Maple Leafs shake up defensive pairings as they search for answers

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller has revamped the team's defensive pairings in practice following a mixed start to the 2026-27 NHL season. Ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, the new pairings feature Jake McCabe alongside Darren Raddysh, Morgan Rielly with Chris Tanev, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson paired with Troy Stecher. The adjustments come as Toronto looks to stabilize its blue line after five games.

Previously, Hiller utilized specialized pairings, placing McCabe with Tanev in a shutdown role and pairing Rielly with Raddysh. Editor In Leaf argues that the previous setup imposed a heavy workload on the 36-year-old Tanev, while stating the updated combinations provide better balance and ensure a puck-moving presence on the ice at all times.