Toronto Sports Rumor Roundup (Nov 10 – 16, 2025)

Toronto Maple Leafs Rumour Roundup

Roster-for-Roster Trade Options and Mounting Tension

Source: Sportsnet – Saturday Headlines (Elliotte Friedman, Nov. 15, 2025) — Watch here

Elliotte Friedman reported growing tension inside the Maple Leafs organization as management looks for ways to jolt the team. Toronto is actively assessing which players on the current roster have trade value with an eye toward making “hockey trades – roster for roster” rather than moving prospects or high picks. Friedman noted that Easton Cowan is among the pieces the Leafs want to keep and that the preference is to avoid sacrificing the future.

While some outside noise still links the Leafs to Rasmus Andersson, Friedman said he doesn’t believe the fit works right now. He also confirmed that Chris Tanev’s injury is not short-term, which helped prompt the Troy Stecher pickup, and that David Kämpf was ultimately claimed on waivers by Vancouver, with Montreal showing interest after the Alex Newhook injury.

Key takeaway: The Leafs are trying to change their mix without gutting their future assets, under increasing pressure to respond to a shaky start.

Blunt Video Session and Renewed Flames Connection Talk

Source: 32 Thoughts: The Podcast (Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas, Nov. 14, 2025) — Listen here

Friedman revealed that the Leafs held an “honest, blunt, and at times brutal” video session after losses to Boston and Carolina. Several players were singled out for defensive lapses and effort issues. A sharper opening period against Los Angeles was seen as a response, though Friedman stressed that “you always control your effort — no matter who’s out.”

He added that Toronto remains interested in Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson after taking “a big run” at him last year, but Calgary can afford to wait for strong offers. The so-called “Toronto tax” could again complicate matters if the Flames decide to move him. Friedman also reminded listeners that the Leafs previously pursued Brayden Schenn but walked away when St. Louis’ asking price climbed too high.

Key takeaway: Accountability and defensive structure were front and centre this week, while Brad Treliving continues to monitor the blue-line market.

Darren Dreger: Leafs Were Close on Rasmus Andersson

Source: Barn Burner – The Insider Hotline (TSN’s Darren Dreger, Nov. 13, 2025) — Watch here

Darren Dreger confirmed that the Maple Leafs were close to landing Rasmus Andersson at last season’s trade deadline before Calgary backed out, noting that Brad Treliving “spent a lot of time trying to acquire him.” Dreger believes Toronto’s interest remains, but questioned how a trade could work now given the Leafs’ asset situation.

He pointed out that the Leafs do not have their 2026 or 2027 first-round picks and suggested that any serious offer for Andersson would likely have to start with Matthew Knies. Prospects like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford could be part of a package, but probably wouldn’t move the needle on their own.

Key takeaway: Toronto’s pursuit of Andersson is very real and goes back to last season, but making the numbers and assets work now would be difficult.

Leafs “Actively Pushing” to Acquire Flames Defenceman Rasmus Andersson

Source: The Leafs Nation (Jay Rosehill, Nov. 13, 2025) — See clip

On The Leafs Nation, Jay Rosehill said league sources have told him the Maple Leafs are “actively trying hard” to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. Rosehill added that “the power at the top of the Leafs’ totem pole is not happy” with what they’ve seen and wants a significant change on the back end.

He and co-host Nick Alberga questioned whether Toronto has enough cap space and trade capital to land a defenceman of Andersson’s calibre, especially with other potential suitors such as Dallas and Vegas lurking.

David Kämpf Situation: From Bonus Clause to Termination

Few storylines have been as layered as the David Kämpf saga, which touched on cap management, contract language, and roster flexibility throughout the week.

Claw-back clause slows resolution (Nov. 10): On 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that resolution of Kämpf’s contract had been slowed by claw-back language tied to his $1.25 million signing bonus, which could require repayment if the contract is terminated. The Leafs and NHLPA were reviewing the clause as Toronto weighed the cap implications and next steps. (32 Thoughts episode)

Amicable, but uncertain (Nov. 12): On the DFO Rundown Insider Edition, David Pagnotta described the situation as “amicable from both sides” and expected to be resolved soon, even as Kämpf’s absence added to Toronto’s roster uncertainty. Pagnotta noted that the Leafs had “too many bodies” up front and virtually no cap room, complicating both trade and termination pathways. (DFO Rundown)

Placed on waivers for termination (Nov. 13): On TSN Insider Trading, Darren Dreger reported that Toronto had placed Kämpf on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. After canvassing the league and failing to find a trade fit for his $2.4 million cap hit, GM Brad Treliving chose the cleanest option to restore flexibility. Dreger added that there was already “some level of interest” from other NHL teams and that Kämpf is expected to land another job once he becomes a free agent. (Insider Trading)

Claimed on waivers by Vancouver (Nov. 15): In the same Saturday Headlines segment that highlighted Toronto’s roster-for-roster exploration, Friedman confirmed that Kämpf was claimed on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks, with Montreal also having shown interest following the Alex Newhook injury. The move effectively brought an end to his time in Toronto and removed his cap hit from the Leafs’ books. (Saturday Headlines)

Key takeaway: What began as a quiet depth-forward story turned into a revealing case study in contract structure and cap management, ending with Kämpf leaving the organization entirely.

