Leafs Hour

Colby Armstrong, former NHL forward and current Sportsnet analyst, joins JD to discuss Auston Matthews’ continued maturation as a two-way player, his added physical dimension this season, and the Penguins’ outlook following the hirings of Ron Hextall and Brian Burke. Akim Aliu, pro hockey player and co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, discusses his ongoing efforts to combat racism in hockey, the HDA’s various grassroots initiatives, and how the NHL can support greater inclusion within the sport. 

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.

Ben and JD discuss the Maple Leafs’ 4-2 victory over the Canadiens on Thursday and Ilya Mikheyev snapping his goal-scoring drought. Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek weighs in on the Maple Leafs emerging as the class of the North Division, Jason Spezza’s importance to Toronto’s bottom six, and the resurgence of the iconic Leafs-Habs rivalry. 

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.

Ben and JD discuss their favourite memories from the storied Leafs-Canadiens rivalry. Gord Stellick, former NHL general manager and co-host of Leafs Nation, weighs in on the importance of tonight’s Toronto-Montreal matchup, the genuine animosity between Leafs and Habs fans, and Auston Matthews’ improved two-way game. Maxim Lapierre, former NHL forward and current TVA hockey analyst, discusses his experience participating in the Leafs-Canadiens rivalry and Montreal’s strong start to the season. 

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.

Ben and JD share their thoughts on the Maple Leafs’ three-game sweep of the Canucks. Former NHL forward Marc Savard discusses the Leafs’ potent power play, Wayne Simmonds’ absence from the lineup, and John Tortorella benching Patrik Laine. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston weighs in on Joe Thornton’s impending return, Zach Hyman’s versatility, Sam Bennett’s trade market, and the future of the North Division.

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.

Justin Bourne, co-host of Hockey Central, joins Ben and JD to discuss Toronto’s back-to-back blowout wins over the Canucks, early returns on the Maple Leafs’ veteran additions, Wayne Simmonds’ injury, and Auston Matthews’ torrid start to the season. 

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.

Ben and JD discuss the Maple Leafs’ 7-3 victory over the Canucks on Thursday and Jason Spezza’s hat-trick. Former NHL forward Kris Versteeg stops by to chat about Spezza’s standout performance against Vancouver, his experience playing with T.J. Brodie in Calgary, and the Leafs’ blue line depth following Travis Dermott’s injury. 

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.

Andrew Walker, co-host of The Program on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver, joins Ben and JD to chat about the Canucks’ slow start to the season, Tyler Toffoli’s emergence in Montreal, and Vancouver’s litany of personnel issues. Steve Dangle, host of The Steve Dangle Podcast and author of “This Team is Ruining My Life,” discusses his takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ first 10 games of the year, their improved defensive approach, and Joe Thornton’s most suitable role upon his return to the lineup. 

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.

Former NHL forward Ryan Kesler joins Ben and JD to discuss his experience playing for John Tortorella in Vancouver, his early takeaways from the North Division, and the Maple Leafs’ defensive flaws. 

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.

Hockey Central’s Justin Bourne discusses his observations from the Maple Leafs’ first 10 games of the season, Justin Holl’s continued development, and Zach Hyman’s versatility throughout Toronto’s lineup.

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.

Ian Tulloch, scribe for Maple Leafs Hotstove, joins Ben and JD to discuss his early takeaways from the Leafs’ opening month of the season, the team’s lack of even-strength scoring, and Mitch Marner’s improved two-way game. 

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.