Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz, a daily look at the races for the 2025 NHL postseason. There are 22 days left in the regular season and the races in each of the four divisions are tight. The top three teams in each of the four divisions and the next two highest-place finishers in each conference reach the playoffs.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs embark on the stretch run of the 2024-25 NHL season amidst a tight battle for top spot in the Atlantic Division, the front office has clearly been keeping an eye on the college ranks.

Divvy the blame any way you wish, the Maple Leafs can ill afford to waste point-gathering opportunities when the Atlantic’s No. 1 seed is within grasp, especially to the NHL's worst team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to build on its lead atop the Atlantic Division when they open a three-game road trip through California against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

With Matthew Knies approaching restricted free agency this offseason, the Maple Leafs' forward could see offer sheets this offseason.

Max Pacioretty has added an element of physicality to his game that fits Craig Berube's style. And the Maple Leafs coach is confident that come playoff time the veteran forward will be ready.

The Edmonton Oilers took a huge blow to their lineup ... but still holds a nine-goal lead over Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander for the lead. McDavid is chugging along as well.