Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Practice | November 17, 2025

Maple Leafs Full Media Availability | Practice | November 17, 2025

you take away from from Saturday? Um, yeah, I think we just got to, you know, find a way to just, you know, step on them and and not let him breathe, um, when it comes to the third period. Um, you I think we let him come back in the game and, um, obviously that’s, um, that’s happened to us a few times here. So, we’re just trying to figure out, uh, you know, how to finish out a game right now. And, um, I think we have the ability to do that. I think we just have to execute on a few things and I think we’ll be we’ll be good. How would you describe the mental challenge right now? Morgan was saying after the games like you almost want it too much when you’re going through something like this. Craig has talked about confidence maybe not being there. How do you describe the mental challenge right now? Yeah, I think we might just be ripping our stick a little bit too tight trying to make, you know, obviously simpler plays and and and get away from our net. Um, I think sometimes that tends tends to put us on our heels, you know, always playing defense and I think we just got to keep the pressure up, you know. Um, try to play as much as in in their end as possible in the third period and um yeah, I think we just didn’t really do a good job of that. So, um, we’ll look to do that here. With that in mind, is that messaging from Jeie today? We heard him talk just keeping it simple but making it all about effort. Yeah. Yeah. I think we want to execute those. I feel like the the game is a lot on the yellow. Um, I think those are key plays in the game, um, along the blue lines as well. So, um, if we make the right plays there, I think, uh, you know, we’re going to get opportunities. Um, I think we’re definitely going to limit their chances in their ozone time if we if we get it out of our end. What sort of impact do you think Cedric can can make coming? Yeah, I think he can do a lot. You know, I think he skates well, he shoots well. Um, obviously a right shot D that we don’t we don’t really have a lot of. So, I think that’s uh that’s going to be a huge help and I’m excited to see him in our game. to do for group when you had a a veteran body like that you seem less [Music] a lot of your group yeah it’s good to add that experience you know I think our whole our whole decore has a lot of experience right now so to add another piece like that it’s it’s it’s good you know um you know lets the forwards play a little bit more comfortable and knowing that you have you know some experienced ste back there to to protect you can’t always control [Music] the lineup one can always effort. What is your thought effort? Where does it have to go? Yeah, I think the past few games I think there’s been a lot of effort. I think there’s been a lot of good. I think our game was definitely trending in the right direction. Um I think the the few games before that I think that there was a little bit little bit of lack of effort and um but I think I think as of late it’s it’s been good. I think everyone’s working hard. But I think in practice you guys saw that everyone’s moving well, everyone’s getting hard and um so yeah, I don’t I don’t think that’s that’s what it is anymore. I think it’s just a little bit of more execution and and uh finding ways to finish games. I think he played incredible. You know, I think he uh he held us in there. Um you know, obviously uh the last goal there, it’s we just got to box out better and and make some um key plays in the third period, but I think he he did a good job and um held us in the game going through play with. It’s good. It’s fun. Um, I always I always uh enjoy playing with him just cuz he’s so fast and skilled. It’s he can make some plays and I think he has some good opportunities and I think uh this next game it’s all going to fall for him. I was going to say going through a stretch like this, how important is it to sometimes get away from the game a little bit and just, you know, just take a step back and if you do do that, like what are some of the things that you do do during that? Yeah, I think it was good. It was, you know, nice for our team to just have a dinner in Chicago and and um just get together and and and uh you know, kind of get closer. Um the little things for me when I get home I just kind I play guitar and I know some of their guys play whatever piano and um I think there’s actually a few guitars on our team but um I think other guys just kind of go home to their kids and then and and and wives and family and I think you just try to think about hockey and and focus on your life and um you I think once once you come to the rank and you open those doors I think it’s you know obviously the focus kicks in but yeah it’s it’s it’s important to you know take your mind off it a little bit and then just uh you know enjoy your life. Would you hockey talk during like a dinner in Chicago or is it completely you turn it off in that scenario? Uh quite a bit. I mean, every now and then it it uh flows in, but I think, you know, I’m not I I don’t really like to think about hockey too much outside of the rank. That’s just the kind of um personality I have. So, I wasn’t talking too