It may be a foreign concept in these parts but it sure is something to see star players make big plays at important times.

That’s exactly what happened in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final as Leon Draisaitl scored the OT winner off a filthy pass from Connor McDavid to proper Edmonton to a 1-0 series lead.

Obviously, we kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take with initial thoughts on the rematch opener as Carter Hutton subbed in for Jay Rosehill. In addition to dissect Edmonton’s big boys, we did touch on Stuart Skinner’s importance. The Oilers netminder made some massive stops down 3-1 and 3-2. It won’t be talked about as much but we felt he played a huge role in the Game 1 victory.

Meantime, now that it’s been confirmed that the Leafs have interest in free agent veteran centre Jonathan Toews, we discussed what happens next in the process. On top of that, we wondered what a fair expectation would be for the 3x Stanley Cup champion, who hasn’t played in a NHL game in over two years. Long lay off or not, his experience and poise would be a big asset to the Maple Leafs.

After that, brought to you by Charm Diamond Centres, former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler dropped by the show. He weighed in on Game 1 of the Cup Final and where he sees the Leafs compared to the Oilers and Panthers right now. Also, Wheels discussed his experience playing in the dreaded North Division during the pandemic, and to that point, what it was like over the years playing against the Core Four. He also dished on a potential Jonathan Toews fit in Toronto and what he thinks of the Leafs under Craig Berube.

Jay Rosehill will be back in the mix for the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll tee up Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, talk about the latest surrounding the Leafs, and we’ll play our recorded interview with Easton Cowan from earlier this week.

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