What is the Maple Leafs' Optimal Lineup?

Do the Leafs Need Goaltending Help? w/ Anthony Stewart + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin are joined by Anthony Stewart to discuss Ryan O’Reilly’s acclimation to his new team, John Tavares’ move to the wing, Noel Acciari’s value to the bottom six, his level of concern about Toronto’s goaltending, and the Oilers’ biggest needs at the trade deadline. Later, it’s time for the Wake and Rake (25:43)! Ailish and Justin tee up tonight’s Raptors-Pelicans game and assemble our daily Wake and Rake parlay. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

State of the Wild w/ Mike Modano + What is the Raptors’ Ceiling with Poeltl?: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with an interview featuring Mike Modano, Hockey Hall of Famer and current Minnesota Wild Executive Advisor. He discusses the Wild’s involvement in the Leafs’ Ryan O’Reilly deal, the team’s position ahead of next Friday’s trade deadline, his transition into a front office role, Matt Boldy’s emergence, and the lack of personality in hockey. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Vivek Jacob of Raptors.com to chat about Jakob Poeltl’s wide-ranging impact since being acquired from San Antonio, why Pascal Siakam benefits from Poeltl’s presence, Jeff Dowtin Jr. receiving some extended burn on Thursday night, and the Raptors’ ceiling for the remainder of the season (28:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

What is the Maple Leafs' Optimal Lineup?: Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ailish discussing her current car troubles and her interaction with a local automotive shop on Monday. Then, she and Justin share their thoughts on Ryan O’Reilly’s ideal fit, the Maple Leafs’ optimal lineup construction, and how Toronto stacks up line-for-line against Boston and Tampa. Afterwards, they present their Raptors report cards at the All-Star Break. Finally, we close out the hour with Ailish’s daily edition of the A-List (45:44)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

52 min listen

NHL “Wild Card Week” w/ Frank Seravalli + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider for DailyFaceoff.com, joins the show to discuss the Lightning’s acquisition of Tanner Jeannot, Tampa’s unique player evaluation model, Timo Meier being dealt to New Jersey, the expectation that Patrick Kane will end up in New York, and the latest speculation around the NHL. Later, Ailish and Justin assemble our daily Wake and Rake parlay with the help of the text-line (28:27)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

46 min listen

Reigniting the QEW Rivalry w/ Andrew Peters + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Andrew Peters, former NHL forward and co-host of the After the Whistle podcast, stops by to discuss the Sabres’ ascent this season, Ryan O’Reilly’s failed tenure in Buffalo, Tage Thompson’s emergence, the Sabres’ biggest areas of need ahead of the trade deadline, and the Leafs’ well-rounded roster. Later, Ailish and Justin round out their Raptors grades at the All-Star break, before assembling our daily Wake and Rake parlay with the help of the text-line (26:28)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

NHL Rumour Mill w/ David Pagnotta + Jays Add Click: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with David Pagnotta, editor-in-chief of The Fourth Period, stopping by to discuss the Leafs’ acquisition cost for Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty, the Bruins’ interest in both of those players, if Kyle Dubas is poised to make more moves like this, Patrick Kane’s likely move to the Rangers, and other names to monitor ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin are joined by MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi to chat about the Blue Jays’ hiring of former Astros GM James Click, Nate Pearson’s potential role this season, and how players are adjusting to MLB’s new pitch clock (26:22). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

47 min listen

Blue Jays Lineup Balance with Dan Shulman + E.J.'s 2nd Half Outlook: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ernie Johnson, longtime host of Inside the NBA, stopping by to discuss his experience covering All-Star Weekend in Utah, Mac McClung’s scintillating performance in the dunk contest, the Raptors’ outlook for the remainder of the regular season, Kyrie Irving’s fit alongside Luka Doncic, and LeBron James’ quest to elevate the Lakers back into playoff contention. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Dan Shulman to chat about MLB’s new rule changes, how the pitch clock will impact pace of play, the Blue Jays’ concerted effort to craft a more balanced lineup, Jose Berrios tinkering with his mechanics, and the current group of national title contenders in NCAA men’s basketball (27:16). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

45 min listen

McDavid Dazzles + Keefe Calls Out His Leafs: On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Maple Leafs’ loss to the Oilers on Wednesday, potential concerns about Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid’s historic season, first impressions of the Leafs’ newcomers, Justin Holl’s adventurous night, and Sheldon Keefe calling out his team after the game. Then, Ailish and Justin weigh in on the Senators’ acquisition of Jakob Chychrun and the underwhelming return headed back to Arizona. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (44:39). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