Injuries and MRI Updates for Matthews & Stolarz

Source: TSN Insider Trading (Darren Dreger & Gino Reda, Nov. 13, 2025) — Watch here

Alongside the Kämpf news, Dreger reported that Auston Matthews is expected to miss roughly a week with a lower-body injury, though it is not believed to be a long-term concern. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was labelled day-to-day with an upper-body issue and could return within the next game or two.

Leafs Exploring the Top-Six Market Under a Tight Cap

Source: DFO Rundown Insider Edition (David Pagnotta & Irfaan Gaffar, Nov. 12, 2025) — Watch here

Pagnotta also said the Leafs remain active in exploring options for a top-six forward, but their lack of cap space means any acquisition would require moving out salary first. Nick Robertson and Calle Järnkrok continue to surface in trade chatter, and he mentioned that players like Max Domi or Brandon Carlo could reappear in discussions if Toronto pursues a larger, multi-piece deal.

Craig Berube’s Frustration with Defensive Identity

Source: The Chris Johnston Show (Nov. 10, 2025) — Watch here

Chris Johnston said head coach Craig Berube is frustrated with the Leafs’ inconsistent commitment to defending, feeling the group “doesn’t value the defensive side of the puck enough.” Johnston suggested that if buy-in doesn’t improve, Berube may need to send a message through ice-time or lineup changes for some of the team’s top players.

He added that the Leafs could use another puck-moving defenceman to improve breakouts and reduce pressure on the current blue line, a theme that was echoed throughout the week in other insider segments.

Joseph Woll Nearing Return and the Need for Blue-Line Help

Source: The Chris Johnston Show (Nov. 10, 2025) — Watch here

Johnston also discussed Joseph Woll’s AHL conditioning stint, calling it a positive step, but warned that Toronto’s current defensive environment will make his return challenging. If the Leafs’ structure doesn’t improve, Woll and Anthony Stolarz could find themselves exposed behind a leaky system, regardless of their individual play.

He suggested that if the trend continues, GM Brad Treliving may ultimately have to revisit the trade market for more defensive help, further tying into the ongoing Andersson speculation.

For live, daily Leafs updates and every new rumour as it drops, visit our Maple Leafs Rumour Roundup.

Toronto Blue Jays Offseason & Rumour Roundup

Jays Targeting High-Leverage Relief After Bullpen Issues

Source: The Athletic (Mitch Bannon, Nov. 12, 2025) — Read here

League sources told The Athletic that the Blue Jays have identified late-inning relief as a key priority this winter after a blown save in Game 7 of the World Series. While Toronto has rarely paid top dollar for elite closers under Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins, their current competitive window has them exploring higher-end arms.

The club is keeping tabs on elite names such as Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez, but is more likely to operate in the tier featuring Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks, Phil Maton, and similar high-impact relievers. The goal is to add an eighth- or ninth-inning weapon to raise the ceiling of a bullpen that was solid in the regular season, but wobbled late and in October.

“Spend Significantly”: Jays Expected to Stay Aggressive

Source: The Baseball Insiders (Robert Murray, Nov. 12, 2025) — Watch here

Appearing on The Baseball Insiders podcast from the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, Robert Murray said league chatter suggests the Blue Jays plan to “spend significantly” this offseason. Toronto is expected to remain active in the top tier of both the starting pitching and position-player markets, with players now viewing the team as a legitimate destination after their World Series run.

Murray mentioned that while the Jays previously missed out on pursuits like Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, the combination of organizational momentum and market size has made Toronto a far more appealing landing spot. He expects the club to at least engage on major names like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker as the market develops.

MLB Network: Pitching Priority and Bo Bichette Focus

Source: MLB Network (Shi Davidi interview, Nov. 12, 2025) — Watch here

On MLB Network, Shi Davidi said the Jays are “very determined to build on what they had last year” after reaching the World Series, but stressed that the front office will remain disciplined instead of reckless. With Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer departing, Toronto is expected to add another starter to support a rotation built around Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, José Berríos, and Trey Yesavage.

Davidi also said he expects the Jays to make Bo Bichette “a priority on the position-player side,” adding that there is a part of him that believes, “some way, shape or form, they find their way back to each other.”

Sportsnet: Pitching Emerging as Top Winter Priority

Source: Sportsnet (Ben Nicholson-Smith & Shi Davidi, Nov. 12, 2025) — Read here

In a joint column, Nicholson-Smith and Davidi reported that while the Jays remain tied to marquee bats like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, the organization’s main emphasis is on bolstering the rotation and late-inning bullpen. With Bieber and Gausman both a year away from free agency and Berríos holding a future opt-out, a multi-year arm at the top of the rotation makes particular sense.

