Dave Litman
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Articles by Dave Litman
‘Just Let Him Play!’: Ex-NHL Coach & GM Blasts Maple Leafs for McKenna Usage Original
It was the same old, same old on Saturday night for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the No. 1 pick and top prospect in hockey, Gavin McKenna. There were the Leafs, trying to nurse home a one-goal lead, and once again the young superstar-in-the-making was nailed to the bench in the third period. This time, Toronto did hold on for the win, 4-2 over the Vancouver Canucks. In some previous close games (either chasing or protecting a one-goal lead), that same scenario didn’t work out so well.
Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards To Miss Multiple Months After Knee Surgery Original
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports In a devastating early-season blow, the Minnesota Timberwolves have learned that they will be without superstar Anthony Edwards until likely after Christmas. He’ll be undergoing knee surgery and will be out two months. Just in: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing right knee and miss up to two months, sources tell ESPN.
Kirill Marchenko’s Exit Adds Injury to Insult for Maple Leafs As Win Streak Snapped Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect It was a double dose of bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Calgary Monday night. Their 5-2 loss to the Flames snapped a four-game win streak. But even worse, key top-six forward Kirill Marchenko went down with an awkward-looking knee injury. It happened early in the second period with the Leafs down 3-0. Kirill Marchenko exits the game in the 2nd period after this play.
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Addresses Potential Trade Status of Easton Cowan
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their ascent this season after a dreadful 2025-26 campaign. New additions like Kirill Marchenko, Jack Roslovic, Darren Raddysh and an entirely revamped fourth line have been key to the resurgence. But of the returnees, Easton Cowan has epitomized the Leafs’ new gung-ho, energetic, aggressive approach this season. 12 points in 13 games, after registering 29 points total in his rookie year.
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Addresses Potential Tradability Status of Easton Cowan
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their ascent this season after a dreadful 2025-26 campaign. New additions like Kirill Marchenko, Jack Roslovic, Darren Raddysh and an entirely revamped fourth line have been key to the resurgence. But of the returnees, Easton Cowan has epitomized the Leafs’ new gung-ho, energetic, aggressive approach this season. 12 points in 13 games, after registering 29 points total in his rookie year.
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Addresses Potential Tradability Status of Easton Cowan
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their ascent this season after a dreadful 2025-26 campaign. New additions like Kirill Marchenko, Jack Roslovic, Darren Raddysh and an entirely revamped fourth line have been key to the resurgence. But of the returnees, Easton Cowan has epitomized the Leafs' new gung-ho, energetic, aggressive approach this season. 12 points in 13 games, after registering 29 points total in his rookie year.
Carolina Hurricanes End Stalemate With Unsigned RFA Alexander Nikishin Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Not many observers saw this one coming. A one-year… $3 million deal for Alexander Nikishin with the Carolina Hurricanes? Welcome back, Niki 👊 We've signed defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one-year contract. Details » https://t.co/2IAuIQ4rzM pic.twitter.com/ki7Ucz9ufc — Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) October 25, 2026 It was an offseason of wanting out of Carolina and asking for a contract extension in the $8 – $9 million AAV range.
New Jersey Devils Land Connor Hellebuyck In Blockbuster Trade With Winnipeg Jets Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Connor Hellebuyck saga is finally at an end. The New Jersey Devils have shocked the hockey world with the acquisition of the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster deal.
Warriors Rookie Rips Luka Doncic After His First NBA Game Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Bet you didn’t have ‘Golden State Warriors rookie destroys Luka Doncic during postgame rant’ on your Bingo card to begin the season. Yaxel Lendeborg, expected to be the future of the Warriors, absolutely demolished Luka in his postgame comments after going up against him on opening night as the Warriors faced the LA Lakers.
Lakers Make Significant Move To Cut Roster For Season Opener Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect This was something that seemed to be in the cards for the last several weeks, but now it’s official. The Los Angeles Lakers have waived recent first-round pick Dalton Knecht. That makes them roster-compliant heading into the new season this week, at 15 standard contracts. And it means that Bronny James has made the cut. The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht, sources told @ClutchPoints.
Crushing News For Ben Simmons — His Comeback Season is Done
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect A brutal way to finish off the preseason for a seemingly revitalized Ben Simmons. After five years of being an afterthought in the NBA, Simmons was on the comeback trail and looking close to his old self in training camp with the Sacramento Kings. But a devastating injury has put an end to his comeback season before it begins.
Crushing News For Ben Simmons — His Comeback Season is Done
A brutal way to finish off the preseason for a seemingly revitalized Ben Simmons. After five years of being an afterthought in the NBA, Simmons was on the comeback trail and looking close to his old self in training camp with the Sacramento Kings. But a devastating injury has put an end to his comeback season before it begins.
