Draft and #Leafs Writer @TheHockeyWriter. Co-host of @StixInThe6ixPod. Interned at The Hockey News. Hockey Coach. Cartoon Nerd.
Articles by Peter Baracchini
Maple Leafs’ Penalty Kill Has Elevated to New Heights Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs special teams has had its ups and downs over the last few seasons. It has either gone hot for a stretch of games or extremely cold. Last season, their penalty kill had a favourable result as they were top-10 in the league with an 81.2% success rate. This season, not only is it once again one of their strengths, the Maple Leafs penalty kill has been absolutely dominant as it seems that nothing can get by them when they’re down a man.
Maple Leafs’ Defence Remains a Cause for Concern
There have been some positives for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews looks to be dominant once again, Gavin McKenna’s transition has looked pretty decent, despite a questionable lineup decision and William Nylander looks to lead the team in offense. The main issue for the Maple Leafs last season was trying to keep the puck out of the net. Nine games into the 2026-27 season, that remains to be the case for them as that is the only blemish of the season so far.
Maple Leafs’ Defence Remains a Cause for Concern
There have been some positives for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews looks to be dominant once again, Gavin McKenna’s transition has looked pretty decent, despite a questionable lineup decision and William Nylander looks to lead the team in offense. The main issue for the Maple Leafs last season was trying to keep the puck out of the net. Nine games into the 2026-27 season, that remains to be the case for them as that is the only blemish of the season so far.
Maple Leafs’ Marchenko Silencing Critics After Hat Trick Performance
Previously, I wrote an article on why the early criticism of Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna was completely unwarranted. McKenna responded with a multi-point effort and got more comfortable with the games that followed along with his production. Not even a week later, major media outlets have shifted their focus to another new arrival in Kirill Marchenko.
Maple Leafs’ Marchenko Silencing Critics After Hat Trick Performance
7 hours ago The province, home to most of Canada’s proven oil reserves, will vote Monday on whether to seek to begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation. EDMONTON, Alberta — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a final appeal to voters considering a path toward independence in his …
Maple Leafs’ Marchenko Silencing Critics After Hat Trick Performance
Previously, I wrote an article on why the early criticism of Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna was completely unwarranted. McKenna responded with a multi-point effort and got more comfortable with the games that followed along with his production. Not even a week later, major media outlets have shifted their focus to another new arrival in Kirill Marchenko.
Maple Leafs’ Matthews Bounce Back is Due to Two Key Factors
The Toronto Maple Leafs are six games into their season and while there are plenty of things to be excited for; one thing that fans should be elated about is the play of captain Auston Matthews. Coming into the season, many were hoping that Matthews could have a rebound after two very sub-par seasons that weren’t to his standards. During an interview before the preseason started, Matthews said that this was the best that he has felt in some time, health-wise.
Maple Leafs’ Matthews Bounce Back is Due to Two Key Factors
Canadian Basketball 1 hour ago Raptors sign 7-foot-5 centre Jamarion Sharp CBC News - The Canadian Press • 1h The Toronto Raptors have signed centre Jamarion Sharp, the NBA club announced on Monday.
Maple Leafs’ Matthews Bounce Back is Due to Two Key Factors
The Toronto Maple Leafs are six games into their season and while there are plenty of things to be excited for; one thing that fans should be elated about is the play of captain Auston Matthews. Coming into the season, many were hoping that Matthews could have a rebound after two very sub-par seasons that weren’t to his standards. During an interview before the preseason started, Matthews said that this was the best that he has felt in some time, health-wise.
Pundits Need to Drop the Criticism of Maple Leafs’ McKenna Original
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gavin McKenna recently recorded both his first point and goal in a 5-4 overtime win against the Nashville Predators, four games into his NHL career. It was definitely a feel-good moment for McKenna as he was able to find the score sheet. Though, there’s already a lot of criticism to start his career from pundits in the media. From missing an optional skate to not producing as a first overall pick should, McKenna heard it. Even though his play wasn’t terrible to start.
