Maple Leafs roasted by Mark Carney over 1967 Stanley Cup win

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney poked fun at the Toronto Maple Leafs and their decades-long Stanley Cup drought while announcing a major investment in Via Rail.

Speaking at a news conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Carney highlighted the age of passenger cars currently operating on some Canadian routes.

“Our rail cars on our long-distance and remote routes are more than 70 years old. They were built when the NHL had six teams. Goalies wouldn’t wear a mask. The Leafs would win the cup. It’s a long time ago,” a smiling Carney said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Carney, an Edmonton Oilers supporter, then offered Toronto fans a little optimism, saying “things are changing, even for Leafs.”

The comments came as the prime minister unveiled Ottawa’s $4.7-billion plan to build 313 new Via Rail passenger cars in Canada.

The Maple Leafs currently have the NHL's longest active championship drought. Toronto last lifted the Stanley Cup in 1967, which was also the team's most recent appearance in the Stanley Cup final.

Last season, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Toronto will begin its 2026-27 NHL season against the Montreal Canadiens on September 29.