Report: Maple Leafs deliver message to rivals on trade assets
The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their third straight loss Saturday night, 4-1 to the New York Islanders. The situation on the blueline remains troublesome, and we have heard from multiple sources that GM John Chayka is looking to add defensive help. But the latest on this subject comes to us from insider Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Night Hockey . He reports that Chayka is not looking for a “Band-Aid solution,” but is willing to move a desired trade asset for the right return.
Report: Maple Leafs Deliver Message To Rivals On Trade Assets
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their third straight loss Saturday night, 4-1 to the New York Islanders. The situation on the blueline remains troublesome, and we have heard from multiple sources that GM John Chayka is looking to add defensive help. But the latest on this subject comes to us from insider Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Night Hockey.
Report: Maple Leafs Deliver Message To Rivals On Trade Assets
The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their third straight loss Saturday night, 4-1 to the New York Islanders. The situation on the blueline remains troublesome, and we have heard from multiple sources that GM John Chayka is looking to add defensive help. But the latest on this subject comes to us from insider Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Night Hockey. He reports that Chayka is not looking for a “Band-Aid solution,” but is willing to move a desired trade asset for the right return.
Report: Maple Leafs Deliver Message To Rivals On Trade Assets
The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered their third straight loss Saturday night, 4-1 to the New York Islanders. The situation on the blueline remains troublesome, and we have heard from multiple sources that GM John Chayka is looking to add defensive help. But the latest on this subject comes to us from insider Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Night Hockey. He reports that Chayka is not looking for a "Band-Aid solution," but is willing to move a desired trade asset for the right return.
‘That Was A Mistake’: Media & Leafs Nation Up In Arms Over Inexplicable Gavin McKenna Benching Original
It started with fans watching Thursday night’s Toronto Maple Leafs game. Some began wondering in the third period, ‘Where’s Gavin McKenna?’ There he was, sitting on the bench. But head coach Jim Hiller simply never called his name after the midway point of the second period, straight through to the end of overtime of the 5-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. What was that all about? It appears that no one surrounding the Leafs—media and fans alike—has any idea.
Maple Leafs Reveal Ominous Timeline for Chris Tanev Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect This is clearly not the news the Toronto Maple Leafs were hoping for. The team’s top defenseman Chris Tanev has now been listed as “week to week” after his injury suffered on the weekend against the Colorado Avalanche.
4 Teams Looking At Trades As NBA Opening Night Approaches Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The 2026-27 NBA season tips off in days. The final roster deadline is at 5 p.m. ET on October 19th. Teams are scrapping to get down to their final rosters, trying to plug any remaining holes and address luxury tax considerations. To that end, at least four teams have been identified as looking to make trades before finalizing their squads going into the season. Insider Jake Fischer gives us the latest.
Tanev Injury ‘Dramatically Alarming’ For Maple Leafs Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Let’s get something out of the way first: Goaltender Anthony Stolarz didn’t do the Toronto Maple Leafs any favors in their 5-4 loss in Utah to the Mammoth Tuesday night. If the backup netminder hadn’t surrendered a couple of softies, we might be talking about another stunning Leafs’ road win. But a weak effort from Stolarz aside, the Toronto defense is still a huge question mark.
Knicks Decision For Final Roster Spot Down To 2 Players: A Former Champion & A Former 2nd Overall Pick Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect As the NBA season gets set to tip off next week, it’s time for teams to trim their rosters and hand out those final contracts. For the NBA champion New York Knicks, it appears to be down to a decision between two veterans for the 14th spot on the roster. But do they go with a former champion in guard Bruce Brown, or a former No. 2 overall pick in center James Wiseman?
Karl-Anthony Towns very disappointed in latest Knicks move
With an NBA championship to defend, the NY Knicks don't want the distractions of contract extensions this season. The team announced over the weekend that it has tabled all talks on new contracts until much later on in the campaign. But that news has 6-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns ‘very disappointed.' According to James L. Edwards III in The Athletic, Towns isn't happy that a new contract won't be coming imminently. “It was news to me. Very disappointed to say the least.
Karl-Anthony Towns ‘Very Disappointed’ In Latest Knicks Move
With an NBA championship to defend, the NY Knicks don't want the distractions of contract extensions this season. The team announced over the weekend that it has tabled all talks on new contracts until much later on in the campaign.
Karl-Anthony Towns ‘Very Disappointed’ In Latest Knicks Move
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect With an NBA championship to defend, the NY Knicks don’t want the distractions of contract extensions this season. The team announced over the weekend that it has tabled all talks on new contracts until much later on in the campaign.
