Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Thomas Williams
John Tavares leaves game after scary crash that leave Leafs fans worried
The Toronto Maple Leafs were coasting along to potentially a solid win over a divisional rival when disaster struck. Center John Tavares had a horrific collision that caused him to be helped off the ice and head straight down to the tunnel. In the early moments of the third period, with the Leafs holding a 4-2 lead over the visiting Buffalo Sabres thanks to a Kirill Marchenko hat trick, something awkward and a little scary happened.
Jim Hiller explains why he benched Gavin McKenna in brutal Leafs loss
The Toronto Maple Leafs collapsed to a brutal 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres after holding a 4-2 lead into the third period. But beyond the loss of two points, the one major thing that stood out about Thursday night's game was that top rookie Gavin McKenna was held to just six minutes an 36 seconds of ice-time. Head coach Jim Hiller was asked after the game why McKenna barely played, and more specifically how he had zero shifts through the last 30 minutes of regulation.
Jim Hiller explains why he benched Gavin McKenna in brutal Leafs loss
The Toronto Maple Leafs collapsed to a brutal 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres after holding a 4-2 lead into the third period. But beyond the loss of two points, the one major thing that stood out about Thursday night's game was that top rookie Gavin McKenna was held to just six minutes an 36 seconds of ice-time. Head coach Jim Hiller was asked after the game why McKenna barely played, and more specifically how he had zero shifts through the last 30 minutes of regulation.
Jim Hiller explains why he benched Gavin McKenna in brutal Leafs loss
The Toronto Maple Leafs collapsed to a brutal 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres after holding a 4-2 lead into the third period. But beyond the loss of two points, the one major thing that stood out about Thursday night's game was that top rookie Gavin McKenna was held to just six minutes an 36 seconds of ice-time. Head coach Jim Hiller was asked after the game why McKenna barely played, and more specifically how he had zero shifts through the last 30 minutes of regulation.
John Tavares leaves game after scary crash that leave Leafs fans worried Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs were coasting along to potentially a solid win over a divisional rival when disaster struck. Center John Tavares had a horrific collision that caused him to be helped off the ice and head straight down to the tunnel. In the early moments of the third period, with the Leafs holding a 4-2 lead over the visiting Buffalo Sabres thanks to a Kirill Marchenko hat trick, something awkward and a little scary happened.
Auston Matthews isn’t hiding how much Chris Tanev’s injury hurts the Maple Leafs Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs just lost a key piece. Defenseman Chris Tanev went down with an injury during Saturday night's game against the Colorado Avalanche and according to multiple reports, the team has placed him on Injured Reserve and have already called up a replacement defenseman from the Marlies. It's a massive loss. Tanev is the player that a lot of the team depends on to be there to shut everything down in the Leafs' own zone.
Auston Matthews isn’t hiding how much Chris Tanev’s injury hurts the Maple Leafs
5 hours ago COLUMBUS, Ohio — A collection of notes, insights, ruminations and did-you-knows gathered throughout the week that was for the Columbus Blue Jackets: Item No. 1: No sleepers The Blue Jackets have had four first-round picks in the last three NHL drafts. Three of those prospects are playing U.S. college …
Maple Leafs just lost one of their most important defensemen
It might not have looked like much but it was after a collision with Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen in front of the Maple Leafs crease that then cause Tanev to leave the ice in some discomfort. It's unknown what it is but if it is an upper-body injury, you can only imagine the jab of Lehkonen's elbow, or something else on that play, caused him to get severely banged up. Tanev is not some sort of ironman, unfortunately.
Maple Leafs just lost one of their most important defensemen
Hockey 5 hours ago Maple Leafs face defense crisis after later report markerzone.com - Skyler Walker • 5h Chris Tanev suffered an upper-body injury Saturday night, leaving Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller with a serious problem on his blue line.
Maple Leafs shake up defensive pairings as they search for answers Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a good-not-great start to their 2026-27 season. They are coming back from three-goal deficits while also giving up three-goal leads. It's a big mixed bag of results so far but one thing has remained consistent throughout the first five games: The blue line needs some work.
Maple Leafs shake up defensive pairings as they search for answers
4 hours ago After years of planning and billions in spending, Rogers Communications Inc. RCI-B-T is in the final inning of its latest big move into sports – and Bay Street is watching closely. Rogers this month closed its $4.35-billion deal with Kilmer Sports Inc. to purchase its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & …
Auston Matthews has something to say about Mitch Marner’s Stanley Cup run Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs were visiting the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night and even if it has been over a year since it happened, it of course means one thing: Asking the team about Mitch Marner and seeing him on the other side.
