Never underestimate the intensity of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Montreal Canadiens rivalry, even if it’s during a prospects tournament game.

The first period of Sunday’s game between Toronto and Montreal’s prospects teams turned into a heated affair, rather quickly. Maple Leafs forward Braeden Kressler dropped the gloves, taking on Canadiens forward Mark Estapa, after both players got tangled up by the boards.

Kressler submitted a good effort, while surrendering five inches and 20 pounds to the much larger Estapa. He’s not known at all for his physical play, but the Maple Leafs-Canadiens rivalry can often be transcendent.

The fisticuffs didn’t stop there. Maple Leafs forward Landon Sim proceeded to fight Canadiens defenceman Andrew MacNiel, a minute later. Both players landed some major shots and after getting off to a slow start, Sim wrestled MacNiel to the ground in a truly spirited bout.

The bad blood between both teams didn’t subside. Maple Leafs forward Sam McCue and Canadiens forward Tyler Thorpe entered a second period tilt. Both players landed a few punches, before Thorpe eventually wrestled McCue to the ground.

Toronto is looking to rebound from a 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators’ prospects team on Saturday. Maple Leafs top prospect Easton Cowan was a healthy scratch, with Borya Valis, Matthew Hlacar, Alex Pharand and Blake Smith also coming out of the lineup Sunday. Owen Conrad, Rylan Fellinger, Harry Nansi, Ryan Tverberg and Sam McCue were inserted into Sunday’s game.

The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens was certainly top of mind entering the weekend. Tyler Hopkins, Toronto’s third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, spoke about the importance of the game against the Canadiens, following Friday’s practice session.

“I’ve heard a little bit from the guys that played last year, (Ben) Danford was telling me that it was a pretty loud crowd,” Hopkins said.

“Expecting a fast, hard, competitive game. Everybody is trying to push their name, trying to make the team. Expecting a pretty spirited game. My dad wouldn’t have missed it for the world, he’s pretty excited. Playing against the Habs, which has been a big rivalry forever, and the first time he gets to see me in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. I think that’s the excitement for him, and for me.”