Leafs’ Sheldon Keefe expresses confidence in the future as management lets him twist in the wind

TORONTO — If this was the last time Sheldon Keefe stepped behind a microphone as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he went out with head held high. Placed in what had to be an uncomfortable position, speaking to reporters at Monday’s locker cleanout session with no formal assurance he’ll be back behind the … Read more

NHL trade grades: Did Toronto need Connor Dewar, a penalty-killing fourth-liner?

Follow the latest NHL trade deadline news in The Athletic’s live blog. Toronto Maple Leafs get: Forward Connor Dewar. Minnesota Wild get: Fourth-round draft pick in 2026. Eric Duhatschek: Dewar spent most of the past three seasons playing as the Wild’s fourth-line center, which is likely where he’ll fit in with the Leafs. It’s easy to … Read more

Auston Matthews scores 50th goal in 54th game, fastest to mark in 28 years

TEMPE, Ariz. — Auston Matthews scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season Wednesday night in the Toronto Maple Leafs star’s hometown return, breaking a tie as the fastest U.S.-born player to reach 50 goals at 54 games. Matthews scored the milestone goal on a power play at 5:01 of the first period in … Read more

Maple Leafs fan ripped for throwing elderly man’s fedora on ice during hat trick

This fan deserved a penalty. A rowdy Toronto Maple Leafs fan snatched a longtime season ticket holder’s expensive hat off his head and sailed it across to the ice after a hat trick, all to the displeasure of the cap’s rightful owner and NHL fans alike. John Hamilton, 73, was enjoying the second period of … Read more