Controversial call costs Maple Leafs a key defenseman Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night and while we can blame the team-wide collapse after having a three-goal lead in the first period, we are more than happy to point at the referees of having a disgraceful game. And now, the Leafs are facing a potential lengthy absence from a key defenseman.
Gavin McKenna earns his first NHL point in crucial goal
It was a long three games and one period, but Gavin McKenna finally earned his first career point during the Toronto Maple Leafs' Tuesday night game against the Nashville Predators. The monkey is off his back and now he can move on from having a few goose eggs in his stat line. It wasn't particularly pretty or impressive or anything remarkable, but most assists aren't.
The panic over Gavin McKenna is completely overblown
The Toronto Maple Leafs have their shiny first-overall pick once again. Unfortunately, Gavin McKenna didn't start his NHL career by scoring four goals in his first game and setting a certain expectation for what has been a tremendous decade. But the concern about him not being anything close to special is completely overblown.
One thing is working perfectly so far for the Maple Leafs Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't perfect this season. They have a 1-2-0 record after Saturday night's loss to the Ottawa Senators. Just looking at that win-loss ratio could cause some panic but they are looking so much better than their record suggests -- and the games are roughly a million times more enjoyable to watch than last season. But, there is one thing that is perfect so far for the Leafs and we can thank John Chayka and the rest of the front office and coaching staff for that.
One thing is working perfectly so far for the Maple Leafs
Claire Thompson 2 hours ago Olympic Gold Medalist Retires Young to Make Way for Next Chapter in Career essentiallysports.com - Meenu Tomy • 2h Walking away from hockey at 28 isn’t an easy decision for anyone, but for Canadian star Claire Thompson, another dream has been waiting patiently. … NHL 1 day ago Dylan Larkin walks out on the Red Wings after getting booed by fans houseofhockey.net • 1d Dylan Larkin was loudly booed by Red Wings fans at the home opener and walked off to the locker room.
Maple Leafs reportedly had another trade in the works after the Kirill Marchenko deal Original
It has now been a few days since the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to rattle the hockey world with a blockbuster trade to acquire star winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but apparently they were not done on that day.
Maple Leafs reportedly had another trade in the works after the Kirill Marchenko deal
4 days ago Kirill Marchenko trade rumors had swirled since the draft, and it came to fruition when the Columbus Blue Jackets dealt him to the Toronto Maple Leafs right before the NHL roster submission deadline on Monday, Sept. 28. The Blue Jackets get back forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz, defenseman …
2 lineup changes the Maple Leafs need to make right now. Original
We don't want a head coach that is putting the entire team into the line blender after one bad shift, but there needs to be some reaction to what we're seeing on the ice in the first two games of the Toronto Maple Leafs season. The Leafs starting 1-1-0 is perfectly fine and reasonable. The results are there but the process could certainly be better. Head coach Jim Hiller is sticking with the same lineup that he has had since the season started earlier this week and it could ultimately be a mistake.
2 lineup changes the Maple Leafs need to make right now.
The Canadian cable TV and telco giant picked up the remaining 25 percent stake it did not already own to take full control of the company behind the …
Nick Robertson just threw a not-so-subtle jab at the Maple Leafs Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs performed a roster overhaul over the summer. New general manager John Chayka was trimming some of the fat off the roster to inject the players he thought were better suited for his plan and how he wanted the Leafs to play. One of those players sent out was winger Nick Robertson. The 25-year-old winger was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins for nothing but a fourth-round pick and he is already making the Leafs regret it a little bit.
Auston Matthews could be headed to the Flyers in this shocking trade prediction Original
Ahead of the NHL season, it's time to make some bold predictions for what the next several months are going to involve. One now features a shocking blockbuster Auston Matthews trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, and a certain Russian player coming back. Over at Daily Faceoff, Matt Larkin decided to pull out 25 bold predictions ahead of the season.
Easton Cowan is proving he is untradeable for the Maple Leafs Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been searching for a young, homegrown player to perfectly complement the stars on their team. Two games into the 2026-27 season and they may have finally found their guy. Easton Cowan has hit the ground running to start this incredibly important year. In his sophomore season, through the first two games for the Leafs, he is leading the team with a goal and three total points and is looking just so good while doing it.
