Amazon Prime Video and NHL Original Productions announced Wednesday that "All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs," a Canadian Amazon Original series, will be available in more than 240 countries and territories later this year.
"We're really proud that Amazon has trusted us with a show of this quality and this importance," NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer said. "We're going to follow the team for the entire season, and we'll document what will be a beyond interesting year for so many reasons."
The Maple Leafs have a compelling mix of personalities, from 23-year-old center Auston Matthews, whose clothes are as flashy as his skills, to 41-year-old forward Joe Thornton, who has an old man's beard and a young man's love of the game.
They are trying to take the next step as a Stanley Cup contender in a hockey-mad city amid the coronavirus pandemic. The regular season has been shortened from 82 games to 56. Teams will play only within their divisions, realigned temporarily because of Canada-United States border restrictions.
Toronto will play in the Scotia North Division with the six other teams based in Canada. The NHL hasn't had something like this since 1923-24, when the entire league was four teams based in Canada. It had the Canadian Division from 1926-38, but the division included teams based in the United States.
The Maple Leafs will open against their Original Six rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, at Scotiabank Arena with no fans in the stands Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS).
"This upcoming NHL season will be unique for many different reasons," Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said. "We feel that 'All or Nothing' will provide our team a way to connect with Maple Leafs fans here in Toronto and around the world like never before."
The production will capture raw and authentic highs and lows with director-led camera crews, remotely operated fixed-rig cameras and ambient microphones.
"I know the real-life action on the ice is only matched by the drama behind closed doors," said Amazon Studios vice president of local originals James Farrell, who once lived in Toronto and calls the Maple Leafs his favorite team. "The series will offer an exclusive all-access experience for Prime members."