much, but uh maybe some guys were. What’s your go-to guitar song? Nice job, guys. Um right now, it’s uh Must Have Never Met You by Luke Holmes. I’ve been playing him a lot, so yeah. Are you a campfire guy? like you must. I mean, not at the campfire. No, I’m not that good. I played it myself and that’s about it. So, yeah. Do you sing as well? Yeah, but it’s not not great. You wouldn’t want to hear it. So, was your take away from Saturday’s game? Yeah, I think it was uh better game. I mean, we had the lead, gave it up. So, I mean, yeah, can get better. How are you feeling about your game? A couple games without a shot. Is there anything you’re looking to do to to generate a bit more? I think I’ve had chances to actually shoot the puck, just haven’t really uh I mean, I had a breakaway last game, put in the corner. I mean, there are a couple chances where I’m looking to pass it maybe instead of shooting it. So, um that’s probably what I would say is just get in the shooting mindset instead. Matthew was just saying that he felt the effort level has gone up for the Kings game and the Blackhawks game. Is that something you’ve noticed as well? Is there an uptick in effort in I mean to be honest I think there’s always been good effort and good compete. So I don’t think that that has really ever been the like the issue. What are you seeing from Nick Roberts from what he’s doing? Yeah, he’s been great. I mean flying. Um went to the net the other night, got a goal. Uh he’s been uh dominant all over the ice. Was saying that he felt like maybe the team was lacking a bit of confidence uh the last little bit here. for you as an individual, you always seem like you’ve got a great kind of swagger and confidence. Do you ever feel like the confidence is missing at all for you? Well, I think maybe right now it’s to the point where we’re up in the games and we can close the game out, but instead we uh you know score and give up uh give up the lead and they take over the game. So, I think that’s probably the aspect that uh we’re feeling right now. When you go through tougher stretches at times before you come out of it, it’s a couple games that you probably deserve to win, but it doesn’t go your way. Do you feel like that’s where the group is trending right now? A couple better efforts to maybe take off here soon. Yeah, I hope so. Yeah. Yeah. But I feel like that’s uh I mean as a team we’ve been getting a little bit more connected and everything. So I mean hopefully it trends that way. What sort of impact can a nice team dinner at Matthews just saying in Chicago kind of do for the group moving forward or? Yeah, I think we needed it. I mean haven’t been able to spend a lot of time. I mean, we’ve been home a lot, so it’s good to get uh some time with the guys and enjoy that night. Is a good guitar player. Have you heard him? Just saying that’s never heard him. So, I don’t know if I I can’t imagine he’s that good then. Your thoughts on stature coming in here. Like, what sort of impact do you think he can make? Sorry. Yeah, obviously uh you know righty shot uh the and can move the puck really well and you know um played against him a lot. So I mean know what he’s all about and I think he can add to our team and uh happy to have him here and he he also made it to Chicago so it was great. I haven’t I haven’t been to too many practices, but I just want so I don’t tone. But was Chief a little more effusive today or or or louder than he normally is or or was it just the way he is every every practice? I feel like uh pretty normal. Yeah. What’s the mood on the team right now, William? Like it’s tough stretch. Like how would you sum it up? Yeah, I mean we’re losing but I think we’re feeling positive. I mean trending hopefully in the right direction. So yeah, I mean this keeps going for another month then different mood. What was your reaction when you found the loss of play? Uh just excited obviously. Um yeah I was excited for a fresh start obviously seeing the team and how competitive they are and where they are in the standings. I knew it’d be a motivated group that I’d be joining. So, um, kind of goes hand in hand with the way I play is play with a lot of motivation and a bit of a chip on my shoulder and I think the team is kind of that way as well. Where does that chip on your shoulder come from? Um, where do you want me to start? like my pro career or as a kid and go before just being told no my whole life being a smaller guy and I’ve reached obviously the NHL now it’s my 10th year I’ve been this my seventh team so we just kind of try to prove people wrong and more than anything just prove myself right so um yeah that’s just where it comes from internally why do you think you were told no by the Oilers this time I don’t know if I was necessarily told no I think why put why do you think you were put on weight well I know I was put on favor. They just became a numbers game. Um they were trying to get younger internally on the back end and they had two really good younger Dmenson and regular come up and I just kind of got pushed to the side and that’s the way the business works. Like I was on the other side of it when I came in the league. You know, you kind of push some older guys out. So um wish them well, but um I don’t think it was necessarily had anything to do with being