Maple Leafs’ Patience Paying Off With Simon Edvinsson’s Trade Request
With the season in full swing there are still a number of players that have quite a few question marks surrounding them. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hasn’t played a game due to not reporting to camp and Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin’s situation is getting more tense. Now, the Red Wings have to deal with another issue regarding one of their young defenders in Simon Edvinsson.
Maple Leafs’ Patience Paying Off With Simon Edvinsson’s Trade Request
With the season in full swing there are still a number of players that have quite a few question marks surrounding them. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hasn’t played a game due to not reporting to camp and Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin’s situation is getting more tense. Now, the Red Wings have to deal with another issue regarding one of their young defenders in Simon Edvinsson.
Maple Leafs’ Cowan Excelling in Potential Breakout Season Original
There are plenty of standouts for the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the season, but none have stood out more than the play of forward Easton Cowan. It’s three games, but he has really been the most consistent Maple Leafs forward in terms of his impact and results. He’s off to a great start with three points and his play continues to catch everyone’s attention.
Maple Leafs Improve After Acquiring Marchenko in Blockbuster Trade
As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches for the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager John Chayka was busy ahead of the season opener, making a massive blockbuster with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Maple Leafs acquired forward Kirill Marchenko along with Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins for Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional second-round pick. It was a move that shocked the hockey world as rosters needed to be finalized.
Maple Leafs Improve After Acquiring Marchenko in Blockbuster Trade
As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches for the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager John Chayka was busy ahead of the season opener, making a massive blockbuster with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Maple Leafs acquired forward Kirill Marchenko along with Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins for Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional second-round pick. It was a move that shocked the hockey world as rosters needed to be finalized.
Maple Leafs Improve After Acquiring Marchenko in Blockbuster Trade
Hockey 1 hour ago Big Plans in Toronto Might Have Changed Thanks to the Marchenko Trade yardbarker.com - James Reeve • 1h On the eve of the 2026-27 NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a trade that could have a significant impact on how the team lines up on offence. … Canadian Hockey 2 hours ago Bad news emerges on Kirill Marchenko after Leafs trade - is this why Columbus wanted him out?
4 Things We Learned From Maple Leafs in Preseason Original
The preseason is over and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ regular season is just around the corner. While the Maple Leafs lost both games against the Montreal Canadiens, they were able to win both against the Ottawa Senators. While these games don’t really have any merit to them, they did present us with some storylines that helped us learn more about the team. Here are four major ones that stood out to me.
5 Maple Leafs Standouts From the Preseason
The Toronto Maple Leafs preseason has concluded as their second series of split squad games were completed against the Ottawa Senators. After losing both games against the Montreal Canadiens, they won both against the Senators. These preseason games serve as a tune-up for the start of the regular season. Even though you don’t want to try and draw too many conclusions from them, they’re still important in terms of who impressed and who didn’t.
5 Maple Leafs Standouts From the Preseason
The Toronto Maple Leafs preseason has concluded as their second series of split squad games were completed against the Ottawa Senators. After losing both games against the Montreal Canadiens, they won both against the Senators. These preseason games serve as a tune-up for the start of the regular season. Even though you don’t want to try and draw too many conclusions from them, they’re still important in terms of who impressed and who didn’t.
The Maple Leafs Are Doing the Right Thing Easing in McKenna Original
Heading into training camp, many wondered how the Toronto Maple Leafs would utilize Gavin McKenna as he entered his rookie season. After days, even months of speculation since he got drafted, we finally have our answer. During the practices and even his first game, the top prospect in the organization lined up with John Tavares and William Nylander as his first line mates and impressed instantly.
Auston Matthews Healthy; Wants to Prove Everyone Wrong Original
If there’s one thing that Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews would like to do, is to get back to being the elite premiere goal scorer that he has shown to be before the last few seasons. Last season was Matthews’ worst productive season where he missed out on the 30-goal mark and had only 53 points. He saw multiple stints on the injury reserve, including a grade 3 MCL tear that ended his season. He’s definitely one player that everyone is going to keep a close watch on this season.
