James Nichols
You couldn’t paint two more opposite pictures when looking at the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The former made a hire that was universally loved. The latter made a hire that called upon the firing squad, and boy did they hit their targets.
Whether you liked the line of questioning or didn’t, there’s certainly reason for skepticism in the Maple Leafs’ new direction.
Whereas in New Jersey, there’s only reason for optimism. Trust me, if there were any blips on Mehta’s radar, he’d have been asked.
There’s none… yet.
But what we’re seeing transpire in Toronto is astounding. Yes, there was the pipebomb promo by Steve Simmons. But he’s not the only Toronto-based media that came out swinging.
And to think the Devils’ shrewd move to swipe Mehta out from under Toronto’s feet was pretty much the start of this whole thing.
More on both the Devils causing chaos in Toronto, and the siege the Maple Leafs are under in the links below.
You really won’t want to miss this.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Monday’s news conference in Toronto just goes to prove how the Devils ambushing Sunny Mehta from the Maple Leafs means the ownership really got it right with their newest hire.
Abroad, two Swiss Devils join Team Switzerland ahead of the 2026 Men’s IIHF tournament, while one remains sidelined with injury.
📺 Devils Rink Report: Tonight is the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery! The Devils have low odds to move up in the draft order, but it’s not impossible! Will they stay at 12, move up to No.2, or perhaps fall backwards?
Tune in with us at Devils Rink Report LIVE as soon as the Devils’ selection is locked in for an instant reaction and analysis of the potential fallout. Subscribe! 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: One of the New York Rangers‘ biggest drawbacks is their inability to properly develop young talent. So, what’s next after they canned their coaching staff with AHL Hartford?
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s why the decision for the Pittsburgh Penguins to re-sign Evgenii Malkin is difficult, but not complicated.
Boston Hockey Now: Marco Sturm admits he was fine with the Boston Bruins not having a captain in their postseason run. But does that mean he doesn’t want on moving forward?
Philly Hockey Now: Have the Philadelphia Flyers found a center in Denver Barkey? He’s making the case as Philly navigates the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Montreal Hockey Now: After defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs, who are the Montreal Canadiens MVPs thus far?
Toronto Hockey Now: If you didn’t believe me when I said the Devils caused chaos swiping Mehta out from under Toronto, believe the media up north themselves. The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting trashed by the media for their new regime.
The Athletic ($): Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they were peppered with and struggled to answer the question of the day. “Why John Chayka?”