a poor player. It just kind of came out of numbers. What will how you will remember your time in Edmonton? great memories. I made a lot of really good lasting relationships with a lot of people and um just went through a lot. Like I got there I was I guess two years ago I was traded there at the deadline and then I missed the whole playoffs getting ankle surgery. So um confidence was pretty low back then and then get resigned by them and able to kind of put my foot down and make an impact and help them reach the cup finals again back to back years. So, um just a lot of fond memories of, you know, going to battle with a lot of those guys in that room. Um and just the fan support around Edmonton was incredible and um yeah, feel very fortunate to still be in Canada and Toronto and having that same if not more here. So, uh yeah, great. What was your biggest takeaway of experiencing the Stanley Cup final, playing it? Just the magnitude of it. Um just a lot more eyeballs on it. Obviously, I think at the end of the day, you try to break it down as best as you can and it’s just another game. Uh even though it’s like best of seven, um yeah, it’s the pinnacle of the sport. The two best teams remaining and it’s the best hockey you’ll find. So, uh it’s something I’ll look back on when my career is all over and be thankful I got to experience. In saying that, I still feel like I got a lot of game left in myself and I hope to win the Stanley Cup at some point and that starts here in Toronto obviously being here now. I know from a team bonding perspective and just getting comfortable, how helpful was it to get into Chicago and be part of the team? Yeah, it was great. Um, obviously the guys were really welcoming. It was unfortunate they couldn’t get the win that night. it would have been probably a little more upbeat, but um yeah, it’s nice and anytime you can have time with your teammates away from the rink, especially on the road, it’s a lot easier. And um it’s not very often you stay over in a city. So for them to do that was a good opportunity for me to come in to meet the guys on different terms and instead of walking into a dress room, kind of walk on eggshells. And in saying that, the hockey world’s small, so you know, a lot of people from every different locker room. So, I’ve been fortunate enough to play with a couple guys in here and they definitely have helped made it a lot easier so far. I know it’s still new, but what’s been your first impression of you here so far? Uh, big like I feel small. Yeah. Know there are a lot of good players like Morgan Riley and I both grew up in Vancouver, both born in 1994, so I’ve chased him around my whole life. um finally get to call him a teammate and I don’t know just a lot of good players that are you know trying to come together as one solid group to help the betterment of the team. Um I don’t think that’s any different on any team but um definitely here I think it’s a big focus right now. What’s it like when you come to a new team trying to get kind of a the system and all that stuff like what are the keys for you when you join a new group? I met with the staff already like this morning coming in and honestly I’ve been in this situation mid not waiverss but I’ve been traded to walk into a new room um sometimes less is more you know just go out there and play um trust your strengths for me that’ be my feet so the coaches want me to use my feet help break out pucks um as far as X’s and O’s that kind of just comes naturally through practice and repetition um getting into games but I mean you could ask anybody in this league there’s There’s no system you don’t know. You play a one 122, a 1 131, a 2-3. You either pinch or you don’t. So, um it’s pretty simple honestly when you when you get into the game action of it. What’s some of your earliest memories of Morgan? Uh he’s the best player. I think I think he went second overall in the dub draft and fourth in the NHL and uh he played for a smaller organization called Hollyburn and then he left to go to um that school in Saskatchewan or whatever. So, um, what do I remember of him? He was just amazing. Like, I was chasing him around my whole childhood just trying to be as good as he was. You’re new to the group, but from coming in from the outside, what’s your early assessment of why the Leafs have struggled? I just think it’s the nature of the NHL, I think every team goes through es and flows, highs and lows through a season. Um, you can even take that as far as individuals. Um, then saying that, sometimes when you’re losing, you deserve to win, and sometimes when you’re winning, you deserve to lose. So, I just think it’s kind of the nature of the way things are going right now. They’re on a bit of a skid, but all it takes is one bounce. You get back in the win column and the next thing you know, you have some beliefs. So, um I just think it’s the nature of the league. You go through these. What’s that? I look at Troy. Just a few observations and now that uh you probably had a chance to chat with him. Yep. Your impressions. Yeah. Good. Good guy, you know, a solid guy. Um character stands out to me. Effort. Um, you know, I thought he had a real good practice today. Said he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He does. Secret, but you probably enjoy that, don’t you? Yeah, he plays hard. I mean, like I talked to you guys, he’s a he’s a compete guy. He competes on everything. And um plays a pretty simple game. How long do you think Carlo may be out? Uh, I really don’t have a timeline right now. Out tomorrow. What about Nicholas? Out tomorrow. Tomorrow. Yeah. What happened to W upper body? You’re down a few centers here. Uh what’s the key to getting through the stretch in terms of the guys in the middle? Yeah. Uh Quillin will be up here. Um so I mean he’s not doesn’t have a lot of experience, but uh you know, his second year pro and um got brings skating to our team. He can skate and he’s competitive and um brings some energy, you know, like listen, I get it. We’re down a lot of guys, but uh he’s got to step up and next man up mentality and go play. What are the energy levels like right now, you know, early in practice, you’re telling the guys to come? Yeah, I thought it was a little low early today. Uh you know, sometimes after a day off, so that could be the case. Uh you know, but uh I thought it picked up Austin been back on the ice yet? No. Is L an option for you tomorrow? No, Lton’s not an option. What do you think’s um happened with Philip Meyer’s game? You you like you liked it a bit last year and there seems to be a bit of a drop. Yep. Um you know, I think he came in last year in spots for us, you know, when we needed him. Um I think he probably got overextended this year a little bit with the injuries. Um but uh he definitely, you know, hasn’t played um the way he played last year, you know, so I think he just needs to get his game back in order a little bit and um you know, cuz he’s capable of doing it. We saw it, but I think it’s just been a little bit of a long stretch here for him. You’ve got guys on the cusp. The cusp of NHL, AHL. Yeah. What they always want is an opportunity. Now you have some some or maybe a lot of guys who are getting an opportunity. U you need more from that group of people or like this should be their coming out party, should it not? Yeah, I get what you’re saying. I think uh I think we are getting pretty good play out of these guys. You know, the cowan I thought he had a good game at Chicago. Mermis has done a pretty good job for us since he’s been in there. And uh now we got Quillin, but they’re definitely energized and they’re um they want to prove that they belong in the NHL. So I believe that the effort has been there in a couple of games without a shot for for Willie. You reminded us that he had a breakaway the other night, too. But is there anything that you’re seeing he can do to to generate a bit more right now? I think he’s to he’s generated it there. I think he’s maybe looking to pass a little bit too much at times. He’s he’s been passing quite a bit all year and obviously he’s got a lot of assists, but uh we do need him to shoot for sure and um you know, power play needs to shoot, but I think it you know the power play has been running on his side and so he’s he’s looking to make more plays, but he also needs to shoot too. What stands out about Nick’s consistency right now and what he’s been able to do during the stretch? Robertson. Robertson, he’s been working extremely hard. I think he’s more confident than he’s ever been. And that’s a big part of it. And for me, he’s getting to the front of the net, getting some looks. You know, he missed a couple more there last game where he was right there. Just missed the net on one, I think, and the goalie saved the other one, but he’s getting to the inside. And he’s always been a hard worker. Uh good skater obviously, but um that’s the little things he’s doing is paying off. What were you hoping the group took away from practice today? Well, a lot of five on five stuff, you know, from breakouts to to, you know, coming into Dzone to our for check. Um, so just wanted that five on five play and just to go over some stuff with Ster here, new guy. So, just to get some he gets some familiarity with uh what we’re doing five on five. How you were doing at the same time what I would call compete drills. What’s that? You were doing what I would call compete drills. Yeah. Five on five in one hand tight time type type situations. Yes. Is is that to get the team playing more to how you want them to play? Well, it’s certainly to get them Yeah, for sure. And and get some competitiveness in in practice for sure. And just like I said, if you know, we got to we got to we did a better job last game of not giving up as much, not spending as much time in our zone. So that’s a big part of it. So you got to work on it and we do work on it, but we’re going to continue to work on it and get better at it. How important is the timing of of Joseph Wall’s return? Well, I think do you see an an emotional lift amongst the him back? Um, yeah, for sure. They’re all excited he’s back and he’s excited he’s back and I thought he played a good solid game for us the other night and uh I think that the timing is really good. I mean, stole ours is out. So, we’ll come back and u you know, we need him to play like he did the other night.

Players and Coach address the media following Monday’s practice.

00:00 Matthew Knies
04:46 William Nylander
08:01 Troy Stecher
14:01 Craig Berube

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