Leafs Refuse to Share Secret Behind Mysterious Pre-Game Warmup Incident in Season Finale

Multiple members of the Toronto Maple Leafs were spotted taking an unnecessary risk right before the playoffs by heading onto the ice for warmups against the Detroit Red Wings without their helmets.

Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Max Domi, and Chris Tanev were the players in question, as all four went bucketless before the opening faceoff at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

Tanev was vague when asked about it by reporters, simply saying he "put some money on the board" and went on the ice. Head coach Craig Berube was also asked if he could explain, and the short answer is no.

Besides the safety concern that comes from pucks whizzing around the ice during warmups, there's also the issue of a potential fine, which may be what Tanev was referring to with his "money on the board" comments. As Chicago Blackhawks young star Connor Bedard discovered during his first game in the NHL, participating in warmups without the head protection lands you a $2500 bill from the league.

As the Maple Leafs get ready for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which will include a return to the NHL for veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves, it seems as though some members of the team are trying to strengthen their comradery.

The whole situation remains shrouded in mystery, and even captain Auston Matthews wasn't privy to the reason behind the bucketless warmups, as he seemed baffled by an inquiry about it from TSN's Mark Master prior to the game.