Leo Carlsson may be the highest paid player in the NHL, but he’s not going anywhere.

On Thursday, the Anaheim Ducks announced that they were matching the five year, $90 million offer sheet handed out by the Philadelphia Flyers.

That’s where the conversation started on the latest edition of Leafs Morning Take. What now? David Pagnotta, who was in for Jay Rosehill as co-host, broke it all down.

So, what does this mean for the Maple Leafs? Pagnotta hit on that as the Ducks look to move some salary. Additionally, Dave dished on what else Chayka could have up his sleeve, the Morgan Rielly situation, and if Patrick Kane in Toronto would make sense.

Meantime, John Chayka continues to reshape the organization behind the scenes. In total, the Maple Leafs reportedly parted ways with 11 long-time employees, headlined by Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser and director of amateur scouting Mark Leach. Some of the departures were surprising, especially given how highly regarded those individuals had become. In a matter of weeks, Toronto has gone from six assistant general managers to just two—Ryan Hardy and Judd Brackett. Naturally, we discussed what all of this means and whether there’s such a thing as too much change. From top to bottom, the organization has undergone a complete overhaul. We’ll see how everything works out.

On top of all that, Steve Sullivan was named the ninth head coach in Marlies franchise history. Sullivan, who has longstanding ties to John Chayka dating back to their time together with the Arizona Coyotes, replaces John Gruden, who was promoted to Jim Hiller’s coaching staff earlier this week. Meanwhile, Mark Giordano has been elevated to assistant coach, joining goaltending coach Hannu Toivonen and video coach Nick Biamonte on the Marlies’ staff.

Fresh off winning the Calder Cup with the Toronto Marlies, Leafs prospect Ben Danford stopped by to reflect on a whirlwind few months that saw him wrap up his junior career, turn pro, and capture an AHL championship. The 2024 first-round pick discussed the smooth transition to the Marlies, the impact of mentors like Mark Giordano and John Gruden, and his excitement for training camp. Danford also made his goal for next season crystal clear: earn a spot on the Maple Leafs’ opening-night roster.

The next episode of Leafs Morning Take will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET.

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