Step into the lab.
This is the Leafs Lab Podcast, hosted by Michael (LeafZone44) and Jordan (Willyston Riellander), a space built for deeper thinking around the Toronto Maple Leafs. When the conversation around this team stays surface-level, we go the other direction. Every episode breaks down not just what's happening, but why it's happening—from roster decisions and systems to front office philosophy and long-term vision.
If you’re looking for hot takes, this isn’t it. This is where analysis meets curiosity, where every angle gets examined, and where the details actually matter.
Welcome inside the lab, let’s get to work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
The Leafs Lab Ep. 21: Are the Leafs actually better?
Are the Leafs turning a corner, or are we getting ahead of ourselves?
On this week's episode of The Leafs Lab:
(1:40) Leafs vs. Utah recap
(20:30) First month analysis
(41:35) Top 3 positive surprises
(51:00) Top 3 disappointments
(58:57) Dylan Samberg trade fit
(1:08:15) Kucherov trade request discussion
Intro music by Chad Walt
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13 (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13))
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/ (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/))
Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Leafs Lab Podcast. You can find us on all platforms, and Instagram/TikTok—just search The Leafs Lab Podcast.
Follow us on Twitter @nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews)) and @TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44)). Reach out with any questions, topics, or ideas you’d like us to cover.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Oct 2026
The Leafs Lab Ep. 20: Do the Leafs Have a Goalie Controversy?
Bobrovsky or Stolarz? The Leafs have two options in net—but who should get the starts?
On this week’s episode of The Leafs Lab Podcast, we break down Toronto’s games against Calgary and Seattle: the players and lines that stood out, whose play is improving, and who still looks concerning. (1:03)
Then, we tackle the Bobrovsky vs. Stolarz debate. With Bobrovsky posting a 3.29 GAA and .885 save percentage compared with Stolarz’s 2.79 GAA and .907 save percentage, should Leafs fans be worried? We discuss how Toronto should split the starts—and whether there’s a real goalie controversy brewing. (13:52)
We also explore the shift in the Leafs’ culture and identity. What feels different about this team, who’s driving that change, and how has Toronto taken on the identity of its fourth line? (33:22)
Plus, we work through line combinations without John Tavares and Kirill Marchenko: who fills the gaps, who needs to step up, and how the forward group should look. With Chris Tanev potentially returning Saturday, we also discuss how to arrange the defence pairs. (45:43)
Who gets the crease—and who steps up when key players are missing? Let’s get into it.
Subscribe to The Leafs Lab Podcast and leave a review to help more Leafs fans find the show.
Intro music by Chad Walt
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13 (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13))
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/ (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/))
Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Leafs Lab Podcast. You can find us on all platforms, and Instagram/TikTok—just search The Leafs Lab Podcast.
Follow us on Twitter @nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews)) and @TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44)). Reach out with any questions, topics, or ideas you’d like us to cover.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
21 Oct 2026
The Leafs Lab Ep. 19: Is Hiller Holding the Leafs Back?
The Leafs got the win. But are they making life harder than it needs to be?
On this week’s episode of The Leafs Lab Podcast, we break down Toronto’s games against the Sharks and Blue Jackets: the biggest positives, lingering concerns, and the players and lines that stood out. (0:51)
Then, we dig into Jim Hiller’s approach to protecting leads. Are the Leafs playing too safe late in games, and how much comes down to coaching versus player execution? We discuss what we’ve liked—and what still needs work—in Hiller’s system. (27:07)
We also unpack life without John Tavares: who fills his spot at centre, how Toronto replaces his offence, and who needs to step up beyond Matthews and Nylander. (50:12)
Plus, Jordan comes prepared with a new top trade target—and an extra option. We respond to a listener’s argument that the Leafs shouldn’t buy, weigh your trade proposals from both teams’ perspectives, and pick the best realistic deal and the most interesting bold swing. (51:30)
The Leafs are finding ways to win. Are they finding their identity? Let’s get into it.
Intro/Outro music by Chad Walt
Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13 (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gaejVfjk7KebwksgFtw13))
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/ (https://www.instagram.com/officialchadwalt/))
Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Leafs Lab Podcast. You can find us on all major platforms—just search The Leafs Lab Podcast.
Follow us on Twitter @nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews (https://x.com/nylanderthews)) and @TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44 (https://x.com/TheLeafZone44)). Feel free to reach out with any questions, topics, or ideas you’d like us to cover.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
