Chris Johnston
TorontoStar
Toronto, ON, Canada
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Past articles by Chris:
10 veteran NHL free agents who could help teams with Stanley Cup aspirations
These are the trusted veterans who will be selling intangibles along with some bottom-half-of-the-roster ability when free agency opens on July 1. → Read More
NHL unofficial trade season about to heat up — these are 15 names to watch
We have entered the brief window where front offices can draw on increased cap flexibility to alter the makeup of their rosters. → Read More
NHL free agent rankings: Ryan O’Reilly, Michael Bunting among four Maple Leafs to crack top 25
Virtually all of the free agents on Chris Johnston’s big board played in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Most of them filled important roles, too. → Read More
Why Brendan Shanahan still believes in the Maple Leafs core
The Leafs president has remained steadfast in his support for the Core Four while watching the atmosphere around them grow more turbulent each season. → Read More
Change is coming to the Maple Leafs. But for the better?
The clock is ticking loudly if the Leafs expect to pull off a blockbuster trade involving a core forward. Everything must be on the table now. → Read More
No question looms larger for Maple Leafs franchise than Auston Matthews’s future
The absolute nightmare scenario for the Leafs would be getting to July 1 with him unwilling to commit to an extension. → Read More
The power has gone out in the Maple Leafs offence. Here’s some of the ugly numbers
Toronto hasn’t scored more than two goals in five straight games, the first time that has happened in more than six years. → Read More
Behind the scenes from the Maple Leafs series-clinching Game 6 win over the Lightning
In the raw moments immediately after the victory, those of us wearing an all-access pass saw what having a monumental burden lifted looks like. → Read More
Five questions facing the Maple Leafs as they prepare for Lightning and the NHL playoffs
From who starts in net to where Ryan O’Reilly slots into lineup, here’s some of key questions that need answers before Leafs face off against Tampa. → Read More
Here’s what we know about the Leafs with the trade deadline and the stretch drive approaching
Their season could come down to goaltending, just as we thought about four months ago. → Read More
The future of the Leafs’ blue line is on display with Timothy Liljegren, Rasmus Sandin
Swedish defencemen have thrived while handling the most difficult minutes of their young NHL careers. → Read More
Phil Kessel was an easy target during a topsy-turvy time for Leafs. He’s also the NHL ironman folk hero you never saw coming
Avoiding media game no doubt drove some of the Kessel dissent. But the man was always unapologetically himself and showed mettle during his Leafs tenure. → Read More
The Maple Leafs have too many possibilities for too few forward spots
Coach Keefe has called this his most difficult camp when it comes to setting his forward lineup. That’s a good problem to have. → Read More
Why Calle Järnkrok isn’t like the Leafs’ other off-season additions
Järnkrok, whose versatility is already earning glowing praise from teammates and the coaching staff, stands out among the newcomers because of the security he received with a four-year contract. → Read More
Top 10 burning questions as NHL training camps open
There are always burning questions in Toronto. → Read More
As NHL training camps open, Leafs’ goaltending tandem tops list of burning questions around the league
Can Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov stabilize Toronto’s goaltending as they look to contend? What about Jack Campbell, now in Edmonton? → Read More
It’s time to start talking about Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto
And talk we will, since Matthews and the Leafs can’t reach an agreement before July 1. → Read More
Chris Johnston’s big board of NHL unrestricted free agents — bargains available as money dries up
A few household names remain but with so much cap space already spoken for, it makes being unsigned an uncomfortable place for many players. → Read More
Johnny Gaudreau’s stunning move and other takeaways from Day 1 of NHL free agency
On a wild opening day of free agency, there was no bigger story than Gaudreau’s unexpected decision to leave Calgary for Columbus and less money. → Read More
Nazem Kadri’s emotional Cup triumph bigger than hockey
TAMPA, Fla. — After silencing all of the doubt and the doubters, Nazem Kadri had the strangest sensation when he finally lifted the Stanley Cup above ... → Read More