Maple Leafs Media Availability | Pregame at Detroit Red Wings | October 4, 2025

played in this this game in the past. What’s the feel like this kind of the preseason finale? Uh just to clean everything up. I think for me, I just want to feel good coming out of the game. Uh habits good, feeling the puck good. Obviously going to get an opportunity to touch the puck a little more. So I just want to feel good and ready to go for for uh the regular season. How have you felt about your game so far? It’s been all right. I mean uh just trying to do the best I can. Obviously part of this preseason game just to get back into it and I want to finish off strong here. Where do you feel like you can improve? Um, just execution again, summer trying to get out of the way. Um, nothing to it. I think just more reps, more comfortability, more confidence. You were mentioning yesterday Detroit’s a bit of a hometown game for you. How does it feel to play in the building? Yeah, it’s great. I mean, I got some my in-laws coming to the game. I I like playing in the I like flying in the way games of preseason playing, so I’m excited about it. Why do you like it? Uh, I think I’m just more focused for the game. I don’t know. I just feel like getting on the plane and and um playing a little more and and uh just having the opportunity to play in Detroit. I like playing Detroit. What do you what do you do on the plane? I’m I’m a napper. I’m a big napper, so that’s what I do. How many uh friends and family or you have tonight? Uh just a handful. Nothing crazy. Again, it’s just preseason game, but I got a couple uh handful of people. What are the emotions like when you go back in there playing Detroit? Nothing. Just excited. Nothing too much more than that. Um, again, I like I like playing in front of family and you know, I’m excited. What was the suburb you were in? Uh, it was in Northville. Yeah. What have the emotions been like for you at this training camp? It feels like almost a little Groundhogish for you, like you’re in that fight. Like, how would you describe what it’s like living this? Well, yeah, you got it right there. I mean, it’s something I’ve I’ve dealt with before. I mean, um I mean, obviously you want to to be playing more and you want to be in that consistent lineup, but um it is what it is. I mean, again, season starts about a week. Anything can change. So, uh, just got to be confident and play well. What stands out to you about Nobody at this camp? Uh, have you noticed him even, you know, faster or bigger in the net? Um, he’s just a very poised confidence. I think he’s a big goalie. He’s size an advantage and, you know, I’m pretty close to him and and uh I just wish him the best. I’m I’m excited for this opportunity he has. What What What’s he like off you guys? What kind of guy is he? He’s quiet. I mean, I’m the one driving him all the time, so I get to know him a little more than other guys. Uh he’s a quiet guy, but um you know I just love you know joking around with him and um he’s a really caring nice guy and uh kind of shy but I’m sure as he gets more comfortable more. He doesn’t have a car. No he doesn’t have a car. Usually the sweets don’t I have to drive drive one of them. So yeah. Who else have you driven? Uh I’ve driven guys in the past. Mo mostly Dennis right now. I don’t really I drive a while ago I used to drive a couple guys but now it’s just Dennis. What do you guys talk about? hockey, TV, more hockey. I don’t know. Just joking around with him all the time. Does he give you any insight on like what the goalie sees as you’re an elite shooter, right? Um, maybe a little. I don’t know. Usually when I’m in the car with him, it’s more just having fun. Yeah. Are you a Tigers fan at all? I mean, I guess I’m from Detroit, so uh I guess you could say I’m more of a Lions fan than a Tigers fan. Yeah. There’s a lot of baseball talk in there right now. A little bit. I know there’s a big playoff game tomorrow, so I think we’re going to go to the game and enjoy it. Oh yeah. Yeah, that would be cool. Have you been to a baseball game? I’ve been to I don’t think I’ve been to a playoff game. No. Okay. So, it’s just the whole group’s going. Yeah. I don’t know. I think I think that’s maybe the plan. So, Okay, that’s great. What’s it like being back at a Leaf’s game day? Uh, no, it’s exciting. It’s fun. I mean, uh, yeah, I, uh, like I said earlier, you know, I never imagined I’d be back and so, um, this week has been a lot of fun and, uh, it’ll be fun, uh, be fun to be part of, uh, you know, this team again, uh, tonight. What has the last week been like for you? Like, what have you been working on, focusing on to kind of get up to speed? Uh, yeah, I mean, I think a lot of things. I mean, obviously, um, I felt I had a good summer where, uh, you know, I worked hard and and, uh, kind of improved little parts of my game and and, uh, and this week was just, uh, making sure those those those parts were there and and they were