Latest news with #LukeFox
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation
NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, all other 30 NHL franchises have already moved on to offseason mode. Advertisement That means speculation around future free agents—whether or not they get to market—is ramping up to the extent of bringing Oilers' Connor McDavid and his future back to the conversation. For what's worth, McDavid still has one season left on his eight-year, $100 million deal, but it's fair to say that the NHL's best player could become the most coveted free agent in NHL history when his contract expires in 2026. On a Sportsnet mailbag, NHL insider Luke Fox responded to a fan who asked about the possibility of McDavid joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. While calling it unlikely, Fox didn't dismiss the scenario entirely. "Slim but enticing," Fox wrote. "And I do wonder how the potential availability of McDavid—who will prioritize winning over money—impacts how not just (Leafs general manager Brad) Treliving but the other 31 general managers tackle the 2025 offseason." Advertisement Fox added that while the Oilers are expected to offer McDavid a "blank cheque," that won't be enough, or at least the only reason, to convince him to stay put in Edmonton. "It's not a guarantee that No. 97 re-signs in Edmonton, even though the Oilers will present a blank cheque," Fox wrote. "To not keep an eye on the 2026 UFA class (as a GM), which also includes Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel and Artemi Panarin, is to not do your job." Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) carries the puck around Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34).Perry Nelson-Imagn Images McDavid hails from the Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill, and could weigh his options depending on how Edmonton performs during the finals and next season. Advertisement With top-dollar Leafs forward Mitch Marner likely headed elsewhere, Toronto may have as much as $44 million in projected cap space for 2026-27, according to current PuckPedia figures, with the 2026-27 NHL season expected to feature a salary cap of $104 million. Related: Maple Leafs GM Makes 'Emotional' Admission About Discussion With Mitch Marner Related: Matthew Tkachuk Sends Clear Message About Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup Final This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Disgusted Leafs fans burn jerseys after Game 7 nightmare loss
Hopes were raised, then dreams were dashed for Toronto Maple Leafs fans at about the midway mark of Game 7 of their second round spanking by the Florida Panthers. The last few days have been a roller-coaster ride of emotions for fans, all starting with the Game 5 debacle last Wednesday. Two days later, the Leafs did the unthinkable and shut out the Panthers in Florida, and dreams of an Eastern Conference final became a real possibility. Then Sunday night happened. Game 7 seemed like a nightmarish mirror image of Game 5, from the lackluster play and lack of offence to the identical crushing score, an abominable 6-1, when the whistle blew — this time for good. For this season, at least. And just like last week, Leafs Nation once again showed its displeasure with the team — by joining the chorus of boos and departing Scotiabank long before the game ended. 'Maple Leafs fans booing with four minutes left… in Period 2,' Sportsnet writer Luke Fox noted on X. And for those who remained a little longer, they witnessed others throwing jerseys onto the ice as Toronto skated off with heads hanging as Florida advanced to the next round. 'Maple Leafs fans throwing jerseys, hats and beers on the ice watching their team getting outscored 11-2 in final two home games of the season,' Fox added. Things took an even more dramatic turn as former Leafs supporters showed their disappointment by burning jerseys and flags after the team's latest devastating post-season showing. 'So done with this team,' said one heartbroken former fan in a video obtained by 6ixBuzzTV, who made it a double jersey burning — one of captain Auston Matthews, the other of former Leaf Joe Nieuwendyk. 'I don't give a *f***,' he told the camera, adding in another low blow that he is now 'a Montreal fan.' One guy outside Scotiabank Arena was also filmed burning a team flag. A disappointed fan opined: 'The Leafs found the most unique way to hurt their fans. Game 5, make them despise you. Game 6, make them apologize. Game 7, make them despise themselves for apologizing.' One person added: 'This morning stings. Proud of the team one moment, absolutely irate with them the next. Not sure how to feel.' A second fan agreed: 'That stung. End of an era.' End of an era, indeed. What lies ahead for the Leafs is an uncertain offseason as Mitch Marner and John Tavares will become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Two players, along with Matthews and forward William Nylander, make up the expensive Core Four, which our Terry Koshan writes needs to be broken up if the Maple Leafs have any hopes of getting it done in the playoffs. Leafs president Brendan Shanahan — a staunch supporter of the club's Core Four and the man responsible for the direction of the team for the past decade — is also without a contract beyond this season. Former Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champ Chris Pronger wrote in an X post: 'Changes are a coming. This listless effort should put an end to this team's run in its current roster construction,' Pronger noted. 'What and where do they go from here? A lot of questions to answer before they figure that out.' After the epic loss, Marner spoke about his time playing in Toronto, that he has 'always enjoyed,' and isn't ready to think about his impending free agency. But he should, Steve Simmons wrote in his column. Coach Craig Berube said after the game, 'We just didn't handle the pressure. Obviously that (effort) wasn't good enough … I can't explain Games 5 and 7 at home.' He added: 'To me, that's the disappointing part.' Toronto is now 0-7 in Game 7s, and 0-6 with Marner and Matthews dating back to 2018, in the NHL's salary cap era. Drake loses $1M bet, blames Bieber Curse for Maple Leafs' epic Game 7 loss Leafs limp into summer, Core Four among likely changes Referee forced out of Game 7 in Toronto after taking stick to face
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Disgusted Leafs fans burn jerseys after Game 7 nightmare loss
