Maple Leafs News & Rumours: McCabe, Berube, Woll & Gudas

The St. Louis Blues came out sharp and never let up, cruising to a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Enterprise Center on Saturday. Dylan Holloway had a goal and an assist, while Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Jake Neighbours each contributed two assists. For St. Louis, it was their fourth straight win, and they’re clearly hitting their stride at the right time. Jordan Binnington didn’t face a ton of shots, making just 12 saves, but he was steady when called upon, and sometimes that’s all you need to secure a win.

For the Maple Leafs, it was a tough night to watch. Joseph Woll, a hometown kid from the St. Louis suburbs, stopped 33 shots, but the Blues found gaps in Toronto’s coverage and never let the Leafs string together sustained pressure. Toronto had won its previous two games, so this one serves as a reminder that streaks in the Atlantic Division are no simple feat. Even when your team is talented, one off night in the wrong arena can feel magnified.

Item One: Jake McCabe’s Goal Was the Lone Bright Spot

Toronto did manage to get on the board thanks to Jake McCabe, whose shot off the right wall beat Binnington at 5:07 of the third period. It came after some patient puck work behind the Blues’ net, a reminder that the Leafs can generate offence when they maintain possession and move the puck smartly.

While it didn’t spark a comeback, it offered a glimpse of life in this lineup. McCabe’s ability to find space and capitalize on a well-structured play is exactly what the Leafs need more of, especially in games where they’re trailing early. Moments like this don’t always show up in highlight reels, but they’re the kind of plays that build confidence and trust in a young defensive core.

Item Two: Berube’s Classy Act in Giving Hometown Woll the Start

Craig Berube’s decision to start Woll in front of his hometown crowd in St. Louis was more than a lineup choice — it was a gesture. Even with the Blues sitting solidly in the standings, Berube let the young player get the nod, and that kind of touch doesn’t go unnoticed. There’s nothing quite like playing in front of friends, family, and familiar faces.

Woll responded, too. From puck drop, he played with a focus and confidence that suggested he knew exactly how much this opportunity meant. He gave up five goals, but most of the action was in the Maple Leafs’ defensive zone. His teammates managed only 13 shots on goal, while Woll faced 38.

Games like these are formative — they linger long after the final score is posted. Berube’s move also speaks volumes about the culture he’s trying to build: trust, respect, and the understanding that sometimes development is about moments, not just minutes.

Item Three: Radko Gudas Wants In Against the Maple Leafs

Heading into Monday night’s Maple Leafs–Ducks matchup, Radko Gudas is shaping up as a storyline to watch. He left Thursday’s game in Calgary with an injury and missed the Ducks’ loss in Edmonton, reportedly walking around in a boot. Still, he’s made it abundantly clear he wants to play against Toronto, no matter what the medical situation says.

Gudas’ determination speaks to his competitive streak. He knows the Leafs, understands the stakes, and wants a piece of the action. The Ducks, meanwhile, have bigger-picture concerns — they sit atop the Pacific and need to manage him carefully with the playoffs looming. Medical staff will weigh in on Sunday, so whether he actually suits up remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a classic “player wants it, team has to manage it” scenario, and it adds a little extra edge to Monday night’s contest.

Whether he plays or not, it’s a reminder of how much the Maple Leafs bring out the intensity in opponents. Players like Gudas feed off that intensity, and if there’s any chance he’s ready, you can bet he’ll push to take it.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

One of the bigger issues for Toronto on Saturday was the penalty kill. Pius Suter scored a shorthanded goal at 6:46 of the third, taking advantage of a loose puck in the corner and an open lane in the slot. For a team that prides itself on structure, that’s a costly breakdown.

The Maple Leafs’ power play didn’t offer much either. St. Louis clamped down when it mattered, and Toronto’s attempts to generate traffic and create screens were largely ineffective. Games like this highlight a simple truth: even a strong roster needs crisp execution and focus on special teams to stay competitive.