Kyle Dubas Masterclass? w/ Jeff Marek + Raptors’ Lineup Tweaks: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Marek stopping by to discuss the Maple Leafs’ three moves on Tuesday, Toronto having the flexibility to load manage Mark Giordano, if there’s a natural fit for Erik Gustafsson, Kyle Dubas’ impressive job augmenting this roster, Joonas Korpisalo landing with the Kings, and Dubas’ evolution from past trade deadlines. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Raptors analyst Katie Heindl to chat about the Toronto’s win over the Bulls, the team’s signing of Will Barton, Gary Trent Jr. being relegated to a bench role, and Scottie Barnes’ propensity for elevating his game in the fourth quarter (28:12). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

O' What a Night!: On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Maple Leafs’ dominant win in Buffalo, Ryan O’Reilly scoring a hat trick in his old barn, Mitch Marner’s elite playmaking prowess, the chemistry between O’Reilly, Marner and John Tavares, and Sheldon Keefe’s long-term plans for the second line. Afterwards, Ailish and Justin break down the first two episodes of Netflix’s new Full Swing docuseries. They share their thoughts on the editorial composition of each episode and the complex circumstances surrounding Brooks Koepka’s exit from the PGA Tour. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (45:55)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

51 min listen

The Poeltl Show, Air Boucher, and Boston's Big Splash: On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Raptors’ win over the Pelicans, Chris Boucher’s epic dunk, Jakob Poeltl’s invaluable contributions on both ends of the floor, the unique synergy between Poeltl and Pascal Siakam, the Bruins’ acquisition of Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals, and if the Leafs will respond with a trade of their own. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List, including the debut of Friday Fill (40:38). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

The Forgotten Piece: Acciari’s Integral Skill Set w/ Brent Gunning + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Brent Gunning stops by to chat about Netflix’s Full Swing docuseries, his first impressions of Ryan O’Reilly, if the Leafs need to upgrade on the blue line, Matthew Knies’ chances of being a contributor for the Leafs this season, and Noel Acciari’s underrated skill set. Then, Ailish and Justin are joined by Toronto FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye to discuss his experience representing Canada at the World Cup back in November and TFC’s outlook for the MLS season (24:43). Later, with the help of the text-line, Ailish and Justin assemble our daily Wake and Rake parlay (38:42). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

Does Rielly Need a Sheltered Role? + Rodgers to the Jets? w/ Ross Tucker: On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Ian Tulloch of The Athletic stops by to chat about the merits and drawbacks of deploying an 11-and-7 lineup, the Leafs’ lack of bottom six scoring, Luke Schenn’s role upon his return, Morgan Rielly’s up-and-down season, Jake McCabe’s seamless transition to Toronto, Rasmus Sandin’s success since departing Toronto, Mitch Marner’s Selke candidacy, and Sam Lafferty’s best lineup fit. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Ross Tucker to discuss the ongoing Lamar Jackson saga, the likelihood of Aaron Rodgers joining the New York Jets, the pressure on Jordan Love in Green Bay, Chicago’s slew of moves in recent days, and the 49ers’ fascinating quarterback situation (26:36). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

46 min listen

Leafs Letdown and Loonie Dogs Drama: Happy Monday! Ailish kicks off the show by discussing her weekend trip to Buffalo. Then, she and Justin weigh in on the Maple Leafs’ quiet deadline day, the process of integrating new players into the lineup, Saturday night’s loss in Vancouver, the Leafs’ top power play unit allowing two shorthanded goals, Matt Murray’s return from injury, and the need for consistency from the core 4. Afterwards, they chat about the Raptors earning a split in Washington, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s withdrawal from the World Baseball Classic, and Jose Bautista joining the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence. Later, Ailish presents an abbreviated version of the A-List, in which she laments being excluded from the Blue Jays' Loonie Dogs promotional video (46:32). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

52 min listen

Leafs' Cap Crunch + Raptors Post All-Star Storylines: On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss Jake Muzzin being ruled out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, what his absence means for the Leafs, the team’s current salary cap situation, and Elliotte Friedman’s latest reporting about who the Leafs may target ahead of next Friday’s trade deadline. Then, Ailish and Justin chat about the Raptors’ expectations coming out of the All-Star Break and the Canadian women’s hockey team defeating Team USA in Game 7 of their Rivalry Series. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (46:21)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

