For the final time in May, we congregated for another edition of Leafs Morning Take as we inch closer and closer to what is sure to be a busy stretch for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

We covered a lot of ground as Jay Rosehill returned to the mix following a two-day hiatus. Firstly, we gave our thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final rematch between Edmonton and Florida. For what it’s worth, we’re split on what’s going to happen. I took the Oilers, Rosey has the Cats.

Then, we continued our dissection of Brad Treliving’s presser on Thursday. Most importantly, we talked about what a DNA change would look like. Indirectly, you would have to think that Treliving was telling us that Mitch Marner won’t be coming back. Furthermore, we had a lengthy conversation about Sam Bennett. Rosey doesn’t like the fact that there’s already negative PR on the player and he hasn’t even signed in Toronto yet. That’s why they call it the Big Smoke, folks.

Brought to you by Charm Diamond Centres, Oshawa Generals captain and Toronto’s 2024 first rounder Ben Danford joined us. We got a recap of his year in the Ontario Hockey League, his offseason mindset, and how he evolved into a physical player. Danford gave a lot of love to both Jake Muzzin and Chris Tanev, two players he was very fond of growing up. Lastly, he dished on playing Easton Cowan in the OHL Final and what makes him such a good player.

After that, we tackled the Jonathan Toews conversation. Earlier this week, the 37-year-old notified his agent Pat Brisson that he’s 100% committed to making a return to the NHL next season. Naturally, we talked about a potential fit in Toronto for the three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Additionally, we discussed Pierre LeBrun’s reporting that Morgan Rielly isn’t open to waiving his no movement clause this summer and Seattle’s hiring of Lane Lambert as their next head coach.

Lastly, for the CRISPI HOT TAKE OF THE DAY, presented by the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer, Producer Vick thinks the Leafs are better off taking a page from their 90s handbook and signing a bunch of older veterans, rather than taking a swing for a big fish.

Have a nice weekend! Talk on Monday at 11 AM ET!

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