Chris Johnston

speaker

1,798 appearances 21 recordings 4 series first heard Jan 2026 last heard yesterday

Chris Johnston’s voice in public audio — every appearance, attributed to the second.

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recordings per month · last 12 months

Recordings per month over the last 12 months — 21 in all, peaking in May 2026 with 4.

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OverDrive · Johnston on the Knies and Marchenko blockbuster trade, Knies' departure from Toronto and the role with the Maple Leafs · 28 Sep 2026 podcast

You know, we were at practice this afternoon at Scotiabank Arena and there's, you know, Matthew Nice was was taking shifts, you know, on the wing uh with with Austin Matthews, where he spent, you know, much of his NHL career to date.

So, you know, it's an abrupt change, but you know, it's been a it's been a year of change, frankly, for the Leafs.

And uh I believe it's now thirteen different players that'll be in the lineup tomorrow night than where they finished off last season.

I think it's that he had huge value by being signed already.

You know, obviously no trade restrictions, so they were able to send him anywhere in the league and you know, he is a unique type of player.

And so, you know, I think that it was really more about seeing him as something that that could allow them to to get what they believe is an upgrade for the roster.

You know, I I don't think there's any personality conflicts here.

It's not about a player that wanted out of town.

In fact I think it's quite the opposite, Matthew Knight.

Every opportunity, you know, even after hearing his name and in rumors, had only ever spoken about you know wanting to be a long-term leaf.

But um, you know, I think we're where Toronto's at.

I mean, obviously it's been a very aggressive off-season since John Trika and Matt Sandine took over the front office, and this this is a continuation of that.

You know, th this this is not uh

You know, the there there's no standing still for the organization, you know, after finishing twenty-eighth last year.

Um very few, you know, un untradable players, I guess, on the roster.

And and ultimately, you know, having a guy that doesn't have any say in the matter has huge value in today's in today's marketplace.

I mean, we saw a few potential trades over the summer uh and and draft period get get scuttled because players had you know trade protection in their consequence.

contracts and and were able to avoid those deals.

I mean that wasn't the case with knives and so I think the Leafs viewed it as a unique opportunity if they could get the right guy back and clearly they believe Plum Marchenko is that.

Well, I I think it it obviously is a it's a huge contract, but I I don't think it would be a a massive surprise uh for the Leafs.

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