Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Pre Game vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | November 03, 2025

Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Pre Game vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | November 03, 2025

messages did you have on your phone after the game the other night? Yeah, I had a lot. A couple hundred. It was good that everyone’s supporting me and yeah, it was fun. What did you like about playing with John and how do you think it could work with Willie joining the mix? Yeah, obviously John’s a super smart player and same with Willie. So, I feel like we’ll be able to, you know, buzz around tonight, make some plays and, you know, be hard on the for check. So, uh just looking to continue uh after last game. How you finding your comfort level? Yeah. Uh obviously more and more you play, you get more and more comfortable. So, just trying to really sit back and relax and, you know, play hard and play north hockey and just play simple and then your instincts kind of take over. What do you have to do to have success on that power play? Yeah, just be a good option. Uh, you know, just got to use my hockey sense, just relax. I’ve been on the power play before, so just go out there and play and support everyone and try to score when we get a man advantage. What will it be like to face Crosby? Yeah, obviously super cool. I mean, obviously a hockey legend, so just going to enjoy it and treat it as another game. What’s it like? What was it like watching game seven? Yeah, obviously uh heartbreaking. I mean, you feel for those guys. They gave it all and you know, unfortunate balances and you feel for those guys for sure. What was it like watching Crosby growing up? How big of a fan were you? Like what was it like? Yeah, obviously a big fan. I mean, played for Canada, uh, Penn’s legend, uh, such a great hockey player and, uh, just the stories you hear about him, uh, go a long way and what kind of guy he is. So, yeah, obviously a great great, uh, great player. Matt has told us a lot about how important John was to him early on in his career here. Do you have a similar feeling with John? Yeah, exactly. I mean, what a great guy. I mean, he’s teaching me so much, you know, just on and off the ice. I’ve learned so much from him. So yeah, obviously a huge part uh so far of my hockey career. What did you learn living with him? Just how he takes care of his body and like I said on the on and off the ice, what he does, how he prepares, how he cools down, uh how he goes about himself and just really a professional and a great human being. Have you taken anything and put it into your routine? I know he has some pretty strict routines. Yeah, you know, you see what he does and you kind of try to add it into your routine, but at the end of the day, everyone’s different what they do to, you know, warm up and cool down. So, just try to add a couple stuff from him and put into yours for sure. Any new food experiences on the road? Um, yeah, Carlo tried to get me to try the lobster. Uh, didn’t try it though. I tried a a Philly cheese steak, I think. Yeah. I don’t know. Uh, heard of it before, never had it, and it was delicious. So, uh, one for three so far, I guess. Is it something that you’re going to just have to manage moving forward, or did the rest kind of been away, I guess? Yeah, the rest was I think pretty pretty huge for it. So, it was good. Uh, what’s the feel? Cow had a big night Saturday. What do you think he’ll bring to you in general? Yeah, obviously he’s been buzzing, playing really well and, you know, nice to see him get that first one. Um, yeah, I think he’ll compliment us, but I mean, he’s a smart player and he’s been making great plays out there. What can he bring to the top power play unit as well? Yeah, I mean, like I said, a smart player, so he’s going to be making plays and getting open and, you know, doing that stuff. John’s still impactful right now. know what stands out about the way he’s playing right now. Yeah, John’s John’s John. You always know he’s going to be an impactful player every night. So, um, he’s just doing his thing. Pittsburgh is going to Sweden in a couple of weeks when you guys got that chance two years ago. What did it mean to you to get the chance to go home and to bring the team as a bond to No, it was awesome. It was a blast. I wish we were going back. East facing Crosby for the first time. Excited about it. What do you remember about your first game against Crosby? Um, just how, you know, dominant he was in that game and, you know, it’s always special playing against those uh those big guys that you were watching when you were growing up. What do you think of what he is doing, Pittsburgh is doing to start the season? They kind of surprised a lot of folks. Yeah, I mean, they’re on fire. Um, they’re clicking on all cylinders. Uh, it’s going to be a good game tonight. What was it like on the plane ride home from Philly? watching them Jay’s so close. Yeah, it was uh it was tough, but I mean they did an unbelievable job and you know I thought they won it like two three times that day or that game. So it was crazy but um you know they did an unbelievable job and you know just battling competing sucks to lose in game seven but um I think they did a tremendous job. Saw you gave a hug to Rich there on the bench before the skate. What did he mean working with him when he was in Toronto? Yeah, obviously uh a guy that I that I miss and you know he did uh he did a lot of things behind the scenes for for the players, you know, make sure that they were, you know, feeling good and stuff. So, uh he’s for sure missed. Talking to East like what was it like to be part of that moment last game and why do you think you guys kind of hit it off right away? I mean, it’s pretty exciting your first NHL goal. So, um, always excited for anyone that, uh, gets that moment and, uh, I think he’s just such a great kid, great head on his shoulders and, uh, I think his approach to this season and the way he’s kind of, uh, you know, kicking things off, um, professionally and his career has been, uh, I I think he’s had