Through two games of the Stanley Cup Final, the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights have put on an absolute show.

Game 2 was FANTASTIC.

Seth Jarvis potted the OT winner as Carolina outlasted Vegas 4-3 to even up the series at one game apiece. Naturally, that’s where the conversation started on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take as I did the show from Circa Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas —ahead of Game 3.

With Carolina’s comeback win in Game 2, the Stanley Cup Final is now essentially down to a best-of-five. It really felt like the Hurricanes were on the ropes if they couldn’t find a way to claw back in that game.

Meanwhile, we also previewed a pivotal Game 5 in the AHL Eastern Conference Final as the Toronto Marlies host Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with the series tied 2-2.

Elsewhere, two bombshells dropped around the NHL on Thursday afternoon. First, we dissected David Pagnotta’s report that the Maple Leafs and Canadiens had a Matthew Knies trade completed prior to the deadline before it ultimately fell through due to filing complications. While the proposed package may have been fair on paper, our feeling is that if you’re trading a player like Knies to a division rival, you need to decisively win the deal. Based on the reported return, that’s hard to argue.

The bigger question is this: what was the plan? If you’re moving a player like Knies, are you rebuilding or simply retooling? The report raised plenty of questions about Toronto’s long-term direction.

We also touched on reports that Dylan Larkin wants out of Detroit and discussed potential landing spots, including Toronto. While the fit makes sense on paper, we’re not convinced it would be wise for the Leafs to move a player like Knies for a 29-year-old Larkin. Given where the organization currently sits, the timing just doesn’t seem right.

One thing’s for sure: it’s shaping up to be a fascinating offseason across the NHL.

After that, Hall of Fame blueliner Chris Pronger stopped by for a really interesting conversation. Most notably, he weighed in on the Knies stuff. Pronger questioned whether the Leafs would’ve received enough value in the reported package and stressed the importance of understanding exactly what level of player you’re giving up when trading someone like Knies. He also discussed Larkin’s reported desire to leave Detroit, Auston Matthews’ influence on the organization’s future, Toronto’s coaching search, and what the Leafs should do with the No. 1 overall pick.

That will do it for another week of Leafs Morning Take. Coming up on the Monday edition, Bruce Boudreau will be in for Rosie as co-host. Rest assured, we will have a lot to discuss. Have a great weekend!

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