as polished as they could be. So, um, it was a good week and and I, uh, feel good. What do you remember about your last Leafs game, if anything? I don’t know if you’re having any flashbacks. Uh, yeah, I don’t even know. My last game, that’s a good question. Um I think it was maybe antilimactic cuz I didn’t know if you were if if I was going anywhere obviously and so um yeah but I mean obviously you know that last year I had here was was a lot of fun and and really felt my uh my game really took a big big step that year and really helped uh you know the rest of my career. What do you maybe this is a better question like what do you remember about the day you were traded and you left the lease? Uh yeah a weird feeling. I definitely remember that day. Um it’s uh I think anyone will say that uh when you get traded it’s such an odd feeling cuz you know the team you’ve been a part of especially for me for for a long time. Um all of a sudden it’s just like you’re not part of that team and it’s such an it’s such an odd feeling and you got other coaches or GMs calling you from other teams and and so it’s a pretty it’s a pretty odd feeling but um but yeah, no it was obviously uh sad to uh to leave this this organization. So, um it’s fun. Haven’t heard haven’t heard too much, but uh but yeah, it was uh it was kind of fun even with some of the trainers that were still here to joke about, you know, the old days and uh kind of the the culture we had back then and some of the stuff and the antics that were going on. So, it was fun fun to reminisce about the old. Uh what has been your impression of Dennis Hill to be? Uh yeah, a really good goalie. um you know got to see him a bit and drives him a bit this week and so um he’s a big guy moves he moves really well um sees the puck well and and uh you know I think he’s he’s got a great Speaking of bright futures what about East talent what stands out to you about him so far um you know I think just a knack for for the puck and and kind of that there’s that tenacity to his game I think and um obviously I I knew nothing about him coming in um And so just kind of watching him in practice and stuff just seems that he’s uh he’s got an engine uh in him and uh it’s it’s always raring to go and so um you know I think uh I think that makes him uh really valuable. What about the way Nick Robertson shoots the puck picked up on that? Yeah, I mean um it’s hard to pick up. That’s I know he’s got Yeah, he’s got a great shot. um you know, another guy that uh that uh you know, has a lot of a lot of skill and and and kind of that maybe that same engine and and his shot is obviously uh pretty special. So, um you know, it’s a it’s a treat practicing against him cuz uh you know, he can he can rip it from anywhere. So, um for sure obviously uh Matias back up there with you guys today. Just how have you felt that the chemistry’s been when he’s been on that line? Yeah, it’s been great. um making a lot of plays, you know, getting a lot of good scoring chances and um think we’re playing a lot of offense, which is a good thing. Yeah. What What’s something you’ve learned about him at this camp? Funny guy, good to be around. Um has a heck of a shot, heck of a pass. Um can sauce it like no one else. And um yeah, he’s a good player. He’s going to help us a lot. Obviously uh tough to see Scott go down. How would you describe the hole that creates considering how good a camp he was having? Yeah, I mean he has a lot of momentum for our team. um he’s been great for us in this camp in the locker room. You know, I think he’s really jelled our group together. So, yeah, it sucks that we’re not going to have him for a little bit, but I know he’s going to come back flying and um you know, kind of pick off uh pick up where he left off. Final preseason game today for East. Um what are your thoughts on his camp? What has stood out about him? I think he’s done a great job. You know, I wasn’t I wasn’t surprised because I think he had a good summer. You know, I could tell he got a lot stronger, a lot faster. um he looks a lot more mature of a player and um so yeah, he’s been having a great camp and I think he deserves you know the attention he’s getting and um you know the chance to to be in the opening opening night lineup. What signs do you see that you’re ready to go where you what signs do you see in your game that you’re ready? Yeah, I think my decision- making has been good. Um there’s still some things I want to improve on in the next, you know, four days before before our first game. You know, a little bit of puck touches and wall play and stuff like that. But I think, you know, special teams and um skating and decision- making have been really good. Um I think I’m moving well and um yeah, I feel up to pace. So, is it feel time? Yeah. Yeah. It’s uh you I’m ready for the real stuff. You know, I want preseason to be over now. Going to check out the Jays this weekend at all. Yeah, hopefully. Yeah, I’m going to