just a great head on his shoulders about a, great focus to it. anytime you’re you’re I think just approaching things the right way. Um doing anything you can to contribute and be solid with and without the puck. Uh especially when you’re an offensive player, it’s great to see him get rewarded and it was a great shot and a big goal for us. So just really exciting for him and um you know it’s a moment you dream about and you you work for your whole life. So um you know you’re really excited for him. Just how tough a guy he is. Um what goes through your mind when you see Chris? Yeah, extremely difficult. um know you hate you you hate seeing those circumstances and um you know I didn’t see the play at all so you know I was really concerned um something significant obviously happened and and uh the attention that was needed for him but uh obviously uh over the last uh day and a half here a lot of positive news and and he’s reached out to a lot of us and and seems to be doing really well so uh really happy for that. As a hockey player, how do you manage the fact that this can be a very dangerous game at times? Do you allow those thoughts to come into your head or do you have to kind of push them out? Well, yeah. I mean, you understand you’re playing a very fast and physical sport. Um, so, you know, I I think worrying about things that may or may not happen isn’t really always the right approach. Um, so I think, you know, certainly at this level, I think everyone’s got a tremendous amount of experience playing the game, understanding the game, circumstances around it, how how the game kind of I don’t want to say works, but you know, that’s kind of the word that pops in my head that uh just um you know, when you go out there and compete, you you know, you you’re just kind of focusing on doing your job and what you have to do and always uh protect yourself when you have to. Sometimes uh unfortunate circumst circumstances happen. Um but it’s not something I think you try to dwell on is things that may or may not happen. Looks like Willie might be back tonight. What stood out to you for the years about his durability, his ability to kind of play through the things when when he’s dealt with them. Yeah, I think Willie just loves to play, loves to compete and um you know, always wants to wants to you know, be available to the team and obviously go out there and uh impact the game the way that he can. So, I know he’s been really chomping at the bit and trying to trying to manage things and be smart. Um, but he’s really really looking forward to kind of getting back in there and doing everything he can to do that. What was it like watching game seven? The emotions of watching that. What did this team show to you? Like the Blue Jays show to the country and just you as a professional athlete seeing how they went about their business? Yeah. Uh obviously it was heartbreaking but um I don’t I you know I think as a fan and and certainly I I think I can speak for a lot of people around the city and and the fan base is uh extremely proud of of the type of team and I think uh that’s the the big emphasis is what a team uh that was and the contributions from everybody and how they all relied on each other and I think you certainly saw how close they were um and how they laid it all out there. They left everything out there. obviously were extremely close um and why it probably stings and hurts um a lot um because of how close they were, how well they played and uh just how they laid it all on the line. But just a great team overall. Crosby off to a really good start. I’m wondering, he’s your opponent, but how much kind of motivation or inspiration do you draw from seeing what he continues just to do? Yeah, I think um you know, Sid is, you know, one of the one of the best players our game’s ever seen. And I think not just with his skill set, but I think his will and determination uh his competitiveness, it’s uh it’s truly exceptional. And I’ve been, you know, been fortunate to be around him uh play on team Canada a couple times together um and in different environments and it really stands out, you know, what makes him uh who he is and why he’s uh one of the best to play the game and and uh why he continues to do what he does. So um obviously even still in uh what is it 20th or 21st season you know he’s still you know the the importance of uh making the game hard on him um the challenge he presents tonight is is always extremely difficult. So, um, yeah, another really great start, but also not not surprising either. Feel like behind the scenes in your experience when he walks in a room, the presence he has in a room with him. Yeah, it’s uh it’s unique for sure. Um, I think John Cooper touched on a lot of things uh about him at the Four Nations that I really think were were really true. So, you know, but uh I think his uh passion for the game um how much he loves to be one of the guys and I think him his competitive desire um is is really really unique and um you know has set himart set him set himself apart in a lot of ways. How much are the Olympics a motivating factor for you personally this season? It doesn’t change the way I approach the season or the game or how I I go about, you know, my business, but uh obviously you want to you want to be a part of that. And it’s a a really unique and special opportunity. So, um you know, you just go out there and do everything you can and play the way uh um that I believe I can and um focus on that, helping helping the Leafs, helping the team, and um hopefully it all works out. You take anything from Sid and put into your routines? I know you’re always looking for little things when you’re in that environment with those those guys. Um there’s always things you’re picking up. Off top of my head, I can’t think of anything super specific, but I think the biggest thing is when I was around him when I was really young, um was just the level he competes at and plays at every single day. And uh that was, you know, in an offseason training environment. But it’s it’s it’s really unique uh how hard he competes, um how determined and focused he is, and then certainly