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John Chayka replaces Maple Leafs' Swedish forward after multiple roster moves

On July 1st, Chayka went and brought in nearly an entire new bottom-six and effectively replaced whatever Jarnkrok brought to the table.

Hockey Patrol7/10/2026
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4 Free-Agent Destinations for Michael Bunting

Michael Bunting continues to be one of the better free-agent wingers left on the open market. The pesky forward is mulling over several offers, as he's certainly being patient with his decision on which team he's going to play for next season, and beyond. Bunting, 30, appeared in 61 games for the Nashville Predators last season before being moved to the Dallas Stars for their stretch, and Stanley Cup Playoff run. Bunting combined for 14 goals and 19 assists in 74 games, and also had one assist in his lone playoff game. Heading into next season, Bunting has been talking to a number of teams about a two, or three-year contract, and his hope is to land as long as term as possible. Bunting's expected to sign for $3.5 - $4.5 million AAV, and likely will push for a limited no-trade clause. As far as potential destinations go, the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs have held contract talks with Bunting's representatives, and could certainly close the deal here. Both teams know Bunting extremely well and it's more likely the Senators land Bunting out of these two Ontario teams. Another team to consider - the Montreal Canadiens. They need another top-nine winger and Bunting's pesky style of play could complement Montreal's group a ton. The Habs have over $13 million in cap space and GM Kent Hughes isn't done making roster adjustments. Bunting could find a home on the Canadiens' third line and if an injury occurs, has experience playing in the top six, with some pretty big names. Bunting's also been on the radar of the Edmonton Oilers, who are in a weird spot with trade cap after almost two weeks of free agency. Bunting knows the roster well, he's just going to have to decide if he wants to play for Mike Babcock. Would you be interested in the Oilers spending a portion of their remaining cap space on Michael Bunting? Presented by @bet365ca pic.twitter.com/yd2lAZafhx — Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) July 7, 2026

NHL Trade Rumors7/10/2026
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Maple Leafs are being ruthless with their front office changes

The Toronto Maple Leafs let go one of their longest-tenured personnel in their latest surprise move at the management level

Editor In Leaf - Edward Eng7/10/2026
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Anaheim will pay Toronto to take a 37-goal scorer

Anaheim still has a massive RFA on the books in Cutter Gauthier, but only $ 9 million left in cap space.

Hockey Patrol7/10/2026
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Friday FTB: John Chayka remakes the Leafs front office

And it's likely they aren't finished yet.

Pension Plan Puppets - Cathy Squires7/10/2026
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NHL insider gives major update on Maple Leafs' pursuit of 4 veteran forwards

David Pagnotta joined EJ Hradek on Toronto Sports Rush to break down the latest Maple Leafs trade rumours. Here is the update on Toronto's search for 4 veteran forwards.

Editor In Leaf - Jeremy Franks7/10/2026
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5 Landing Spots For Kraken Trade Candidate Shane Wright