Nick Robertson is already making the Maple Leafs regret trading him Original
Former Toronto Maple Leafs players are scattered around the NHL but for some reason it feels like there is a larger possibility of these former players immediately making us wish they were still in Toronto. This past summer the Maple Leafs traded 25-year-old winger Nick Robertson to the Kyle Dubas-ran Pittsburgh Penguins for nothing but a fourth-round pick. The Leafs former general manager brought back a player he is very familiar with.
Nick Robertson is already making the Maple Leafs regret trading him
Sports 9 hours ago ASU hockey coach is put on leave; hospitalized player is unlikely to recover, family attorney says NBC News - By Suzanne Gamboa, Steve Patterson and David Douglas • 9h Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed during a sweltering workout in Arizona on Aug. 20 and suffered extreme heatstroke. Arizona State University announced Wednesday it has put hockey coach Greg Powers on leave following the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during a summer team workout. Mayich, 21, remains …
Jim Hiller reveals one lineup swap ahead of game vs. Islanders
They're getting right back to it. The Toronto Maple Leafs are hosting the New York Islanders in the second half of a season-opening back-to-back after their unfortunate 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in their season opener on Tuesday. Instead of sticking with the same lineup, head coach Jim Hiller is going to make one little swap. After morning skate on Wednesday, Hiller mentioned that 26-year-old forward Bo Groulx will be coming into the Leafs lineup against the Islanders.
Jim Hiller reveals one lineup swap ahead of game vs. Islanders
2 hours ago Head Coach Jim Hiller speaks to the media ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the New York Islanders. SUBSCRIBE: https://tml.hockey/3FvgtoG FOLLOW US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torontomapleleafs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleleafs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs #Leafs #LeafsForever #TorontoMapleLeafs
Maple Leafs may have another move coming after Kirill Marchenko trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs made the major decision to part ways with Matthew Knies and bring in the more win-now player and more skilled winger in Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday afternoon. It felt like the major move that would set them up for at least a few more months until we get into trade deadline season -- well, that's not quite right. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the Maple Leafs are not going to sit still after making the Marchenko blockbuster.
Darren Raddysh’s Maple Leafs debut could not have gone much worse Original
Auston Matthews had a terrific debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs that made us all think that he could be one of the best ever players in franchise history. Darren Raddysh had whatever the opposite of that is on Tuesday night. As the Maple Leafs opened their season against the Montreal Canadiens in front of Leafs Nation at Scotiabank Arena, they were icing basically an entirely new roster aside from the stars at the very top of their lineup.
Darren Raddysh’s Maple Leafs debut could not have gone much worse
1 day ago The Toronto Blue Jays are heading into a consequential offseason after a disappointing 2026 campaign. With several decorated veterans from the team’s World Series run last year — including George Springer, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber — now reaching free agency, Toronto’s front office has plenty of …
John Chayka reveals why the Maple Leafs targeted Kirill Marchenko Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs rattled a bit of the hockey world when they made a season-opening blockbuster trade to acquire star winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets. And while it might be as obvious as getting a very good player, we now know the specific reason why the Leafs targeted Marchenko. On the morning of the Leafs' season opener, general manager John Chayka addressed the media.
John Chayka reveals why the Maple Leafs targeted Kirill Marchenko
2 hours ago Ryan Leslie sits down with Gavin McKenna ahead of his NHL debut SUBSCRIBE: https://tml.hockey/3FvgtoG FOLLOW US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torontomapleleafs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleleafs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs #Leafs #LeafsForever #TorontoMapleLeafs
The Kirill Marchenko trade to the Maple Leafs almost didn’t happen
The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a blockbuster trade just over 24 hours before their season is set to begin, acquiring star winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets. But due to a certain deadline, the trade almost didn't happen.
The Kirill Marchenko trade to the Maple Leafs almost didn’t happen
The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a blockbuster trade just over 24 hours before their season is set to begin, acquiring star winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets. But due to a certain deadline, the trade almost didn't happen.
More players have been added to the Maple Leafs’ Kirill Marchenko trade Original
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly acquiring star winger Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in what should be an incredibly interesting early-season blockbuster trade. And now, we know more of the pieces involved. Hours have passed since Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman first reported that the Leafs are going to be landing Marchenko, but it has been very quiet since then.
More players have been added to the Maple Leafs’ Kirill Marchenko trade
Sports 1 hour ago Leafs reportedly acquiring a starting goalie in Kirill Marchenko blockbuster houseofhockey.net • 1h Elvis Merzlikins is reportedly heading to Toronto in the Kirill Marchenko blockbuster with Columbus, and Elliotte Friedman says the cap is why.