Nick Blankenburg’s PTO Could Be Underrated Move for Maple Leafs Original
Training camp for the Toronto Maple Leafs is about to get underway as well as the 2026-27 season. There was a slew of offseason changes for the Maple Leafs, especially on defense where the emphasis was more mobility and speed on the backend. The additions of Darren Radydsh and Emil Andrae show that, but bringing in right shot defenseman Nick Blankenburg on a professional tryout definitely makes it known that they want more puck movement and efficiency on the backend.
Seven Maple Leafs standouts at the 2026 Prospect Challenge
Toronto Maple Leafs hockey is finally back, as the annual Prospect Challenge took place in Gatineau, Quebec. The Maple Leafs’ prospects took on the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets, losing 4-3 to the Senators in overtime in the first game and winning 6-4 in the second game against the Jets. While it was exhibition style games, it was the first real game action for a lot of these prospects as they gear up for their own respective seasons.
7 Maple Leafs Standouts at the 2026 Prospect Challenge Original
Toronto Maple Leafs hockey is finally back, as the annual Prospect Challenge took place in Gatineau, Quebec. The Maple Leafs’ prospects took on the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets, losing 4-3 to the Senators in overtime in the first game and winning 6-4 in the second game against the Jets. While it was exhibition style games, it was the first real game action for a lot of these prospects as they gear up for their own respective seasons.
Maple Leafs Look Different on Paper Heading Into 2026-27 Season Original
After a disappointing season where they finished last in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference, it was new territory for the Maple Leafs to not only miss the playoffs, but to witness the poor performance night in and night out. With a slew of offseason changes both in the front office and with the roster and staff on the ice, the Maple Leafs have a new look and mindset heading into the camp.
2027 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s Top 32 Preseason Rankings Original
With the completion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and junior hockey leagues about to get underway, the 2027 NHL Draft season is in full swing. It just feels like yesterday that the 2026 Draft just finished. Now, the shift focuses to the next crop of prospects looking to get the attention of NHL scouts. This year’s class is going to be a fun one to watch.
2027 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s Top 32 Preseason Rankings
Sports 3 days ago NHL draft pick flips from St. Thomas to Minnesota after father joins Gophers staff bringmethesports.com - Tony Liebert • 3d Gophers hockey added another significant commitment on Thursday afternoon. Brett Larson has had a busy first offseason as head coach of Gophers … Hockey 3 days ago Presumptive 2027 first-overall pick drawing comparisons to Cale Makar milehighsticking.com - Nestor Quixtan • 3d It might seem like it’s way too early to be talking about the 2027 NHL Draft.
Morgan Rielly Would Benefit From a Reduced Role on Maple Leafs’ Defence
It was definitely a season to forget for Toronto Maple Leafs defender Morgan Rielly. He saw his lowest point total over the last five seasons and was the talk of trade rumours leading up to the start of the offseason. That’s tough for anyone to be in that spotlight, especially for a player that has stuck with the team that drafted him and has been through the highs and lows. Rielly was open about everything and the dedication he has for the team is there and admirable.
Morgan Rielly Would Benefit From a Reduced Role on Maple Leafs’ Defence
It was definitely a season to forget for Toronto Maple Leafs defender Morgan Rielly. He saw his lowest point total over the last five seasons and was the talk of trade rumours leading up to the start of the offseason. That’s tough for anyone to be in that spotlight, especially for a player that has stuck with the team that drafted him and has been through the highs and lows. Rielly was open about everything and the dedication he has for the team is there and admirable.
5 Marlies Players to Watch in 2026-27 Season Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t meet expectations this season as it was one to forget. However, it definitely was one to remember for their American Hockey League affiliate, Toronto Marlies as they surprised everyone with a playoff run that ended with them winning the Calder Cup. It was a team victory as everyone played their part in securing the second championship in franchise history.
