Some Maple Leafs players evidently have a lot more on their mind than just hockey, with some sharing their wildest beliefs in a video posted on social media.
As the team recently hit the practice rink, the social media team asked each player the thought-provoking question: What is your favourite conspiracy theory rabbit hole?
The most open-minded of the players appeared to be rookie Gavin McKenna. The Yukon native said he “has a lot” but that he’s currently “big” on Bohemian Grove (a highly secretive annual retreat for the world’s elite) and the secret society known as the Illuminati as his favourites to look into.
But that’s not all, apparently, as captain Auston Matthews also revealed that he and the first-overall pick recently watched a video about another popular theory.
“Me and Gav watched the Denver Airport one the other day,” Matthews said to the camera.
The Denver Airport has long been a subject of urban legends and occult rumours, involving everything from secret government bunkers to alien hideouts.
Considering that the Leafs played in Denver on Saturday night, beating the Colorado Avalanche 6-3, it’s easy to assume why such a conspiracy might’ve been the first to come to mind for many players.
What was the most popular conspiracy theory?
Some players, like John Tavares, wouldn’t reveal their answers while Jack Roslovic said that his favourite was “not one I want to share.”
But the most popular of the group was the conspiracy theory surrounding the moon landing, which five players cited as their top tall tale.
Defenceman Marshall Rifai said that the pyramids were his biggest head-scratcher.
“I don’t know how they made that,” he said. “That one always throws me off.”
Zack MacEwen rounded things up with his confident answer: “Definitely ancient aliens.”
The Maple Leafs currently are in Salt Lake City, preparing to take on the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday night and close out a three-game trip. They’ll be back in action at home on Thursday, hosting the Buffalo Sabres.
What other theories do pro athletes believe?
Professional athletes have a history of sharing their sometimes off-kilter beliefs with the general public.
Before the start of the 2026 NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf revealed that he doesn’t believe that Antarctica truly exists.
The star wide receiver shared his belief that claims Antarctica contains an entrance to an underground civilization inside the Earth.
“You can go to Alaska. You could go to the North Pole. But why not Antarctica? Why can’t you just book a trip to Antarctica?” Metcalf said during an interview in September. “Why is there a secret meeting well, it’s not secret, but why is there a meeting between every world leader of every country in Antarctica, specifically?”
Metcalf also said that he bonded with his team’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, over conspiracy theories. The four-time NFL MVP has been outspoken on a variety of controversial topics over the years.