Karl-Anthony Towns ‘Very Disappointed’ In Latest Knicks Move
With an NBA championship to defend, the NY Knicks don’t want the distractions of contract extensions this season. The team […] With an NBA championship to defend, the NY Knicks don’t want the distractions of contract extensions this season. The team announced over the weekend that it has tabled all talks on new contracts until much later on in the campaign. But that news has 6-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns ‘very disappointed.’ According to James L.
Chris Tanev Injury A Dark Cloud After Maple Leafs Stunning Win Over Avalanche Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect It was the early-season ‘Game of the Year’ for the new-look Toronto Maple Leafs. The old guard led the way, with William Nylander’s five points and Auston Matthews’ two goals and four points. But the newcomers made their mark as well. No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna had one of his most noteworthy games, edging over the 15-minute mark in ice time, and emerging as a regular on the first power play unit. He did not look out of place, to say the least.
Maple Leafs’ McKenna Benched in OT For Second Straight Game – Here’s Why Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The NHL’s top prospect entering the 2026-27 season got off to a bit of a slow start through the first three games. Gavin McKenna didn’t register a point and didn’t make much of an impact through that 1-2-0 start for the Toronto Maple Leafs. But he arrived in a big way in Tuesday’s exciting comeback overtime win over the Nashville Predators. The 18-year-old recorded his first NHL assist, and his first goal—and it was a beauty. MR.MCKENNA.
Matthew Knies opens up on trade from Maple Leafs: 'Shocked', 'Upset'
The jury is still out on the blockbuster trade that sent Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the eve of the regular season, in exchange for burgeoning young star forward Matthew Knies Knies, 23, had signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension ($7.75M AAV) with the Leafs in June of 2025, and only just completed the first season of that last year. He was thought to be a core piece of the team's future, playing alongside Auston Matthews on the top line.
Matthew Knies Opens Up On Trade From Maple Leafs: ‘Shocked’, ‘Upset’ Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The jury is still out on the blockbuster trade that sent Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the eve of the regular season, in exchange for burgeoning young star forward Matthew Knies. Knies, 23, had signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension ($7.75M AAV) with the Leafs in June of 2025, and only just completed the first season of that last year.
Simon Edvinsson Could Be Maple Leafs’ Next Big Trade Target Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ blockbuster deal to bring in Kirill Marchenko on the eve of the regular season sent shockwaves throughout the league. The flashy Russian has already shown his chops with some invigorating play for the Buds. But it wasn’t even 24 hours after that deal that rumors already began to fly about general manager John Chayka looking to make yet another move to bolster the Leafs lineup. This time, on the back end.
Former NHL GM/Head Coach Urges Big Lineup Changes for Maple Leafs Original
It’s only been two games heading into the weekend, but there are already some hot takes around Toronto about what the Maple Leafs should be doing with their lineup. With the slow start of hotshot rookie Gavin McKenna, and the red-hot start of second-year man Easton Cowan, the chatter is picking up. Head coach Jim Hiller has already insisted that he isn’t inclined to change up Cowan’s spot on the third line.
Easton Cowan Not Moving Up The Lineup, Despite Hot Start for Maple Leafs Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect With all the fuss about newcomers Kirill Marchenko, Gavin McKenna and Sergei Bobrovsky, and the usual hype around Auston Matthews, Easton Cowan seemed like a forgotten man coming into the 2026-27 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. That is clearly not the case anymore after the first two games of the season. Cowan has been the most impressive Leaf on the ice, playing the best hockey of his young career.
With 12 new players, Maple Leafs a work in progress after Game 1
“It's just the start of a long journey.” Those were the words of wisdom of head coach Jim Hiller after the Toronto Maple Leafs' first game of the season. Truer words couldn't be spoken. The team underwent massive turnover in the offseason, with no less than 12 new players. Hiller himself is a newbie behind the bench. And it all certainly looked like it in the season-opening 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
With 12 New Players, Maple Leafs A Work In Progress After Game 1 Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect “It’s just the start of a long journey.” Those were the words of wisdom of head coach Jim Hiller after the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first game of the season. Truer words couldn’t be spoken. The team underwent massive turnover in the offseason, with no less than 12 new players. Hiller himself is a newbie behind the bench. And it all certainly looked like it in the season-opening 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Maple Leafs Pull Blockbuster Deal to Land Kirill Marchenko Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been looking for offensive bite for their top-six all summer long. It’s also true that for the past several months, Matthew Knies’s name was in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. With not one, but two general managers. That old saying, ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ has never been truer than in this case.
Maple Leafs Set To Cut Ties With Steven Lorentz Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The bottom six for the Toronto Maple Leafs has gotten awfully crowded after the offseason maneuvering of new GM John Chayka. And it appears that Steven Lorentz will be one of the odd men out. The #leafs are placing Steven Lorentz on waivers this afternoon. — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 24, 2026 Insider Chris Johnston was the first to report that the Leafs are placing the fourth-liner Lorentz on waivers on Thursday.
Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Makes Outrageous Claims About $500M Contract Original
To say that this was a disappointing season for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays is a massive understatement. After a legendary postseason run that had the Jays literally inches away from a World Series triumph, the face of the franchise took a legendary pratfall this season… flat on his face. Toronto’s $500 million man, in the first season of that insane 14-year, half-a-billion dollar extension, has just nine home runs, 56 RBIs and a .695 OPS.
Morgan Rielly Is Back, But New Role With Maple Leafs Comes Into Question Original
So Morgan Rielly didn’t get traded this offseason after all. The Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to find a willing trade partner to take on the veteran defenseman. It had seemed, at the end of last season, that his days in Toronto were numbered, and trade possibilities were sought out. But whether it was Darnell Nurse beating them to the punch by being the first overpaid D-man on the trade block to get moved, or just simply no other decent offers coming along, Rielly remains a Leaf.
Jalen Duren Drama Reaching Breaking Point With Pistons Original
Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect All summer long, Jalen Duren has felt “disrespected” by the Detroit Pistons. Why? They were offering the restricted free agent only somewhere between $150M and $190M as the talks progressed. Now, Detroit has finally come up to the $200M mark that their All-Star center was demanding. But according to insider Shams Charania, that still might not be enough “respect” for Duren.
NHL's top prospect Gavin McKenna got ‘chills' taking the ice for first time with Maple Leafs
It may have wound up in a loss, but it's only the preseason. No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna , however, already felt the love from the fans in his first time in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, skating in the exhibition schedule opener Saturday night. It was super cool. I know I got this fan base behind me, it feels good. I think when you hear that, you get almost chills. So it was pretty cool. On the ice, the rookie phenom got plenty of ice time to show his stuff, at 20:39 TOI.
NHL’s Top Prospect Gavin McKenna Got ‘Chills’ Taking The Ice for First Time With Maple Leafs Original
It may have wound up in a loss, but it’s only the preseason. No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, however, already felt the love from the fans in his first time in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, skating in the exhibition schedule opener Saturday night. Gavin McKenna says even though it was a preseason game, hearing the ovation he got from the crowd in Toronto is something he’ll never forget: “It was super cool. To know I got this fan base behind me, it feels good.
Pistons hand out massive extension to Ausar Thompson, while Duren standoff continues
At least one cornerstone has been locked up in Detroit. The Pistons have agreed to terms on a massive five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with Ausar Thompson. Ausar joins his brother Amen (Houston Rockets) as the first pair of brothers in NBA history to each receive a $100 million deal, per Shams Charania . The two have signed for a total of $363 million this offseason. The $155M is fully guaranteed for the Pistons' young forward.
Pistons Hand Out Massive Extension To Ausar Thompson, While Duren Standoff Continues Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect At least one cornerstone has been locked up in Detroit. The Pistons have agreed to terms on a massive five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with Ausar Thompson. Just in: Detroit Pistons All-Defensive forward Ausar Thompson has reached agreement on a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale contract extension, sources tell ESPN.
Maple Leafs Nation Already Debating Gavin McKenna’s Place In Lineup Original
TSN insider Chris Johnston dropped an interesting nugget on us this week, indicating that No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna might not be given the keys to Maple Leaf-dom just yet. While most observers expected (hoped?) that McKenna would line up with Auston Matthews on the top line, Johnston says he’s hearing otherwise: At least early on here, my sense is that the Maple Leafs are going to take things easy with McKenna.
Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies Opens Up About Surviving Offseason Trade Rumors Original
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect No doubt this was a tough offseason for Matthew Knies. That loud ringing in his ears was the trade rumor buzz that carried on incessantly since the end of last season. The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ blossoming power forward opened up on Tuesday for the first time about surviving it all, still with the Blue & White. He calls himself fortunate.
Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors Is Finally Completed by Clippers Original
Credit: USA TODAY Sports Two and a half months after it was agreed upon in principle, the Kawhi Leonard trade back to the Toronto Raptors is back on. The LA Clippers have finally agreed to complete the deal, just hours after owner Steve Ballmer released a statement saying that he has accepted the NBA’s punishment for the alleged Leonard secret funds scandal.
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