After nearly a weeklong of anticipation, the Stanley Cup Final will begin in earnest tonight when the Edmonton Oilers host the Florida Panthers for Game 1.

Of course, Edmonton’s trying to avenge their Game 7 loss from a year ago as the two teams get together for their highly anticipated rematch.

At any rate, we were hot under the collar to begin the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. That’s because according to a Tweet from its official account on X, the CN Tower is set to be lit orange and blue in support of the Edmonton Oilers. Putting it bluntly, we think that’s soft. This is Toronto. Regardless of who the team is, there’s no need to do stuff like this. It certainly won’t help the city’s perception of being soft around the league —that’s for sure. Additionally, we did talk further about Game 1. To clarify, we want to see Connor McDavid do well and win. That’s it, that’s all. We could care less about the rest of the team.

Meantime, we did touch base on the latest media musings surrounding the Leafs. It’s a lot of the same stuff that we’ve discussed. Elliotte Friedman thinks Vegas makes “a lot of sense” for Mitch Marner. Meantime, Chris Johnston thinks Carolina and Chicago, among others, are preparing big offers for the free agent winger. Also, Friedman added that he thinks Bennett likely stays in Florida.

Then, brought to you by Charm Diamond Centres, Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons stopped by the show. We got his thoughts on the Cup Final as it pertains to the Maple Leafs. How far off from Edmonton and Florida are the Maple Leafs? On top of that, Steve weighed in on Bennett to Toronto, all the Marner/Tavares hoopla, and his honest interpretation of what a DNA change would look like. Lastly, Simmons had a lot to say about the state tax debate making its rounds on social media right now. He doesn’t give it as much merit as others.

Lastly, for the CRISPI HOT TAKE OF THE DAY, presented by the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer, Producer Vick thinks that if the Leafs really want to make a significant upgrade up front, they need to consider moving one of their goalies this summer.

Carter Hutton will be in for Jay Rosehill on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll talk Game 1 of the Cup Final, some Leafs, and former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler is scheduled to join us, too.

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