Ryan O’Reilly dishes on being a Maple Leaf & reveals the real reason he didn’t re-sign in Toronto: Leafs Morning Take

At last, we had a Maple Leafs game to preview.

Seriously, I’m so over this schedule.

At any rate, we kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by talking about Zach Hyman’s recent hot streak. We all know social media’s a cesspool to begin with. That said, it’s hit a fever pitch lately with Oilers fans suggesting that Hyman’s somehow on par with Auston Matthews. Anyone ever heard of the Connor McDavid effect?

Presented by Door Dash, The Appetizer focused on the big news from Wednesday: John Klingberg will have hip surgery at the end of December and is done for the season. Furthermore, the Leafs finally have some clarity with respect to cap space. We’ll see what they elect to do between now and the trade deadline.

Meantime, thanks to the Wendy’s Daily Faceoff Survivor, we previewed the second instalment of the Battle of Ontario. A month ago, the Sens waltzed into Toronto and pulled out a 6-3 victory. It’s time for the Leafs to return the favour in Kanata. The two teams are separated by eight points, and with a regulation victory – which is a rarity these days – the Leafs would be 10 points up on Ottawa. Big one in the nation’s capital!

Additionally, courtesy Sober Carpenter, ahead of his return to Toronto on Saturday, Nashville Predators No. 1 centre Ryan O’Reilly dropped by the show. We discussed his decision to leave, free agency, his return, and what it meant to him to be a Maple Leaf. It was a lot of fun, so make sure you go and check that out.

Join us on Friday at 11 AM ET as we recap Toronto/Ottawa plus look ahead to Saturday night’s tilt at home against the Preds. Also, Luke Schenn, who will also be making his return to Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night, stops by for his third all-time appearance on the show.