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Steve Kouleas makes the case for a Leafs rebuild: Leafs Morning Take
By Nick Alberga
May 22, 2026, 13:30 EDTUpdated: May 22, 2026, 12:42 EDT
The Montreal Canadiens continue to get the job done.
In emphatic fashion, they put the REST vs. RUST debate to bed in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, pummelling Carolina 6-2 after the Hurricanes had 12 days off between series. With that, both perceived underdogs – Montreal and Vegas – have drawn first blood in the Conference Finals.
That’s where the conversation started on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take.
Meantime, we tackled Mike Gillis‘ appearance on Sekeres & Price alongside Matt Sekeres and guest co-host Patrick Johnston on Thursday. The former Vancouver Canucks executive delivered a very candid interview, detailing what actually transpired during the Leafs’ interview process. Most notably, he pointed out that much of the reporting surrounding the situation was inaccurate. All signs point to things never getting particularly close between Gillis and the Leafs. Reading between the lines, it certainly sounded like he was more interested in a President-type role.
Meantime, we discussed the recent shift in narrative around Auston Matthews. After speculation suggested the Maple Leafs captain might be uncertain about his future in Toronto, the picture now appears much clearer — he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Matthews wants to win in Toronto and remains committed to the organization. Like any elite player, he was simply looking for clarity on the team’s direction. That said, the timing of all this is notable, especially in the context of the coaching change last week involving Craig Berube. It certainly raises some interesting questions about how all these moving pieces connect.
After that, longtime SiriusXM NHL host Steve Kouleas joined the show for a brutally honest conversation about the state of the Leafs. Kouleas explained why he believes Toronto’s Stanley Cup window is officially closed and why the organization should seriously consider a rebuild. He also discussed what the Leafs can learn from the playoff success of the Montreal Canadiens, Mitch Marner’s resurgence in Vegas, and Toronto’s ongoing coaching search — including why Jay Woodcroft feels more like a “rebuild coach.” Plus, Kouleas offered a memorable line when he joked that the Leafs team that eventually wins the Stanley Cup is probably “12 or 13 years old playing major peewee right now.”
That will do it for another week of Leafs Morning Take. Be sure to tune in Monday — Sid Seixeiro is scheduled to join the show once again.
Have a great weekend!
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