3 Maple Leafs Under the Microscope in 2026-27 Original
Missing out on the postseason after making it to the second-round the previous season is never an ideal situation to be in. That was the case for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season where they didn’t meet expectations and had their worst result in the Auston Matthews era. It was disappointing to say the least as everyone was talking about the fallout.
5 Maple Leafs Prospects Flying Under the Radar in 2026-27 Original
I recently posted my top-10 Toronto Maple Leafs prospects for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The pool is much deeper now than it has been compared to previous years, with Gavin McKenna, Ben Danford and Artur Akhtyamov leading the way. Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Report Marlies KHL, NCAA and SHL (The Hockey Writers) While I couldn’t fit all the players into that list, some just missed out but still have a lot of potential, upside and impact for the future.
Predicting Gavin McKenna’s Rookie Season With the Maple Leafs Original
The 2026-27 rookie class should shape up to be a great one as the race for the Calder Trophy is now on. There are a lot quality names that will be in the mix, including Philadelphia Flyers’ Porter Martone, San Jose Sharks’ Ivar Stenberg, Boston Bruins’ James Hagens and of course, Toronto Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna. McKenna is the most highly touted prospect to suit up for the Maple Leafs since Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander entered the league.
2027 Draft-Eligible Standouts at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Table of Contents Landon DuPont, D, Canada Brock England, C, Canada Brock Cripps, D, Canada Lukáš Kachlíř, D, Czechia Tomas Selic, RW, Slovakia Gavin Burcar, C, USA Other Notable Standouts The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup is now in the books after Canada captured their 26th title with a dominating 8-1 performance against Team USA. Canada was setting the tone early on and didn’t look back as they were too much to handle for the Americans.
3 Key Questions the Maple Leafs Must Answer Early in 2026-27 Original
While talk and chatter has slowed down, it was an eventful offseason for Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka. From excelling at the NHL Draft, to re-shaping his roster in free-agency, he had a busy month of July. As we get closer to the start of the 2026-27 season some questions are going to start to arise. With a number of new and veteran players added to the roster, there are many factors that will play a part in a successful season for the Maple Leafs.
9 2027 Draft-Eligible Players to Watch at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
It only felt like yesterday that the 2026 NHL Draft took place. Now, we’re already looking forward to the 2027 Draft season as it kicks off with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Last year, Team USA took home the gold, while a number of players got their chance to get an early head start to increase their draft stock.
9 2027 Draft-Eligible Players to Watch at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Icon version of the Flipboard logo Hockey 1 hour ago How Canadiens Prospects Performed at the 2026 Summer Showcase thehockeywriters.com - William Bourget • 1h The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase wrapped up Saturday, August 1st.
9 2027 Draft-Eligible Players to Watch at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
It only felt like yesterday that the 2026 NHL Draft took place. Now, we’re already looking forward to the 2027 Draft season as it kicks off with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Last year, Team USA took home the gold, while a number of players got their chance to get an early head start to increase their draft stock.
Maple Leafs’ Top 10 Prospects for 2026-27 Season Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect system last season was very bare to say the least. Aside from Easton Cowan and Ben Danford, there weren’t any standout names that had big upside. After winning the draft lottery to select Gavin McKenna and a season where some of their prospects took major steps forward with big performances, the Maple Leafs’ system has improved tremendously as a result.
Maple Leafs’ Top 10 Prospects for 2026-27 Season
Toronto Maple Leafs 1 day ago Maple Leafs Trade Pitch Reunites With Former 6-Foot-6 Prospect heavy.com - Michael DeRosa • 1d The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the NHL’s busiest teams this offseason.
Maple Leafs’ Chayka Makes His Mark on First Day of Free Agency Original
Days after Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka aced the 2026 NHL Draft, he immediately shifted his focus to the official start of the season with the Free Agent Frenzy. On July 1st, he was open for business and he made it a point to rebuild the team and make them playoff ready once again. Chayka definitely sought out and made his mark; improving the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six and secondary scoring.
