TSN Hockey analyst Craig Button joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the Maple Leafs.

To kick things off, Button weighed in on Toronto’s reluctance to tank — a stance Rosehill called “inexcusable,” with Button in full agreement. The trio also discussed the strategic approach taken by the Florida Panthers, and why short-term pain can sometimes lead to long-term gain — especially with their top-10 protected pick owed to the Chicago Blackhawks from the Seth Jones deal.

From there, Button shared his thoughts on Peter DeBoer landing with the New York Islanders, before addressing a major concern in Toronto: could the ongoing front office search cost the Leafs key candidates? In his view, no — stressing, “you can’t put the cart before the horse.”

The conversation also touched on Craig Berube’s future behind the bench, what Toronto should prioritize in a potential coaching replacement, and how the organization should structure its front office moving forward. Button suggested a return to a President-GM model, emphasizing the job is too big for one person, while floating veteran names like Dean Lombardi and Bob Gainey as potential options worth exploring.

To wrap things up, Button put himself in the GM’s chair — and revealed the very first call he’d make: a conversation with Auston Matthews about his future in Toronto.

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