52 min listen

Will Dubas Strike Again? w/ Jeff Marek + What’s Up Wednesday!: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Marek discussing Ryan O’Reilly’s big night against Buffalo, his future beyond this season, if Kyle Dubas will look to make another move before next Friday’s deadline, the Blues’ reported interest in Timo Meier, and Patrick Kane’s uncertain future ahead of the deadline. Later, it’s the return of What’s Up Wednesday (26:43)! Ailish and Justin dive through a series of topics, including the XFL’s quirky rule changes, the Blue Jays’ optimal batting order, and Anthony Edwards’ critique of load management. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

“Happy Days”: Inside O’Reilly’s Playoff Pedigree w/ Carl Gunnarsson: On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Kaitlyn McGrath, Blue Jays reporter for The Athletic, checks in from Dunedin to discuss the vibe down at spring training, Jose Berrios’ slew of mechanical adjustments, how MLB’s balk crackdown will impact Kevin Gausman, George Springer shifting to right field, John Schneider’s approach to his first camp, Don Mattingly’s individual work with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the future of the home run jacket. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Carl Gunnarsson, former NHL defenceman and 2019 Stanley Cup champion, to discuss his experience playing with Ryan O’Reilly in St. Louis, O’Reilly’s leadership prowess, the Blues’ regression since their storybook 2019 season, and the inherent legacy implications that come with playing in Toronto (25:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

Putting the Leafs’ Puzzle Together w/ Jason Bukala + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Jason Bukala, former NHL scout and current Sportsnet analyst, stops by to discuss the Leafs improving their toughness and blue line depth, Matthew Knies’ chances of being a factor for Toronto this year, the inner-workings of consummating a trade in the NHL, and what the team is getting in Luke Schenn. Later, we hear from Hall of Famer Phil Housley, who caught up with Ailish and Justin yesterday to discuss his experience coaching Jake McCabe in Buffalo (23:06). We wrap things up by assembling our daily Wake and Rake parlay with the help of the text-line (35:32)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

49 min listen

Keeping Up in the Atlantic w/ Nick Kypreos + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, stops by to discuss the Bruins’ acquisition of Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway, if the Leafs should be in the market for another blue liner, Tampa’s situation heading into the trade deadline, the volatility of Matthew Knies’ current trade value, how Toronto currently stacks up against Tampa and Boston, and the Rangers’ renewed interest in Patrick Kane. Afterwards, it’s time for the Wake and Rake (28:51)! Ailish and Justin tee up the betting odds for tonight’s Leafs-Wild game, before assembling our daily Wake and Rake parlay with the help of the text-line. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

48 min listen

MLB Pitch Clock Rollout and Kikuchi's Outlook w/ Shi Davidi: On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Shi Davidi checks in from Dunedin to discuss his takeaways from the Blue Jays’ opening weekend of Grapefruit League action, Yusei Kikuchi’s encouraging outing on Saturday, Nate Pearson’s outlook, Addison Barger’s growing stock within the Jays’ farm system, the early returns on MLB’s new pitch clock, and Don Mattingly’s influence in his first camp with Toronto. Later, Ailish and Justin present their biggest winners and losers from the weekend (29:06). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

51 min listen

Dubas’ Proactive Approach w/ Pierre McGuire + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, former NHL executive Pierre McGuire joins the show to discuss Kyle Dubas’ aggressive approach ahead of the trade deadline, Jake McCabe’s injury history, the Lightning’s steep acquisition cost for Tanner Jeannot, and the Eastern Conference arms race. Next up, Sportsnet’s Peter Galindo stops by to chat about Dr. Nick Bontis resigning as President of Canada Soccer (23:50). Later on, with the help of the text-line, Ailish and Justin assemble our Wake and Rake parlay (37:55). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

47 min listen

Dubas Strikes Again!: On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Maple Leafs’ acquisition of Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty from Chicago, Kyle Dubas going all in with his draft capital, where McCabe and Lafferty might fit in the Leafs’ lineup, Matthew Knies’ chances of cracking this roster, and if Toronto should be in the market for another goaltender. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (46:46). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

53 min listen

Matthews and Marner Reunited + Trades Galore!: Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Ailish discussing her much-anticipated puppy draft. Then, she and Justin discuss the Maple Leafs’ win over the Kraken on Sunday, Auston Matthews being reunited with Mitch Marner, the slew of Eastern Conference contenders that made big trades over the weekend, what Tampa’s acquisition of Tanner Jeannot means for Toronto, and the Raptors’ ugly loss in Cleveland. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (46:45)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