Maple Leafs, Chayka Come Out of 2026 NHL Draft With Great Haul of Prospects Original
The 2026 NHL Draft is officially in the books and the Toronto Maple Leafs definitely needed to bolster their prospect pool. It was a weak pipeline overall and it was up to general manager John Chayka and the scouting staff to try and fix it. They did just that as he quickly restocked it with a whole lot of quality talent and depth for the future. A day after drafting Gavin McKenna, the Leafs kicked off their second day with the 60th pick and a slew of third-round selections.
Ducks Draft Marcus Nordmark 28th Overall Original
With the 28th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks have selected Marcus Nordmark from Djurgårdens IF of Sweden’s U20 Nationell. Marcus Nordmark entered the 2026 NHL Entry Draft as one of the most skilled and polarizing forwards in the class. The Stockholm-born right wing is a creative, dual-threat offensive player who can make plays low in the zone or off the rush, with the puck skills to flip a game on his own.
Winnipeg Jets Draft Viggo Bjorck 8th Overall Original
Bjorck had a very memorable second half to increase his draft stock and move up the rankings. While that was the icing on the cake, he was a consistent player with his production and overall play throughout his draft season. No matter what level he played at and despite his 5-foot-9, 181-pound frame, he excelled and got results. Bjorck produced 15 points in 46 SHL games and didn’t look out of place, holding his own and constantly creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Gavin McKenna Ready for Future With Maple Leafs After Being Taken 1st Overall
While there was debate about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs could take Ivar Stenberg first overall, it was obvious that Gavin McKenna was the clear-cut option for them. From general manager John Chayka meeting him in Whitehorse before the draft combine to the event itself where he dominated the testing, it was set in stone that he would be the top pick. The Maple Leafs finalized that by selecting him first overall.
Maple Leafs’ Top Prospects Will Benefit From Marlies’ Calder Cup Run
Eight years removed from their last and first championship, the Toronto Marlies are the top team in the American Hockey League winning their second title after knocking off the Chicago Wolves in five games. While this Marlies team didn’t have any marquee names, they had a number of strong veteran players like Logan Shaw, Dakota Mermis, Alexander Nylander and Vinni Lettieri to lead the way. They were resilient and worked hard to get their desired outcome.
Maple Leafs’ Top Prospects Will Benefit From Marlies’ Calder Cup Run
Eight years removed from their last and first championship, the Toronto Marlies are the top team in the American Hockey League winning their second title after knocking off the Chicago Wolves in five games. While this Marlies team didn’t have any marquee names, they had a number of strong veteran players like Logan Shaw, Dakota Mermis, Alexander Nylander and Vinni Lettieri to lead the way. They were resilient and worked hard to get their desired outcome.
5 Options for Maple Leafs With 85th Pick in 2026 NHL Draft Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs added some more draft capital to their cupboard for the 2026 NHL Draft after acquiring the Philadelphia Flyers’ 85th overall pick in the Emil Andrae trade. Making it four picks in the top 100 selections, it definitely gives the Maple Leafs more options to snag another prospect that potentially could have some upside.
John Chayka’s First Move as Maple Leafs GM Has Potential & Upside Original
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka made his first move of the offseason by moving on from Joseph Woll, sending him to the Philadelphia Flyers along with Simon Benoit for defender Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson and the 85th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. While this trade may not seem like a major needle mover, as there needs to be other improvements on the backend, it’s one that needed to get done.
5 Forward Options for the Maple Leafs with 69th Pick in 2026 NHL Draft Original
As we inch closer to the 2026 NHL Draft, the talk around potential options for the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to rise as there are plenty of names that stand out and could potentially be game-changing players for the future. The second and third round picks are always important as they have the potential to become hidden gems later on. If the Maple Leafs land on a prospect and they start to see results, it’ll be beneficial. Like what they’re seeing with Tinus Luc Koblar.
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