try to get out there. I don’t know the games the games today and tomorrow, right? Today and tomorrow. Yeah, I’m going to try to sneak out to one of them and and uh yeah, cheer them on. Have you been to a playoff baseball game before? Not a playoff one. No, but I’ve only been to I think only a few here. so far. So, I’m excited for that. Guy as a kid. Yeah, a little bit. Honestly, I wasn’t like too big into baseballs, but um I think it’s pretty cool now to to watch playoff baseball. Who do you think would be the best baseball player on this team? It’s a good question. Um I don’t know. I think uh Yarn Croak’s got the best uh driver, so I think he’s probably my my big pick. Yeah, I think he’s got a big swing on him. Going to check out the uh the Jays at all this weekend. Uh yeah, I think I’m going to try to get out uh tonight or tomorrow. Uh, I think it’ll be a cool experience just to be able to uh to witness playoff baseball. So, um, unfortunately the Mets are eliminated. So, it’s going to be uh, you know, all Jays from here on out. Have you ever been to a playoff baseball game? I have not. Um, there was one year um, the Mets, I think, were in the World Series. I talked about it with Jason Learo. We talked about uh, potentially going to New York from uh, from Lehigh Valley, but just the logistics behind it were it was too difficult. I think it would they were playing on like a Thursday and we had a Friday game so it wouldn’t have been the the greatest look but um no it’s something I’m looking forward to and I think it’ll be exciting for sure. We were asking guys like who who would be best baseball player on the team and Willie listed you. Do you ever play any baseball? Uh not really. I’ve played uh a lot of whiffle ball. My uh my uncle had a uh he had like a little Fenway Park in his backyard and would host uh tournaments for family and friends. So we get a little competitive there but um uh yeah it’s probably my background in baseball. Who who do you think would be the best baseball? I’m going to say Tone. I I’ve seen uh I’ve seen some clips of him. Didn’t he hit a home run a few years ago? Yeah. So, I’m just going to go with the easy out and I’m going to say Tone. I think I got warning track power. That’s all I got to me. Okay. So, uh we’re going to see Hill to be tonight. I’m just curious year-over-year like what sort of growth have you seen in his game? I think it’s just for him it’s the confidence just, you know, obviously playing some games last year and then coming into camp this year, he looks a lot more composed and um you know, he just looks a lot crisper and he looks like a more confident goalie. So, I think um you know, he’s had a couple good starts here and um you know, hopefully he can continue to build on that tonight as well. But, uh I’m excited for him. I think um you know, another big guy who uh I can relate to and you know, he’s uh down to earth, nice human being. So, we get along great and uh you know, I’m excited for him. Feelings coming out of his shell. I know talking to some other guys he’s shy. Like, do you feel like he’s a bit more vocal or in that respect personality coming out a bit more? Uh absolutely. Um, you know, I think this team bonding trip was uh was great for uh for him just to get to know the guys. And I think it’s also nice that we have uh you know, quite a bit of euros on the team, a couple Swedes that kind of help ease that transition for him. And um you know, I’m uh you know, a little more talkative than, you know, maybe most goalies. So, I like to chat him up here and there, but you can definitely see he’s getting a lot more comfortable around us, which is nice. Back uh with Austin and Matthew today, just when you’ve been on that line at this camp, how have you felt? Uh it it was great today. I mean, uh, now we we have more than one one or two practices together. So, uh, starting to kind of, uh, build some chemistry and kind of know what they’re what they do and what they look for, uh, with with the puck and without it. What does Austin look for? What have you learned? You know, I mean, he has a obviously hollow shot, so he’s uh, looking to get open and then uh, uh, he can he can really pass the puck, too. So, um, you know, just trying trying to find find some room in the middle or wherever wherever it is. You’ll feel comfortable, I’m sure, in a number of spots, but are you starting to feel like that’s home for you playing with those guys? Yeah, I mean, it’s been one game, so one preseason game, so uh, yeah, but obviously it feels it feels better every day. Um, you know, it just, um, just building it. How close to opening night ready do you feel right now? I mean, as ready as you can be. I mean, it’s been a good camp and uh we’ll just uh couple practices away. So, I’m really excited. Anything surprise you about this camp? Maybe Peru himself. No, it’s been good. It’s been uh obviously hard as it’s supposed to be. You guys are guys are in good shape and u guys are