the cats, and discuss the teams defensive structure, how Joseph Woll fared in his first career playoff start, Mitch Marner's issues turning over the puck, and 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 affi...

May 11, 20231 hr

Panthers Push Leafs to the Brink

The Leafs fell to the Panthers 3-2 in overtime as Florida goes up 3-0 in the series. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the loss and discuss Toronto's core not being able to provide offence, Joseph Woll's performance, whether or not they believe that Toronto can come back in the series, and more on Leafs Talk! 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....

May 08, 202355 min

The Force Was Strong With Bobrovsky in Game 2 vs. Leafs

The Leafs failed to make the most of their home-ice advantage in game 2 against the Florida Panthers. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the Leafs 3-2 loss and discuss Nylander's bounce-back performance, the captain failing to convert on dangerous chances, which defender will be coming out of the lineup in game 3, and 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...

May 05, 202350 min

Leafs Fall to Panthers to Kick off the Second Round

The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their second round series against the Florida Panthers with a 4-2 loss at home. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the game and discuss Matthew Knies scoring his first NHL goal, Matthew Tkachuk's dominant performance, Toronto's effort going into the game, and 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....

May 03, 202343 min

The Leafs Are Headed to Round 2!

The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs! JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the Leafs first series win since 2004 and discuss the defining moments of their first round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Auston Matthews' strong performance, who they would rather see the Leafs face in the second round, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the posit...

Apr 30, 20231 hr 1 min

The Lightning Force Game 6

The Leafs had a chance to win a playoff series at home but fell short as Tampa Bay forces game six on Saturday night. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the game and discuss if Michael Bunting will play on Saturday night, the goaltending battle, Jake McCabe's impact, and 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.

Apr 28, 202355 min

Leafs Overcome Late 4-1 Deficit to Take Game 4

It was 4-1! JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the Leafs overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning after being down by three in the third period. The guys discuss how the Lightning failed to hold on to the lead in the last 10 minutes of the third period, whether or not this was Auston Matthews' best playoff game of his career, if Michael Bunting will play in game 5, and more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessar...

Apr 25, 202358 min

Rielly Ends Thrilling Affair Late in OT

The Leafs steal Game 3 over the Tampa Bay Lightning to go up 2-1 in the series. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the victory and discuss Ryan O'Reilly's impact in the game, Luke Schenn's calming presence in a tight contest, Ilya Samsonov's massive win, and 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.

Apr 23, 202345 min

Leafs Bounce Back With Dominant Game 2 Performance

The Leafs needed to bounce back in game 2 and they did exactly that. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down a dominant Leafs performance, John Tavares and Morgan Rielly's statement performances, Tampa Bay's depleted blue-line, their willingness to drop the gloves, and 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.

Apr 21, 202351 min

Lightning Strikes in Game 1

The Leafs quest for the Stanley Cup kicked off in disappointing fashion as the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning came ready to play. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down game 1 of the Leafs vs. Lightning series and discuss how the Leafs stars looked, Michael Bunting's ejection, who will be in the lineup in game 2, and 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 affili...

Apr 19, 202343 min

Leafs Beat Rangers to Close Out Regular Season

In game #82, the Leafs faced off against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the Leafs last game of the regular season and discuss Mitch Marner just missing the 100-point mark, the biggest story of the Leafs season, if we will see Matthew Knies play in the playoffs against Tampa Bay, and 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 ...

Apr 14, 202332 min

Woll Shines in Playoff Preview vs. Lightning

The Leafs defeat the Lighting in a scrappy preview of the first round of the playoffs, JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down Toronto’s 4-3 win in Tampa Bay and discuss Joseph Woll’s stunning performance, the physicality put on display between the two teams, how Matthew Knies looked in his second career NHL game, and 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....

Apr 12, 202336 min

Tavares Scores OT Winner in Knies NHL Debut

Matthew Knies made his long awaited NHL debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road against the desperate Florida Panthers. JD Bunkis, Sam McKee, and Justin Bourne break down the Leafs 2-1 OT victory over the Panthers and discuss how Knies looked in his NHL debut, The Leafs goaltending situation and their struggles with the cap, Auston Matthews scoring his 40th goal of the year, and more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily ...

Apr 11, 202342 min

Leafs Destroy Habs in Final Home Game of Regular Season

The Leafs final home game of the regular season was one for the books. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the Leafs big win over the Habs at Scotiabank Arena and discuss Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's big nights, Jett Alexander getting his chance between the pipes, whether or not we will see Erik Gustafsson in the playoffs, and 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 a...

Apr 09, 202335 min

Leafs Clinch Home Ice Despite OT Loss To Bruins

The Leafs fall 2-1 to the Bruins in overtime after a tight contest. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the game and discuss a strong night from the Leafs fourth line, whether or not Sheldon Keefe should continue to tinker with his lines this close to the playoffs, debate if it is time to worry about William Nylander, and 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....

Apr 07, 202343 min

Leafs Sting Blue Jackets in 4-2 Win

The Toronto Maple Leafs put up 50 shots and get the W against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena. JD Bunkis and Sam McKee break down the victory and discuss their confidence in Joseph Woll, Jet Greaves' impressive performance in his NHL debut, the prospect of seeing Connor Bedard play in Ohio, Zach Aston-Reese being in the lineup come playoff time, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the posit...

Apr 05, 202336 min