For teams still in the market for a center, the pickings have become awfully slim around the NHL. The UFA market has been almost completely picked clean of any high-upside pivots. That's why teams are turning to trades to address their needs more and more this summer. Sure, Dylan Larkin is still out there, supposedly, but his three- or four-team trade list doesn't help the other 28 teams around the league. So, how about Shane Wright? The Seattle Kraken's 4th overall pick (2022 Draft) has another year left on his entry-level deal, and he's out there for the taking. The team is working with his camp to try to find a deal. Great draft pedigree, and strong two-way player. But he hasn't produced as expected. Wright posted just 12 goals and 27 points this past year in 74 games with Seattle, with his average time on ice dropping to just 13:48 per game. Clearly, a change of scenery seems to be what's best for everybody involved. With that, Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff lists five potential landing spots for Wright, in alphabetical order. 5 destinations that make sense for trade candidate Shane Wright Calgary Flames A young team that's building, the 22-year-old makes a ton of sense for the Flames. They already pulled off a big trade for another disappointing top-5 pick from Wright's draft class, Simon Nemec. Wright would fit in with what GM Craig Conroy is trying to do in Calgary. " The Flames are still actively searching for more help up the middle, and while they’ll still probably try to land their future cornerstone at that position through the draft, it’s also not every day that a recent No. 4 overall pick becomes available." Gould suggests that the Flames could dangle Connor Zary or Morgan Frost in a potential return for the Kraken. Both of those players have been all over the rumor mill this summer. Chicago Blackhawks "(GM Kyle) Davidson is willing to be aggressive in his bid to bring the Blackhawks back to relevance, and a player like Wright could be a nice fit behind (or alongside) Connor Bedard — assuming he’s none the worse for wear after his shoulder surgery." And as Gould adds, Wright would be given much more rope to go out and prove himself in Chicago, than he's gotten in Seattle. New Jersey Devils Wright would be a Plan B for the Devils after their offer sheet for Barrett Hayton was matched by the Utah Mammoth. Wright's and Hayton's numbers were eerily similar last season, as are their draft pedigrees (Hayton was the 5th overall pick in 2018). Pittsburgh Penguins If there was ever a player that fits the mold of what GM Kyle Dubas is trying to acquire for the Penguins, it's Wright. Young, high-upside, underperforming to this point in their career. Toronto Maple Leafs After a flurry of moves already this offseason, new GM John Chayka isn't done yet. And while he has brought in a slew of bottom-six centers, none of them has the upside that Wright possesses. Gould notes that with Auston Matthews only signed for two more years and John Tavares now age 35, they need "a succession plan" down the middle. " It seems natural to bring in an Ontario boy with more than enough versatility to slide cleanly into Toronto’s forward group." No, Gould does not include the Philadelphia Flyers on his list, even though they were left holding the bag when the Anaheim Ducks matched their offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. Sure, Wright is a center, like Carlsson. But obviously, nowhere near of the same impactful variety. And reports are that the Flyers aren't necessarily looking to go right back out looking for another center.

NHL Trade Rumors7/9/2026
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Hayley Wickenheiser is leaving the Maple Leafs and she announced it herself

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser is stepping away from the Toronto Maple Leafs an announced the decision on her personal Instagram on Thursday.

Hockey Patrol7/9/2026
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New Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan on Mark Giordano’s promotion: “He is an elite hockey mind who will get a great opportunity…

New Toronto Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan joined TSN Overdrive to discuss the process behind landing the Marlies job, his experience running the Leafs power play last season, working with John Chayka and team management, and the famous clip of the fan interaction in Colorado during his playing days. Take us through how it all [ ] The post New Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan on Mark Giordano s promotion: He is an elite hockey mind who will get a great opportunity to run the D and the PK appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .

Maple Leafs Hot Stove - MLHS Staff7/9/2026
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Maple Leafs Make Sweeping Front Office Layoffs

The new-look Toronto Maple Leafs just made more sweeping changes to the front office, laying off 11 long-time employees. The new Maple Leafs took the axe to 11 longtime employees on Wednesday. Among those let go: longtime scout, Dave Morrison; director of amateur scouting, Mark Leach; assistant GM Darryl Metcalf and many from the analytics department. @koshtorontosun with more on this ... — Steve Simmons (@simmonssteve) July 9, 2026 The analytics and scouting departments took big hits. Darryl Metcalf is getting the boot. He was known to have an analytical approach in his post of Assistant General Manager, Hockey Research Development. Additionally, Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach was let go, as well as Dave Morrison, Senior Advisor, Player Personnel. New GM John Chayka is very analytics-focused, and obviously wants to bring in his own team to oversee that part of the game. Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reports that a source indicated three more members of the analytics department, including Director, Hockey Systems, Wesley Waldner, analyst Bruce Peter and developer Andrew Low were dismissed as well. #Leafs GM John Chayka released a statement on the staff departures today. “As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues. These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the… — David Alter (@davidalter) July 9, 2026 “As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues," Chayka wrote in a statement. "These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the commitment of the impacted people. We are sincerely grateful for everything they have contributed to this organization and wish them nothing but the very best in the future.” But that's not all. Hayley Wickenheiser has also announced that she has been let go after eight seasons in the organization, by releasing a statement in an Instagram post. Hayley Wickenheiser has announced via Instagram that she will NO LONGER be a part of the Maple Leafs organization: “For the past eight seasons, it has been an incredible honor to work for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the last few days, John Chayka and I had several discussions… pic.twitter.com/UVJmq20lXE — Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) July 9, 2026 "Over the last few days, John Chayka and I had several discussions about my role moving forward. During those conversations, my expectation was that I would be in a position to continue to have a significant impact within the organization. However, it became clear that his leadership group envisioned a different path."

NHL Trade Rumors7/9/2026