Just like that, the Leafs are back from the mini three-day holiday break.

And damn, they will have to contend with the potential new coach bump in Detroit. In case you missed it, on Boxing Day, the Wings fired Derek Lalonde and hired Todd McLellan, who according to reports, was in the running for the Toronto job this past summer.

The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta filled in for Jay Rosehill as co-host on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We kicked off the show by talking about Christmas and how full we are – as Italians – from all the eating. It’s a physical and emotional battle, it really is. After that, we talked a bit about the Leafs recalling Matt Murray and reassigning Dennis Hildeby to the AHL. In short order, Hildeby posted a shutout for the Marlies last night. Love to see it!

Brought to you by Charm Diamond Centres, we offered up a weekend preview. As mentioned, the Leafs and Red Wings will hook up for a third time on Friday night. Judging by the morning skate, it looks like Joseph Woll will get the call. In theory, the Leafs should be dialled in following back-to-back regulation losses where they allowed a total of 11 goals. Meantime, it appears Chris Tanev will return after missing Monday afternoon’s game against Winnipeg. He’s officially listed as a game-time decision. Also, Craig Berube said Auston Matthews won’t play this weekend.

The Leafs will host Washington on Saturday night. Alex Ovechkin, who’s been out since November 18^th with a broken leg, could be on track to make his return for the red-hot Capitals. Of course, Ovechkin needs just 27 goals to pass Wayne Gretzky. The race is on!

After that, we played another edition of Leafs Morning Take. We debated whether or not Easton Cowan will be a Leaf this time next year, if Auston Matthews will play in the 4 Nations, and if the Leafs will trade one of their current top 9 forwards between now and the trade deadline.

To wrap, we answered the Great Clips inbox question of the week. We were asked about Matthews and the potential of the Leafs LTIRing him for the rest of the regular season. Yeah, good luck with that. At this point, it seems unlikely.

Carter Hutton will be in for Jay Rosehill on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM ET as we recap Toronto’s return to the ice following the break plus look ahead to their final game of 2024.

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If you haven’t done so already, be sure to get your payments in for the first EVER TLN Nation Vacation. Join us from Thursday, March 20^th to Sunday, March 23^rd as we take our talents to Music City to watch Toronto play Nashville. As part of the unique experience, we will also be offering up some podcast recordings at Love & Exile Winery & Bar in East Nashville. BOOK TODAY!!