Agents Say Jays Are “Hungry” and “In Every Market”

Source: Sportsnet (Shi Davidi & Ben Nicholson-Smith, Nov. 11–12, 2025) — Read here

From the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, agents described the Blue Jays as “hungry” and “acting like the big boys.” Toronto has been active on top-end starters, high-leverage relievers, impact position players, and Asian talent, with one agent remarking that the Jays are “in every market.”

The same reporting noted that while Bichette’s free agency remains one of baseball’s biggest talking points, some in the industry see Toronto as a legitimate potential landing spot for Kyle Tucker as well, citing their ambition and financial flexibility.

The Athletic: Jays Expected to “Be Quite Aggressive”

Source: The Athletic (Mitch Bannon, Nov. 11, 2025) — Read here

Bannon reported that the Jays are expected to “be quite aggressive” this offseason, armed with roughly $50 million in payroll space and fresh off a World Series appearance. Toronto is drawing buzz as one of the focal teams of the GM Meetings, with interest in top-of-rotation arms such as Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, Framber Valdez and Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. A potential reunion with Chris Bassitt in a swingman role was also floated.

Olney: Jays Now a True Free-Agent Destination

Source: TSN 1050 First Up (Buster Olney, Nov. 11, 2025) — Listen here

Buster Olney told TSN’s First Up that agent sentiment toward Toronto has completely flipped since the Jays’ World Series run:

“According to agents I’m speaking with, it’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ll go there, I love that.’ I’ve never heard anything like this since the mid-90s. (Agents) used to say, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna talk to them but off the record my guy isn’t gonna go there.’ It is completely different right now.”

Kyle Tucker: Jays Emerge as One of the Frontrunners

The Kyle Tucker sweepstakes heated up this week, with multiple insiders naming the Jays as a serious player:

• Nov. 14 – MLB Network (Mark Feinsand & Jon Heyman): Feinsand said Toronto was the one team he heard in connection to Tucker “more than any other” during the GM Meetings. (Clip)
• Nov. 13 – Bleacher Report (Jon Heyman): Listed the Blue Jays and Dodgers as the “top two teams” for Tucker and said Toronto is among the clubs most likely to “go big” this winter. (Show)
• Nov. 11 – New York Post (Heyman): Wrote that “the Jays, expected to spend big, make big sense for Tucker.” (Article)
• Nov. 11 – ESPN (Jeff Passan): Called Tucker the “perfect transaction” for Toronto, arguing this is the ideal time for the Jays to make the biggest move of the winter and give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. his left-handed complement. (Article)
• Nov. 10 – The Athletic & USA TODAY: Both outlets listed the Jays among the leading suitors, with multiple executives telling Bob Nightengale, “Don’t be surprised if the Blue Jays are the perfect fit.” (The Athletic • USA TODAY)

Bo Bichette: Growing Sense He’ll Stay in Toronto

Beyond Davidi’s MLB Network comments about Bichette being a priority, several outlets reinforced the idea that he may ultimately remain a Blue Jay:

• Nov. 12 – MLB Network: Davidi said there is a part of him that feels, “some way, shape or form, they find their way back to each other,” praising Bichette’s toughness and versatility, including his shift to second base during the World Series. (Clip)
• Nov. 11 – CBS Sports: A panel of analysts unanimously predicted Bichette will re-sign with the Jays, citing their momentum, flexibility, and desire to keep the core intact. (Article)
• Nov. 10 – USA TODAY: Nightengale wrote that Bichette, once widely expected to depart, is now “expected to stay put to complete their goodwill tour,” with Toronto intent on keeping him as part of its championship core. (Article)

Pete Fairbanks and the Late-Inning Market

Sources: The Athletic (Mitch Bannon & Ken Rosenthal, Nov. 11, 2025) — Bannon • Rosenthal

The Jays are among the expected suitors for free-agent closer Pete Fairbanks, who had his $11 million option declined by Tampa Bay. Bannon added that Toronto is also looking at other late-inning options like Phil Maton and Tyler Kinley, who could provide strong value in high-leverage spots without commanding top-of-the-market deals.

Ranger Suárez: “Lone Ranger” Drawing Jays Interest

Source: USA TODAY (Bob Nightengale, Nov. 12, 2025) — Read here

Agent Scott Boras labelled Ranger Suárez the “Lone Ranger” of playoff-proven left-handed starters, and Nightengale reported that the Blue Jays are among the teams ‘salivating’ at the opportunity to sign him. Given Toronto’s desire to add another starter and diversify its rotation, Suárez stands out as a particularly natural fit on the market.

Munetaka Murakami Still on the Radar

Source: Sportsnet (Ben Nicholson-Smith) — Read here

Earlier reporting, still referenced throughout the GM Meetings, has the Jays as one of two MLB clubs closely monitoring Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami’s situation, alongside the New York Yankees. Murakami’s elite power and swing-and-miss profile make him one of the more intriguing long-term options on Toronto’s radar if his availability becomes clearer.

For daily Blue Jays updates and every new rumour as it drops, head to our Blue Jays Offseason Tracker.