how he sees and understands the game and plays the game is uh is special. and obviously has been able to do it for as long as he has is uh extremely impressive. So, I think it’s I think it’s, you know, more the the actual action and and the competitive environment that he creates and um you know, when you’re out there with him, it’s it’s you know, even though it wasn’t, you know, we’re not playing on the same team, but uh it’s amazing how he uh pushes people to be better. Craig, what did you like uh about Cowan and Tvaris on Saturday? What do you think that line can do now with William back? Uh, Cowboy like I mean to me um really did a lot with the puck. Skated well through the neutral zone with it. Made plays in the offensive zone. You know, looked like him and JT really read off each other well and created some really good scoring opportunities. Um, you know, Cowan, he’s got the ability to make those little plays and tight and five foot plays. Has it been a a difference in him that you’ve seen from game one to now? It’s almost a month now. Yeah, big difference like well kind of went up and down a little bit I think you know first couple games he’s playing on emotion and a lot of that and uh it always tends to dip a little bit but he’s looks like he’s got his energy back you know was really impressed with his last game in Philly what you’re seeing why you wanted to put on the uh first power play unit yeah exactly like you know we’re not making enough plays on the power play and I I talk out of both ends of my mouth but you know we are shooting pucks like I think we’re top five in the league with shots four in the power play and stuff but you know we’re not getting results. Um a lot of times you know you got to be able to make these plays and he really does see those plays like in the bumper of going to the goal line little rotation stuff. So hopefully that can trigger something and get some better looks in tighter. McMahon out. Somebody’s phone ringing. Uhoh. That’s a fine. 500. Bobby McMahon is not on. No, I got decisions to make tonight at game time. Uh, what’s the latest on you? The phone’s still You want to get that? Want to answer it? Go ahead. Just tell them you’re busy. But what’s the latest on Tanv? Yeah, he’s doing fine. He’s back home here. Uh, he stayed overnight for precautionary reasons, but you know, he’s back here. where we’re all spoken to him and he’s he’s in a good spot. What’s a challenge for your defense going forward again without him? You just went through a stretch without him. Yeah. No, it’s a challenge for sure because he does a lot. We all know that, but the guy that you know, Myers is coming in and, you know, he’s done a good job with it when he’s come in. He’s he’s been a very good Dman for us in those situations for the most part. Um, we know what we’re getting from them. Um, so I think, you know, it’s it is what it is. You got to, you know, there’s injuries in the in the game and you got to move on and next guy up. Let’s go. What have you seen from the Penguins new coach? Uh, you know, they’re maybe they got you’re playing with some real spirit and energy out there, you know, like uh obviously it’s a different system um that they’re playing than they’re normally used to. Um I don’t need to get into all that, but for me it’s, you know, you know, Crosby’s playing well, Malcolin’s playing well, Carlson’s playing well. Like their big boys are playing well. What do you want to see from Bobby right now? Well, for me from Bobby, like I saw early on, I saw the player I wanted to see, you know, I thought he was very aggressive. He was physical, winning his battles and and and doing things like that and getting scoring opportunities. I thought it dipped it’s dipped off a little bit. So, it’s just about a mindset for me with him. He’s uh playing a little too safe at times and he needs to he needs to play more aggressively and do do what we need to what what we need out of him, you know. David Camp taking a break from the Marlies. What were your your sense of um his frustration or his his situation in camp and and the end of last year? I didn’t see frustration in camp. you know, he came in and uh obviously there was competition at camp and he had to, you know, fight for a spot. You know, there’s we have too many players and we got to make decisions and um you know, him going down to the miners and, you know, he doesn’t feel like he wants to be down there. So, that’s his decision of what he does. That’s not for me to answer. That’s all that’s all Brad and him to figure that out. So, I don’t really have a whole lot to say on that situation. What sort of impact do you think the couple games off will have on Willie as he comes back? Well, he feels a lot better. I think, you know, we um he was out and he felt he could uh contribute in the Calgary game, which he did and he played that game, but it kind of put him back a little bit. So, he’s had a little bit more time here to to rest up. It’s so he’s he’s you know, he was fine and he feels good like he’s ready to go. How pleased are you that Sammy Blade? Well, Blazers come in and, you know, he’s done what we’ve asked of him, what I know of him. You know, he’s physical and he disrupts the other team with his physicality, but you you’ve seen the puck skills. He has puck skills and, you know, just got to keep him dialed in, focused. You hear about like a team has a good room, a good locker room. From your experience as a player, a coach, like what goes into like a good room with the camaraderie, good teammates, you know? I think just being in a locker room, it’s just guys look forward to coming to the locker room and being around the being around the rink and um just being around each other and wanting to be around each other and we have that. I mean, these guys really like each other and uh so the locker room’s fine.

Easton Cowan, William Nylander, John Tavares and Head Coach Craig Berube address the media ahead of tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

00:00 Easton Cowan
02:39 William Nylander
04:50 John Tavares
11:29 Craig Berube

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