Paul Bissonnette has once again claimed that he has jumped off the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ bandwagon. He has long supported the Leafs, but since the Leafs’ playoff streak ended in early 2026, his perspective has changed.
Speaking on NHL on TNT, Bissonnette said he is stepping away from his longtime connection with Toronto.
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“I’m off. I’m off the wagon,” Bissonnette said about the 2026-27 NHL season.
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Liam McHugh suggested another “Biz-Desicon” could eventually arrive. Bissonnette did not rule it out, but said he could remain a free agent.
“It’s kind of nice where you are a free agent,” Bissonnette said. “I might take the year off. It’s like being single again.”
Wayne Gretzky then reminded Bissonnette about his longtime connection with Toronto. McHugh also predicted Bissonnette could return after a strong stretch from the Leafs.
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“Don’t you think if they have like a couple good weeks? He is gonna be walking with the Leafs jersey,” McHugh said.
“One good week and you’re back,” Gretzky replied.
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller speaks to his players in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Bissonnette compared his relationship with Toronto to an ex moving on and finding happiness elsewhere.
“No, it’ll definitely be hard because it’s like your ex going on and meeting somebody else and they’re a lot happier,” Bissonnette said.
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He also pointed to Toronto’s team-building trip to Arizona as a sign of a different atmosphere.
“The juju and the vibe seemed very strong there right now,” he said. “They really let loose and I think that they’re a little less tight.”
That change comes after a major offseason for the Maple Leafs. Toronto added veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. Easton Cowan has also emerged as an important young forward. He has opened the season with three points through two games.
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The Leafs split their opening games and have defeated the New York Islanders 2-1. Anthony Stolarz made 26 saves in that victory.
Bissonnette’s latest comments continue a running storyline around his Leafs fandom. His return to the wagon may depend on how Toronto performs once the season gains momentum.
For now, however, the longtime Leafs supporter says he is staying away.
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