Will the NHL Expand Video Replay? w/ Jeff Marek: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Jeff Marek stopping by to discuss the NHL GM Meetings, the possibility of expanding video review, what Gary Bettman might discuss at his media availability on Wednesday, and the ongoing bidding process for the Ottawa Senators. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Vivek Jacob of Raptors.com to chat about the Raptors’ franchise-record first quarter on Tuesday night, Jakob Poeltl’s disruptive presence on the defensive end, Gary Trent Jr.’s struggles since moving to the bench, Pascal Siakam’s regression over the past few weeks, and his latest profile piece on Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu (22:40). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

46 min listen

Do the Leafs Need Another Goalie? w/ Nick Kypreos: Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show kicks off with Nick Kypreos, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne, who discusses the Leafs’ loss in Edmonton, Sheldon Keefe's search for the right line combinations, his first impressions of Jake McCabe, if the Leafs need to shop for another goalie, Jonathan Quick as a possible trade target, and Auston Matthews’ recent inconsistency. Later, Ailish and Justin are joined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the vibe down at Blue Jays camp in Dunedin, James Click’s hiring and his role in the front office, Yusei Kikuchi’s encouraging start to the spring, and Alejandro Kirk’s withdrawal from the World Baseball Classic (26:57). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

49 min listen

Blue Jays Make Peace With Their History + Wake and Rake!: On Hour 3 of The FAN Morning Show, Jeff Blair, co-host of Blair and Barker, checks in to discuss Jose Bautista being named to the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence, the universal impact of Bautista’s iconic bat flip homer, Edwin Encarnacion’s involvement as a guest coach at Jays spring training, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. withdrawing from the WBC, and Jose Berrios’ spring thus far. Later, with the help of the text-line, Ailish and Justin assemble our daily Wake and Rake parlay (26:23). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

46 min listen

Schenn's Debut, Leafs Deadline Pulse, and Bruins Get Busy: Happy deadline day! On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 win over the Flames, Luke Schenn’s debut, first impressions of Erik Gustafsson, and if the Leafs need to make another move ahead of today’s 3 pm ET deadline. Afterwards, they weigh in on the Bruins’ acquisition of Tyler Bertuzzi, David Pastrnak signing an eight-year extension to remain in Boston, and the Raptors’ rough loss in Washington. Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List (44:05). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

51 min listen

Marner Magic, Kane vs. Bunting, and Canada Wins WBC Opener: Happy Monday! On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss the Leafs’ 7-4 win over the Oilers on Saturday, Mitch Marner’s big night, the Leafs’ current goaltending situation, John Tavares receiving a $5,000 fine for slashing Edmonton’s Vincent Desharnais, and Evander Kane’s comments about Michael Bunting. Afterwards, they chime in on Canada’s 18-8 mercy-rule win over Great Britain at the World Baseball Classic and the Raptors closing out their road trip with a loss to the Lakers on Friday (49:14). Later, Ailish presents her daily edition of the A-List! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

53 min listen

VanVleet Doubles Down + McDavid vs. Matthews: Happy Friday! On Hour 1 of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish and Justin discuss Fred VanVleet being fined for his comments from Wednesday, Marcus Smart throwing his support behind VanVleet, and if the NBA has an officiating problem. Then, with the Leafs hosting the Oilers on Saturday night, Ailish and Justin chat about the latest installment of McDavid vs. Matthews. They also pose the following question: is Connor McDavid currently the most dominant athlete in pro sports? Afterwards, we continue our review of Netflix’s Full Swing docuseries with a breakdown of episodes 3 and 4. Finally, Ailish closes out the hour with her daily edition of the A-List (44:54)! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate by The FAN Pregame

51 min listen

O’Reilly Injury Timeline and Deadline Fallout w/ Frank Seravalli: On Hour 2 of The FAN Morning Show, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli stops by to discuss the severity of Ryan O’Reilly’s injury, his potential recovery timeline, early returns on Tanner Jeannot in Tampa, Boston’s current injury situation, the Flames’ quiet trade deadline and Colorado’s decision not to use Gabriel Landeskog’s LTIR space. Later, Ailish and Justin present their biggest winners and losers from the NHL trade deadline (29:00). The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates. by The FAN Pregame

50 min listen

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What is the Maple Leafs' Optimal Lineup?

What is the Maple Leafs' Optimal Lineup?

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