We Deserved Better: Our Take on the End of Another Leafs Era with Mike Augello

t’s the end of an era—and yeah, we’re feeling it. With Mitch Marner signing in Vegas, Leafs Nation is once again bracing for change. In this episode, we explore the emotional fallout from the trade, the highs and lows of free agency, and what the newest draft picks might bring to the table. Is this the start of a true identity shift for the Leafs, or just another rebrand with familiar results?

We welcome our Ladies Talkin' Leafs insider Mike Augello on to talk about the roster shakeup, and why this offseason might actually be different. (We said might.) From the buzz around John Tavares and Matthew Knies to what we’re hearing about potential moves to come, there’s a lot to unpack. With cap space still in play and a new vibe brewing, the big question remains: is this the start of something new—or just another reset?

One thing’s clear: Brad Treliving’s work is far from done. Replacing what Mitch Marner brought to the Leafs isn’t something that happens overnight—but if this team is serious about building a new identity, then every move matters. So far, it looks like “bleeding blue” is part of the blueprint, and honestly, we’re here for that. With the right pieces and a little patience, maybe—just maybe—this rebuild will be different.

Before we go, a programming note! We're going to chill on the patio for a bit, but we'll be back on August 6th to check in with you and the Leafs! Of course if any thing big happens we'll be back with a bonus episode, so be sure to subscribe! 'Til next time, stay cool Leafs Nation and Go Leafs Go!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings
05:29 NHL Draft Picks and Their Backgrounds
11:34 Roster Reshaping and Player Signings
17:35 Mitch Marner's Trade and Its Implications
23:27 Analyzing New Signings and Team Dynamics
29:35 Future Prospects and Development Camp
35:18 Fan Reactions and Team Outlook
41:29 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

https://hockeyhotstove.com/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://hockeyhotstove.com/leafs-expectations-on-free-agent-day/

https://podcast.feedspot.com/womens_ice_hockey_podcasts/

https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_maple_leafs_podcasts/

https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-announce-2025-development-camp-roster

https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/2025_nhl_draft_toronto_maple_leafs_picks_recap_and_opinions/s1_17662_42390924

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/size-was-a-big-factor-meet-the-2025-maple-leafs-draft-class/

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/mark-masters-with-john-tavares-locked-up-toronto-maple-leafs-set-focus-on-off-season-1.2328386

https://www.nhl.com/news/matthew-knies-signs-six-year-contract-with-toronto-maple-leafs

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/grading-mitch-marner-trade-toronto-maple-leafs-save-face-vegas-golden-knights-add-superstar-hertl-matthews

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/mitch-marner-trade-leaves-maple-leafs-dream-with-bitter-aftertaste/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/new-maple-leafs-centre-cup-winner-nicolas-roy-likes-to-play-in-big-moments

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/i-would-love-to-play-my-whole-career-here-inside-steven-lorentz-s-three-year-extension-with-the-maple-leafs

https://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-news-rumours-maccelli-holmberg-roy-lorentz/

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Creative Contracts and Crucial Calls: Leafs’ Free Agency Under Pressure