locked in and yeah, I feel like uh all the guys are ready to go. Baseball fever in this city right now. Are you at all a baseball fan? Watch baseball at all? No, I I don’t don’t really watch it, but uh yeah, uh maybe tomorrow I’ll have to. So, we saw, I guess, uh the effect of not having Scott Lton is as you’re kind of rethinking who your centers are. Yeah, you know, put Max in there today. Got to adjust. How do you felt Machelli’s looked when he’s been up with Fine. Yeah. No, fine. Like, you know, it wasn’t, you know, he played a little bit there early. Max was out. Put Max there. You know, I was, you know, it’s good to see both of them play with them, but and in that spot, but Max is in a familiar spot, like he’s been there a lot. What have you liked when he’s played center? Well, I think he has the ability to have the puck in his hands more and skating, you know, rather than on the wing. I think, you know, he he runs his routes good in the middle of the ice, gets the puck in the middle of the ice and can make things happen, you know. And defensively, I think he’s been fine. like you know he’s he knows where to be and what to do and that’s important obviously on uh the defensive side of things and um like I said he can if he can get speed in the middle of the ice and distribute pucks and he’s got more room little more room and uses his ability his ability skating passing what’ you learn about Ben Danford during this time here in this camp well he’s he’s gonna I you know he’s a he’s got a real good future um great feet and um you know closes plays out like he he he likes to get involved physically and um use his body. Good defender, you know, and I think there’s an upside there offensively, you know. Um I think that that’s something he can he can uh take note and and work on, you know, cuz he does shoot it well and he sees the ice, you know, he makes good first passes. He’s got his head up all the time. you certainly talk about was was he a surprise to you in some way and just where he is maybe well we didn’t see him last year too much because of the injury but um so I really didn’t see him a whole lot so yeah you know just to see the way he moves and how he plays the game you know he’s got such good feet just on his toes all the time and um like I said like I watch I watch him his head’s up his head’s up and he’s looking where to move the puck so you know he’s got a good head on his shoulders one last chance uh in a preseason game for Cowen tonight. What do you want to see from him? Same as I’ve been seeing, you know, like I know the other night the penalties really kind of, you know, but he he got out there and he does some good things that are go unnoticeable, you know, like little things out there that he’s really good at and he does he does well. I just see more of the same, you know, it’s another good opportunity for him um to go in there tonight against a good lineup in the other team. Robertson kind of said he felt kind of all right at camp. Like what are you seeing from Nick Robertson in this? what I normally see from Nick Robinson. It’s not a, you know, we’re just I mean, he’s part of this team and he’s a big part of this team and that never was not said or anything like he’s in here. We know what he can do. You know, Nick’s he got speed, he’s tenacious, plays hard, and he can shoot a puck in the net. So, you know, I don’t I thought he had a good cap. I really did. Was moving Max over about trying to create another line that can generate offense. Was that part of your thinking? like up with um Matthews or No, sorry. Moving Max back to center. Did you want to create Well, I lost a center. I need a center. I mean, but at the same time, it gives us depth in in our lines, right? I think moving Max there, I think there’s um looks like a little more depth to me having him there in the middle of that hole, third hole. Yeah. Tough tough 24 hours, I guess, for David. Ter Yeah, it’s always tough. That’s the toughest part of the job for everybody, especially him. Um, this guy’s a good NHL player. He’s a he’s been in the league, you know, um, respectable guy, well-liked here in the locker room. Uh, it’s a business thing. Looked like Beno was back on the left at the morning skate. Yeah. You know, and like it’s always going to be a back and forth a little bit between those two guys, I think. You know, we’re still experimenting. We Benny only played to one game. He’s had some practices. So, um, he was fine. the other night on it. So, you know, he’s playing with some different people tonight. So, we’re going to put him on left. He’ll do he get the whole game tonight or he’ll get a split. Split. Yeah. Okay. Thanks, guys. Thank you.

Players and Coach speak to the media ahead of Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

00:00 Nick Robertson
03:22 James Reimer
06:36 Matthew Knies
08:56 Anthony Stolarz
11:07 Matias Maccelli
12:40 Craig Berube

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