NHL, Maple Leafs, and Raptors with Jim Tatti, Monday, December 1, 2025

Discussed topics

Jim and Ali discussed the Blue Jays’ recent World Series appearance and their performance.

Details
- Jim: Noted that the 7-game World Series showed all the drama possible, with the Dodgers winning on three solo home runs in the final game
- Jim: Mentioned that the Jays had a “magical” quality with unexpected players making significant contributions
- Jim: Highlighted Trey Savage as a phenomenal young player with a bright 10-15 year future with the team
- Ali: Pointed out that the bottom of the lineup carried the team unexpectedly
- Jim: Observed that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. eventually found his form but Anthony Santander struggled with injuries
Conclusion
- The Blue Jays had a special team chemistry last season despite not winning the championship
- The team has made a recent signing to add another starting pitcher
- Both agreed there’s hope for another strong season next year

Discussion about the Raptors’ current season and key players.

Details
- Jim: Mentioned the Raptors had won 9 straight games before a bad weekend
- Jim: Noted they went 12-3 in November, continuing the positive momentum from the Blue Jays
- Jim: Compared Brandon Ingram’s impact to what Kawhi Leonard brought to the championship team
- Ali: Recalled that Jim had liked the Ingram trade from the beginning
- Jim: Explained how Ingram allows other players like Scottie Barnes to focus on their specific roles
Conclusion
- The Raptors are currently in the top 2-3 positions and likely to finish in the top 6
- The team has successfully rebuilt after their championship and subsequent decline
- Brandon Ingram has been a key addition at the right time for the team’s development

Analysis of the Maple Leafs’ recent performance and player contributions.

Details
- Jim: Discussed Dakota Joshua’s performance and how he responded well after being sat out
- Jim: Highlighted the 7-2 win against Pittsburgh as noteworthy because of strong secondary scoring
- Jim: Mentioned the effective line with Woll, McMann, and Joshua
- Ali: Noted that Sidney Crosby was in the lineup for Pittsburgh during that game
- Jim: Praised goaltender Hildeby’s performance, suggesting he could be in the NHL full-time next year
Conclusion
- The Leafs are showing signs of improvement with better secondary scoring
- The team is currently at 25 points in the standings, just ahead of Buffalo
- Goaltending prospects look promising with both Woll and Hildeby showing potential

General discussion about the current NHL season and standings.

Details
- Jim: Theorized that the league has many players who don’t know how to play a full 82-game season
- Jim: Noted it’s too early to judge any team definitively
- Jim: Mentioned Tampa Bay is surprisingly leading their division
- Jim: Pointed out that the standings are very tight with many teams at 29 points
- Ali: Observed that Florida (defending champions) hasn’t looked great this season
Conclusion
- The NHL standings are very tight and negotiable at this point in the season
- A better assessment of teams will be possible at the halfway point (41 games)
- Playing deep into the playoffs for multiple seasons (like Florida and Edmonton) can affect regular season performance

Brief discussion about the upcoming tournament.

Details
- Jim: Mentioned he’ll be covering the tournament with Stu, Cameron Gontz, and Bonesy Sun
- Jim: Noted the tournament will be held in Minnesota this year
- Jim: Described how the tournament progresses quickly from preliminary rounds to finals
- Jim: Recalled how Connor Bedard played himself up from being an extra forward to the top line
Conclusion
- The tournament showcases “the stars of tomorrow today”
- Being in Minnesota means more favorable viewing times compared to overseas tournaments
- The tournament provides valuable scouting opportunities to see how prospects perform