There is just over a month until the NHL regular season kicks-off. Leafs-nation is excited to see their favourite team play games again. While any game is important in the NHL, here are some big headliners to look out for in the Toronto Maple Leafs schedule. Be sure to ‘save the date’ on these selected Leafs games.
Mark Your Calendars for These Toronto Maple Leafs Games in 2024-25
Regular Season Opener at Montreal – Oct. 9
There’s nothing like this rivalry, the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens. It is one of the oldest and most historical rivalries in hockey, dating back over 100 years. These two teams have met 768 times over the years, the head-to-head record in favour of the Habs. It’s always a fiery occasion when these two clubs meet, a physical and entertaining game is to be expected.
Recently, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes may have added a spicy ingredient that could feature in the 769th meeting between these rivals. Earlier this week, the Habs acquired forward Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Some may remember that he was the second pick in the 2016 draft, behind Maple Leafs star, Auston Matthews. In the genesis of their careers, they were always pinned up against each other. Whether it was stirred up by fans, media or whoever it may be, these two were known for their goal-scoring ability. Therefore, it’s an easy comparison, especially when you look at the draft. Now, as division rivals, that rivalry can find a new gear. For the past four seasons, these teams opened their campaigns with this very matchup, starting the year right.
Home Opener vs Pittsburgh – Oct. 12
The home opener for any team, in any sport, is always one of the most exciting days for fans and the team. For the Leafs, they have a great game to open up Scotiabank Arena in 2024-25. There are several different aspects that make this game a must-watch.
Firstly, one of the greatest players to ever lace them up, Sidney Crosby will be in town. That should already be a good enough reason to watch this game. To this point, Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins have not agreed to an extension yet, and it leaves the hockey world wondering if this could be his last season as a Penguin. If Crosby does move on in free agency, or even at the deadline, hockey fans should enjoy what’s left of ‘Sid the Kid’ as a Pen while they can.
In addition to that, former general manager of the Maple Leafs, Kyle Dubas, will be returning home to Toronto for the second time. Last season in Dubas‘ return, the Leafs took care of business, winning the game 7-0 (without Matthews in the lineup).
First Meeting with Playoff and Division Rivals at Boston – Oct. 26
There’s no surprise that this game made the list, and Leafs fans know why. They were left with a sour taste in their mouths because of the way that last season ended. The Boston Bruins eliminated the Maple Leafs in seven games of the first round of the playoffs again. This was the fourth time they met in the first round in just over a decade, and it has always ended the same way, Bruins in seven.
On top of that, this is also another one of those storied rivalries, an Original Six matchup that rarely disappoints. However, these divisional tilts are so important, especially in a division as stacked as the Atlantic Division. Don’t forget about Tampa Bay, Detroit, and the Stanley Cup champions, Florida. Even Montreal might plead their case this season as their young stars continue to blossom. Therefore, their first meeting with Boston this season should one of the games in 2024-25, marked on the Toronto Maple Leafs calendar, for players and fans alike.
Craig Berube Returns to St. Louis – Nov. 2
This offseason, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has made several changes. One of the biggest changes he made would be the shake-up of the coaching staff. The headline of those changes would be the head coach, Craig Berube. Berube previously coached the St. Louis Blues and even led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Expect the Alberta native to get a moment of appreciation in this game with a special video on the jumbotron. But also expect Berube to want a big win against his former team.
The Leafs Franchise First Ever Game vs Utah – Nov. 24
To cap off a busy fall of significant games, the Leafs will do something they’ve never done before. In the final week of November, Toronto will play against Utah for the first time in their history. For this game, the Leafs will host Utah. However, on March 10, Toronto will visit the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for the first time, in what will be an exciting beginning for the NHL’s newest franchise.
In the past, Toronto struggled to beat the Arizona or Phoenix Coyotes in regulation, only achieving that six times in the past 11 years. Now that the franchise has been moved to Salt Lake City, maybe things will change in favour of Toronto.
Sheldon Keefe Returns Home vs New Jersey – Jan. 16
After over four seasons as bench boss for the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe was let go, and Berube was hired as his successor. Keefe and the Leafs have been through a lot together, including when they were able to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Like Berube, expect a video gesture for the Brampton native in his return to Toronto.
Keefe looks set to take the New Jersey Devils far into the playoffs, and if all the stars align, maybe he’ll see the Maple Leafs again later in the postseason.
Toronto Meets No. 1 Pick vs San Jose – March 3
In March, the Leafs will face the San Jose Sharks twice. The first meeting, however, will be at home, and Toronto will get to see what Macklin Celebrini is all about. The North Vancouver native is projected to play out the season with the Sharks. While his team won’t be competitive this year, expect Celebrini to sell tickets for San Jose, as he is an exciting player.
If the 18-year-old remains healthy and stays in the lineup, look out for him when he comes to town.
Stanley Cup Champions are in Town vs Florida – March 13
It’ll take quite some time before the Florida Panthers visit the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers are the reigning champions after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a staggering seven-game series. Playing against the defending champions is always a good measuring stick to see how far your team is from reaching the goal. Despite a few key losses to the Panthers, including Brandon Montour and new Leafs, Anthony Stolarz and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, this game should still be an exciting one.
However, the first matchup between these two sides happens much earlier in the season, Nov. 27, to be exact. Again, Toronto’s division is tougher than ever at the moment, so these games are critical to their seeding heading into the playoffs.
St. Pats vs Calgary – March 17
Later that week, after hosting the Panthers, the Maple Leafs will change up the dress code for St. Patrick’s Day. For several years, the Leafs have worn their St. Pats sweaters on St. Patrick’s Day, to pay homage to the franchise before the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto St. Pats were in full effect from 1919 to 1926, before that, they were the Toronto Arenas.
It’s always fun to see the Maple Leafs where different colours for a couple games or two, this time in 2024-25, one of these times will be against the Calgary Flames.
Main photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
