The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from hoisting Lord Stanley.

That’s where the conversation started on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take as I flew solo. Nikolaj Ehlers picked up three assists, while Jordan Staal scored again — because of course he did — as Carolina doubled up Vegas 4-2 in Game 5 to grab a 3-2 series lead. Now, they will have a chance to close out the Stanley Cup Final in Sin City on Sunday night. Even though John Tortorella swatted away Jonny Lazarus’ post-game question about Adin Hill, it’s a fair discussion to have at this point. Carter Hart has allowed four goals in each of the first five games of the series. Meanwhile, Brandon Bussi has come up with a number of timely saves and, ultimately, has provided a significant spark for the Hurricanes.

After that, I hit on Nikita Kucherov walking away with the Hart Trophy before getting to my interview with Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden ahead of the Calder Cup Final. He praised the group’s resilience, highlighted the support of the Marlies fan base, and previewed a tough championship matchup with the Chicago Wolves. Gruden also touched on several key Leafs prospects, including Easton Cowan, Artur Akhtyamov, Jacob Quillan, and Ben Danford. He lauded Cowan’s maturity and ability to bounce back from adversity, while praising Akhtyamov’s quiet confidence and stellar postseason play. To wrap things up, Gruden addressed Toronto’s ongoing coaching search. While confirming the Leafs haven’t reached out to him during the Marlies’ playoff run, he made it clear that coaching in the NHL remains a goal and that he feels ready for that opportunity when it comes.

Then, New Hamilton Hammers head coach Jay McKee stopped by to discuss his move from Brantford to the AHL and his goal of coaching in the NHL one day. He also offered high praise for Leafs prospect Ben Danford, comparing his game to Chris Tanev and Gustav Forsling while projecting him as a future shutdown defenceman. McKee believes Danford is very close to being NHL ready. To wrap up, he weighed in on Toronto’s coaching search and the idea of NHL teams looking to the minor leagues for coaching talent.

Piggybacking off that conversation, I hit on Joe Pavelski’s comments from a charity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe on Thursday. Essentially, he confirmed his involvement in the process, but didn’t elaborate much past that. Personally, if I were the Leafs, I would take my time with this. I would want to talk to John Gruden, and I’m still curious about Bruce Cassidy, too.

Over in Edmonton, Darnell Nurse would reportedly like a fresh start. Naturally, I looked at whether the Leafs should have interest in the Hamilton native. For me, it’s not a fit. After everything he’s been through in Edmonton, a quieter market — preferably outside of Canada — probably makes more sense. The only way I’d consider it is if the Oilers retained a significant chunk of his $9.5 million cap hit. And no, I’m not a fan of the Rielly-for-Nurse talk, either.

You can subscribe to TheLeafsNation (TLN) YouTube channel HERE. Additionally, we’re available in podcast form, too —wherever you get your podcasts. While you’re at it, be sure to leave us a 5-star review!