How Do We Like the Leafs' New-Look?: A Supersized Review of the Draft and Free Agency with Mike Augello

Ladies Talkin’ Leafs

This has been one exciting week for the NHL! Before the dust had even settled on an electric Stanley Cup win by the Florida Panthers, the league pivoted right to the NHL Awards, followed in quick succession by the Draft at Sphere and the opening of the Free Agency. For Leaf fans like us this also signalled an end to the lull in Leafs news, giving us lots to talk about in a jam packed show, our first of Patio Season!

We start the conversation discussing the NHL draft and free agency, and touch on the moves made by the Maple Leafs. The draft at Sphere in Las Vegas was a real spectacle, giving us lots to discuss as we share our thoughts on the Leafs' draft picks. Then we turn our attention to the team's signings prior to the opening of free agency, including Max Domi, Timothy Liljegren, and Joseph Woll.

For the Third Period, we welcome back our LTL Insider Mike Augello to break down the signings made by the Leafs during the opening hours of the NHL free agency period, getting Mike's insights on the team's moves in terms of goaltending, defense, and forward positions. We also discuss the signings and trades made by other teams in the Atlantic Division, as well as give our opinions on the winners and losers of free agency so far.

To close the show, we sadly say goodbye to another former Leaf as we reflect on the passing of Sergei Berezin and share our memories of his time with the Team.

Before we sign off, we have a programming note. As we enter the off-season and head to the Patio, we'll be moving to a monthly schedule until September. Look for our next episode August 7th, unless some big Leafs' news breaks, in which case we'll have you covered with a bonus episode. 'Til we meet again, enjoy the the sweet summer breezes, company of good friends, and a cool drink or two. Until next time cheers and Go Leafs Go!

Takeaways

The NHL draft took place at Sphere in Las Vegas, providing a visually stunning experience.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' draft picks were met with mixed reactions, with some experts questioning the value of their selections.
The Leafs re-signed a few key players, including Max Domi, Timothy Liljegren, and Joseph Woll.
The contracts for these players were seen as reasonable given the current market.
Durability is a concern for some of the players, but their abilities and potential make them valuable additions to the team. The Toronto Maple Leafs made several signings and trades during the NHL free agency period to address their goaltending, defense, and forward positions.
The hosts believe that the Nashville Predators were the biggest winners of free agency, as they made significant additions to their roster, including Stephen Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
The hosts discuss the signings and trades made by other teams in the Atlantic Division, including the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators.
They express their condolences for the passing of former Leafs player Sergey Berezin and highlight his contributions to the team during his time with the organization.

Chapters

00:00 The NHL Draft Experience at Sphere in Las Vegas
29:26 Mixed Reactions to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Draft Picks
38:30 Analyzing the Leafs' Free Agency Signings
41:23 Reasonable Contracts Given the Market
42:19 Toronto Maple Leafs' Free Agency Moves
48:56 Chris Tanev: A Long-Awaited Signing
53:33 Oliver Ekman-Larsson: A Solid Addition
57:37 Yanni Hakanpaa: Adding Depth on Defense
01:06:38 Stephen Stamkos: A Surprising Move
01:13:51 Analysis of Atlantic Division Teams' Free Agency Moves
01:19:50 Nashville Predators: The Biggest Winners of Free Agency
01:22:16 Remembering Sergey Berezin: A Leafs Legend

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CBC Here and Now Toronto Interview Link: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-82-here-and-now-toronto/clip/16065913-what-two-toronto-maple-leafs-podcasters-saying-future

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/team/Toronto-Maple-Leafs

https://www.nhl.com/news/2025-4-nations-face-off-rosters-loaded-with-best-nhl-players

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/mackinnon-crosby-mcdavid-4nations-face-off-roster-canada-1.7249792

https://apnews.com/article/nhl-draft-las-vegas-sphere-hockey-ea5f7fe3635ca764e467872985e057c9

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/ben-danfords-ohl-coach-sees-great-things-for-new-leaf-defenceman

https://thehockeywriters.com/toronto-maple-leafs-2024-nhl-draft-class-recap/

https://www.tsn.ca/yost-toronto-maple-leafs-betting-chris-tanev-deal-will-pay-immediate-dividends-1.2142904

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-remodel-blue-line-hope-for-goalie-health-in-frenzy-of-signings/

https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/after-busy-day-of-signings-leafs-gm-addresses-robertson-trade-request-tavares-and-marner-extensions/article_b2fefa44-37cd-11ef-b4cd-934e9d8fb930.html

https://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-2024-free-agency-day-1-recap/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-league-alumni-in-shock-at-sudden-death-of-sergei-berezin