Hopes were raised, then dreams were dashed for Toronto Maple Leafs fans at about the midway mark of Game 7 of their second round spanking by the Florida Panthers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The last few days have been a roller-coaster ride of emotions for fans, all starting with the Game 5 debacle last Wednesday. Two days later, the Leafs did the unthinkable and shut out the Panthers in Florida, and dreams of an Eastern Conference final became a real possibility. Then Sunday night happened. Game 7 seemed like a nightmarish mirror image of Game 5, from the lackluster play and lack of offence to the identical crushing score, an abominable 6-1, when the whistle blew — this time for good. For this season, at least. And just like last week, Leafs Nation once again showed its displeasure with the team — by joining the chorus of boos and departing Scotiabank long before the game ended. 'Maple Leafs fans booing with four minutes left… in Period 2,' Sportsnet writer Luke Fox noted on X. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Maple Leafs fans booing with four minutes left… in Period 2. — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 19, 2025 Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And for those who remained a little longer, they witnessed others throwing jerseys onto the ice as Toronto skated off with heads hanging as Florida advanced to the next round. 'Maple Leafs fans throwing jerseys, hats and beers on the ice watching their team getting outscored 11-2 in final two home games of the season,' Fox added. Maple Leafs fans throwing jerseys, hats and beers on the ice watching their team getting outscored 11-2 in final two home games of the season. — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 19, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Things took an even more dramatic turn as former Leafs supporters showed their disappointment by burning jerseys and flags after the team's latest devastating post-season showing. 'So done with this team,' said one heartbroken former fan in a video obtained by 6ixBuzzTV, who made it a double jersey burning — one of captain Auston Matthews, the other of former Leaf Joe Nieuwendyk. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I don't give a *f***,' he told the camera, adding in another low blow that he is now 'a Montreal fan.' One guy outside Scotiabank Arena was also filmed burning a team flag. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A disappointed fan opined: 'The Leafs found the most unique way to hurt their fans. Game 5, make them despise you. Game 6, make them apologize. Game 7, make them despise themselves for apologizing.' The Leafs found the most unique way to hurt their fans. Game 5, make them despise you. Game 6, make them apologize. Game 7, make them despise themselves for apologizing. — Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) May 19, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One person added: 'This morning stings. Proud of the team one moment, absolutely irate with them the next. Not sure how to feel.' A second fan agreed: 'That stung. End of an era.' End of an era, indeed. What lies ahead for the Leafs is an uncertain offseason as Mitch Marner and John Tavares will become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Two players, along with Matthews and forward William Nylander, make up the expensive Core Four, which our Terry Koshan writes needs to be broken up if the Maple Leafs have any hopes of getting it done in the playoffs. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Leafs president Brendan Shanahan — a staunch supporter of the club's Core Four and the man responsible for the direction of the team for the past decade — is also without a contract beyond this season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Former Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champ Chris Pronger wrote in an X post: 'Changes are a coming. This listless effort should put an end to this team's run in its current roster construction,' Pronger noted. 'What and where do they go from here? A lot of questions to answer before they figure that out.' #LeafsForever changes are a coming. This listless effort should put an end to this teams run in its current roster construction. What and where do they go from here? A lot of questions to answer before they figure that out. — Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) May 19, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After the epic loss, Marner spoke about his time playing in Toronto, that he has 'always enjoyed,' and isn't ready to think about his impending free agency. But he should, Steve Simmons wrote in his column. Coach Craig Berube said after the game, 'We just didn't handle the pressure. Obviously that (effort) wasn't good enough … I can't explain Games 5 and 7 at home.' He added: 'To me, that's the disappointing part.' Toronto is now 0-7 in Game 7s, and 0-6 with Marner and Matthews dating back to 2018, in the NHL's salary cap era. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Celebrity Toronto Maple Leafs News
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Leafs Fans Under Fire for 'Ugly' Behavior in Game 7
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a chance to reach the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in nearly a quarter-century, but instead collapsed in Sunday's Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs gave up three second-period goals to fall behind 3-0, cutting into the lead briefly in the third period after a goal by Max Domi before giving up another three to lose 6-1. Advertisement Leafs fans in attendance at Scotiabank Arena on Toronto did not take the blowout loss well, showering the team with boos and some throwing objects onto the ice. The behavior led to some criticism from fans and reporters. "A fan threw a beer at the Leafs on the bench. Marner had to sidestep a thrown jersey before skating to the bench on his final shift as he was getting booed," noted Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox in a post on X. "This. Is. Ugly." Others called out the fans for leaving en masse as the game turned into a blowout in the third period. "So many empty seats," one person commented on X. "I get it, your team is losing and it sucks, but other fanbases stick with their teams to the end. Even worse, these cry-baby fans are booing every time Leafs touch the puck." Advertisement "Leafs fans are up there with worst fans in sports," wrote another. "Throwing jerseys on the ice and spreading so much negativity won't get this team anywhere. There's time to boo your team when they are performing but that group didn't deserve to get boo'd. Took a [expletive] good Florida team to 7" The Leafs fans who stuck around to the end didn't give the team much mercy. Leafs players were met with loud boos when they gathered at center ice after the game to salute fans for their support. Related: Mitch Marner's Bench Behavior During Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 7 Turns Heads
