From Las Vegas GM meetings chatter to ongoing contract drama, the past week was loaded with storylines surrounding both the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. Here’s a full rundown of everything that made waves across the city from November 3 to 9. For daily updates, visit our Blue Jays Offseason Tracker and Maple Leafs Rumour Roundup.
Blue Jays: Rotation, Bichette, and Free Agent Buzz
The week began with confirmation that Shane Bieber would return for 2026 after exercising his $16 million player option — an unexpected development that immediately stabilized Toronto’s rotation. (Jon Heyman, Keegan Matheson, MLB.com)
Front Office Tone Shifts to “Aggressive”
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported on Nov. 7 that Ross Atkins described the offseason as one with “everything on the table,” suggesting the club is willing to explore both major trades and free-agent upgrades. He confirmed ownership support remains high, with payroll not expected to drop. Mark Shapiro echoed this optimism, emphasizing an “unprecedented level of support” from ownership. (Sportsnet — Ben Nicholson-Smith)
Focus on Pitching and Potential Targets
Reports from The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon (Nov. 6) and ESPN’s Jorge Castillo (Nov. 5) identified starting pitching as the team’s top offseason priority. Names such as Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, Framber Valdez, and Michael King were mentioned as possible fits. The bullpen is also expected to see reinforcements after a heavy workload in 2025. (The Athletic — Mitch Bannon • ESPN — Jorge Castillo)
Bo Bichette’s Future Still a Talking Point
Keegan Matheson appeared twice on TSN this week — first with Sarah Davis (Nov. 6) and then with Jay Onrait (Nov. 7) — reaffirming that Bo Bichette’s free agency process could “stretch through most of the winter.” Matheson said Toronto’s biggest advantage may be Bichette’s personal connection to the team and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., should financial offers be close. USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale added that Bichette is now “expected to stay put,” marking a notable shift in industry sentiment. (USA TODAY — Bob Nightengale • TSN (Jay Onrait) • TSN (Sarah Davis))
International & Trade Market Links
Toronto’s name surfaced alongside the Yankees in early speculation about Munetaka Murakami — a Japanese slugger viewed as a high-upside, power-oriented target. The Athletic also connected the Jays to Steven Kwan of Cleveland, citing previous trade interest for the left-handed contact hitter. (Sportsnet — Ben Nicholson-Smith • The Athletic — Mitch Bannon)
Ownership Confidence and Internal Plans
From the end-of-season media availabilities, Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins outlined that the front office’s approach will continue to leverage momentum from their World Series run. Key updates included John Schneider’s 2026 option being picked up, the possibility of stretching Louis Varland into a starter, and careful workload management for Trey Yesavage. (Blue Jays End-of-Season Availabilities — YouTube)
For live updates and new offseason developments, check out our Blue Jays Offseason Tracker.
Maple Leafs: Kämpf Drama, Depth Moves, and Trade Buzz
David Kämpf Situation Dominates the Headlines
No Leafs storyline drew more attention this week than the David Kämpf saga. PuckPedia first reported on Nov. 6 that Kämpf had been suspended without pay for leaving the AHL Marlies, temporarily removing his buried cap hit. Elliotte Friedman (via 32 Thoughts) revealed earlier in the week that Kämpf’s teammates believed he might terminate his contract entirely. (@PuckPedia • @LeafsLatest • @FriedgeHNIC)
Chris Johnston provided the clearest breakdown on Nov. 7 via The Chris Johnston Show, outlining three outcomes: a trade, contract termination, or return to the Marlies. Johnston said both sides are handling the situation amicably, with resolution expected soon — and added Kämpf “will get another NHL job” if released. (The Chris Johnston Show (SDPN))
Leafs Eye Scoring Winger; Cowan Untouchable
Nick Kypreos reported that Toronto would like to add a scoring winger but faces asset limitations. Easton Cowan is considered untouchable in talks, though Ben Danford may be more available. David Pagnotta also confirmed the team has made calls on its depth forwards but won’t move players without fair return. (@LeafsLatest • @NHLRumourReport)
Other Trade Chatter
The Fourth Period linked Toronto to potential interest in Brayden Schenn if the Blues decide to move him. Meanwhile, Chris Johnston reiterated that the Leafs are patient with Nick Robertson and won’t trade him unless they receive a comparable young asset. (The Fourth Period — Schenn story • @NHLRumourReport)
Team Depth Moves and Updates
TSN’s Insider Trading panel confirmed that Easton Cowan’s temporary demotion was a roster logistics move, not performance-based. The Leafs’ front office remains confident in their forward depth despite juggling 14 players with limited AHL flexibility. (TSN Insider Trading — YouTube)
Matthews Health Update
Finally, on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman said the Leafs are confident in Auston Matthews’ health following what they viewed as his best game of the season on Nov. 5, putting to rest any lingering injury speculation. (32 Thoughts: The Podcast)
For ongoing coverage of trade buzz and roster movement, follow our live Maple Leafs Rumour Roundup.
About the Author