Maple Leafs closing in on Kirill Marchenko trade with Blue Jackets
The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting off the 2026-27 NHL season with a bang. They are reportedly closing in on a deal that will see them land Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Kirill Marchenko. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs and Blue Jackets are "deep in discussions" on a trade that would send Marchenko to Toronto. It is unknown what else would be included in the deal, but that could be the primary piece.
Maple Leafs put gritty forward on waivers in latest roster cut
The Toronto Maple Leafs are trimming down their roster and the latest move will be putting someone who was a regular in the lineup not too long ago, on the waiver wire. According to multiple reports, the Leafs are placing forward Steven Lorentz on waivers Thursday afternoon. The 30-year-old winger will need to clear to then be reassigned down to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, or he can be claimed by another team.
Maple Leafs put gritty forward on waivers in latest roster cut
The Kitchener, Ontario native played 71 games for the Leafs last season, scoring seven goals and 18 points while averaging 11:52 time-on-ice as a very solid fourth-line threat. Lorentz is not flashy in any way at all and gets about one shot on goal per game, but he was at least someone who could very well be relied upon as a rotation forward.
Gavin McKenna was on another level in the Maple Leafs’ preseason finale Original
There is a lot to get excited about for the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs season. Auston Matthews might be back to his old self. William Nylander is here and going to be the same scorer we know and love. Potential growth in young players like Matthew Knies and even younger ones like Easton Cowan. But, maybe bigger than all of that is seeing what Gavin McKenna can do.
Gavin McKenna was on another level in the Maple Leafs’ preseason finale
Adam Fantilli Sep 1 The Blue Jackets finally locked up Adam Fantilli — now the real pressure begins: Tim Bielik cleveland.com - Tim Bielik • 23d COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adam Fantilli is now locked into the Columbus Blue Jackets long term after he signed a six-year extension worth $13.75 million in … Miami Sports 22 hours ago Florida Panthers players are already annoyed with Brady Tkachuk houseofhockey.net • 22h Some Florida Panthers players reportedly weren't thrilled with Brady Tkachuk fighting...
Leafs finally reveal what's wrong with Dakota Joshua Original
The actual Toronto Maple Leafs season hasn't even started yet and we're already trying to figure out some mysteries. Luckily, Leafs general manager John Chayka finally gave us some key information that uncovered the truth. Dakota Joshua has been eeriely absent from some key Leafs practices during training camp the past week.
One stat that shows Auston Matthews is back in MVP form Original
The NHL preseason can only tell us so much. The results don't matter at all and since the rosters for each team can vary from 20 skaters who will all find themselves in the AHL next week, to basically having your full NHL lineup to show off to your home crowd; the individual performances can, again, only tell us so much.
One stat that shows Auston Matthews is back in MVP form
10 hours ago The Toronto Blue Jays entered 2026 with World Series aspirations after reaching the Fall Classic last October. Instead of meeting those expectations, though, their season has unraveled to the point where a playoff appearance at all in the beleaguered American League is becoming increasingly …
Maple Leafs forward is dealing with a mysterious new injury Original
There is a new mystery injury at Toronto Maple Leafs camp and it could affect some future plans to start the season. During Monday practice ahead of this week's final batch of preseason games, Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller was going through some of the current players who are out dealing with injuries and Dakota Joshua's name was brought up.
Maple Leafs forward is dealing with a mysterious new injury
Maple Leafs forward is dealing with a mysterious new injury Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller did not want to get into specifics regarding this injury. There is a new mystery injury at Toronto Maple …
Maple Leafs' new defensive pairings raise questions during preseason Original
Toronto Maple Leafs preseason is underway and the team will use this time to try and fine-tune their lineup -- and some other things, too. But now, we have a somewhat major change on the blue line after Saturday's pair of preseason games have come and gone. At team practice on Monday morning, the Leafs stuck to their original groups.
Maple Leafs' new defensive pairings raise questions during preseason
Sydney Sweeney 8 hours ago Monday Morning Halfback: Everyone involved in the Sydney Sweeney ad outrage got what they wanted The Globe and Mail - Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross • 8h Jamie Ross is the The Globe’s Sports editor; Cathal Kelly is the national sports columnist. Jamie Ross: Cathal, People were upset at Sydney Sweeney last week for her appearance in a sports gambling ad. What do you make of the backlash? Cathal Kelly: Were they upset? Actually upset?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Thomas
Contact Thomas, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack