The Maple Leafs and Senators go head-to-head in both Toronto and Ottawa tonight on TSN as the Leafs wrap up their preseason schedule. The TSN Hockey panel discusses the storylines to watch in the split squad action on Wednesday.
After a jersey mix-up with Easton Cowan at practice on Tuesday, newcomer Nick Paul gets to put his Maple Leafs sweater on for real this time as he makes his home debut for the Maple Leafs in tonight's preseason tilt with the Senators. TSN's Mark Masters has more on the matchup in Toronto on Wednesday.
Gavin McKenna is 'super pumped' to make his NHL regular season debut for the Maple Leafs after a long offseason, but before that, Jim Hiller has some 'subtle adjustments' he wants the dynamic teenager to make in tonight's preseason clash with the Sens. McKenna spoke about the learning process with his line, and his teammates raved about what he brings on and off the ice.
The Canadiens were on the practice ice Wednesday in preparation for Saturday's preseason finale but a notable absence at the rink was Ivan Demidov. TSN's Kenzie Lalonde has more on the therapy day given to the Habs winger.
Florian Xhekaj has been a standout during Canadiens camp and is one of a handful of players looking to impress the coaching staff during a shortened camp. Head coach Martin St. Louis was honest when describing what's needed mentally from the players fighting for a spot.
The Canadiens have some time before their final preseason games against the Senators on Saturday and Josh Anderson says he's a fan of the shortened camp while Nick Suzuki appreciates the extra exhibition game they were able to sneak in.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller believes his players were passing the puck around too much on the power play in Toronto's preseason opener against the Canadiens, and wants the top unit to adjust and use Darren Raddysh's booming shot from the point more often moving forward as they continue to gel together.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller says he'd like to see more from his top line of Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Jack Roslovic, who admitted he felt a little rusty in his first preseason game with Toronto. Hiller liked how they looked off the rush, Matthews in particular, but wants to see them spend more time in the offensive zone.
Senators Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson faces his former team for the first time since departing Ottawa to join the Leafs' coaching staff in the offseason. Head coach Jim Hiller says Alfie has given Toronto input on what the Sens do well, and William Nylander shares what it's been like having the Swedish legend around the team.
Nick Suzuki isn't sure who will play alongside him and Cole Caufield to start the season but said it will be important to be able to adapt to changing lines throughout the year.
In a conversation with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Senators owner Michael Andlauer acknowledged the decision to deal Brady Tkachuk was largely out of their hands given the circumstances. When asked about the quote, Thomas Chabot said that he holds no ill will towards his former captain for moving on and doesn't want to continue to answer questions about the situation.
For the first time since leaving Ottawa, Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson will be coaching against his former team as a member of the rival Maple Leafs. To a man, the Sens say they respect Alfie's decision to move on, but admit that it will be strange seeing their former assistant coach behind the bench of another club.
Tonight, Andre Burakovsky is slated to play alongside Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto as a Senators split squad travels to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs. Stutzle spoke highly of his new winger, saying his big body and skill will definitely help him get accustomed to the team's systems and style of play.
The Senators and Maple Leafs will be playing two tonight as both teams will be sending a split-squad to their rival's home rink. While there won't be a star-studded Maple Leafs roster going to Ottawa for tonight's game on TSN, the Sens aren't taking things for granted, and are focused on getting in their reps and to showcase themselves to get set for the regular season.
William Eklund is set to make his debut for the Sens at home tonight on TSN, and is excited to play in front of the home fans. While it is only the preseason, Eklund says he is already building chemistry with Dylan Cozens and former Shark teammate Fabian Zetterlund, which led to a goal Monday against Montreal.
The pairing of Darren Raddysh and Morgan Rielly has raised some concerns, specifically on the defensive side, but does TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau share that worry? He explains in The Talking Point.
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar sustained an upper-body injury during Tuesday's preseason game against the Boston Bruins and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The Flyers signed Vladar to a five-year, $27.5-million extension this offseason after he enjoyed a career year with a .906 save percentage in 52 appearances in the 2025-26 regular season.
Joel Farabee had a goal and an assist, Zayne Parekh had two assists and the Calgary Flames picked up their first win of the preseason beating the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on Tuesday. Dustin Wolf made eight saves on nine shots.
Viljami Marjala scores the overtime game winner for the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night in preseason action against the Winnipeg Jets. Devon Levi made 12 saves on 13 shots through two periods of action in his first game for the Oilers.
Michael Eyssimont scored twice and the Bruins found the back of the net four times in the third period to beat the Flyers in preseason action on Tuesday. The Flyers also took another loss in the game after starting goalie Dan Vladar left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.
TSN Hockey analyst Frankie Corrado joins SportsCentre to discuss which storyline intrigues him more between the Jets needing to overcome the Connor Hellebuyck holdout and the Oilers beginning the Mike Babcock era. Frankie also debates which is more likely between the Jets getting back into the postseason this year, or if the Oilers can get back to the Stanley Cup Final.
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