Assessing the Leafs’ Trade Needs and Targets

[conFABulator]

Feel free to merge this into the trades and free agency thread, however this seemed like less about trade proposals and more about roster and asset inventory and needs assessment in general

The NHL trade deadline is set for March 7, just over eight weeks away. While that might feel like a long runway, it’s never too early to start discussing. With teams already positioning themselves, the Leafs need to weigh their assets and needs, and how best to address them.

For Toronto, the priorities are clear: adding a legitimate 3C to strengthen the middle-six and a top-4 defenseman who can contribute offensively while complementing the current blue line. The need for a third-line center is particularly critical considering Matthews’ health—if he’s out or less than 100%, the entire lineup has to shuffle, making center depth even more vital.

But any move requires balancing factors like acquisition cost, potential upgrades, cap implications, and roster limits. Are the Leafs ready to make the necessary sacrifices, and why would the other team be willing to deal?

Roster and Needs Assessment

Keepers: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Knies, Domi, Pacioretty, McMann, Lorentz, Tanev, Rielly, McCabe, OEL, Woll, and Stolarz. These players form the core and are unlikely to move unless it’s for a rare hockey trade with significant term and value coming back.

Prospects to Keep: Cowan, Minten, Hildeby, and AA. These are high-value prospects that shouldn’t be moved in a typical deadline deal but could come into play for a hockey trade where term is part of the return.

Movable Pieces: On the NHL roster, Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar, Kampf, Jarnkrok, Reaves, Timmins, Benoit, Hakanpää, and Myers are potential trade assets. Among prospects, Niemelä, Danford, Chadwick, Weber, Hirvonen, Steeves, and Tverberg could be in play, along with Murray and draft picks. While I wouldn’t move a first-round pick for a rental, the rest of this pool is available depending on the return.

Adding players means displacing someone, so upgrades must be clear. This is especially true if Matthews misses time, as moving everyone up a slot exposes the team’s depth.

Potential Targets

Looking at potential options, several names stand out. For forwards, Yanni Gourde, Mikael Granlund, Morgan Frost, Scott Laughton, and Brandon Tanev could bring depth, versatility, and grit to the bottom six. On defense, Luke Schenn, Mike Matheson, and David Savard offer experience, physicality, and varying degrees of offensive upside.

Thoughts on Cost and Fit

From these lists, the assets I’d consider moving include Niemelä, Danford, Chadwick, Weber, Robertson, Holmberg, Steeves, Hirvonen, Tverberg, Murray, and draft picks— any deal needs to represent a clear upgrade and align with the team’s cap and long-term plans.

The challenge is ensuring that the move truly fills a need without overpaying. If Matthews’ health forces the lineup to adjust, the need for center depth becomes even more pressing. Are these targets real upgrades, and is the cost justified?

The right move could elevate this roster, but it needs to be calculated. Thoughts on which direction the Leafs should take as the deadline approaches?

Click to read more...

 

[WTFMAN99]

Feel free to merge this into the trades and free agency thread, however this seemed like less about trade proposals and more about roster and asset inventory and needs assessment in general

The NHL trade deadline is set for March 7, just over eight weeks away. While that might feel like a long runway, it’s never too early to start discussing. With teams already positioning themselves, the Leafs need to weigh their assets and needs, and how best to address them.

For Toronto, the priorities are clear: adding a legitimate 3C to strengthen the middle-six and a top-4 defenseman who can contribute offensively while complementing the current blue line. The need for a third-line center is particularly critical considering Matthews’ health—if he’s out or less than 100%, the entire lineup has to shuffle, making center depth even more vital.

But any move requires balancing factors like acquisition cost, potential upgrades, cap implications, and roster limits. Are the Leafs ready to make the necessary sacrifices, and why would the other team be willing to deal?

Roster and Needs Assessment

Keepers: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Knies, Domi, Pacioretty, McMann, Lorentz, Tanev, Rielly, McCabe, OEL, Woll, and Stolarz. These players form the core and are unlikely to move unless it’s for a rare hockey trade with significant term and value coming back.

Prospects to Keep: Cowan, Minten, Hildeby, and AA. These are high-value prospects that shouldn’t be moved in a typical deadline deal but could come into play for a hockey trade where term is part of the return.

Movable Pieces: On the NHL roster, Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar, Kampf, Jarnkrok, Reaves, Timmins, Benoit, Hakanpää, and Myers are potential trade assets. Among prospects, Niemelä, Danford, Chadwick, Weber, Hirvonen, Steeves, and Tverberg could be in play, along with Murray and draft picks. While I wouldn’t move a first-round pick for a rental, the rest of this pool is available depending on the return.

Adding players means displacing someone, so upgrades must be clear. This is especially true if Matthews misses time, as moving everyone up a slot exposes the team’s depth.

Potential Targets

Looking at potential options, several names stand out. For forwards, Yanni Gourde, Mikael Granlund, Morgan Frost, Scott Laughton, and Brandon Tanev could bring depth, versatility, and grit to the bottom six. On defense, Luke Schenn, Mike Matheson, and David Savard offer experience, physicality, and varying degrees of offensive upside.

Thoughts on Cost and Fit

From these lists, the assets I’d consider moving include Niemelä, Danford, Chadwick, Weber, Robertson, Holmberg, Steeves, Hirvonen, Tverberg, Murray, and draft picks— any deal needs to represent a clear upgrade and align with the team’s cap and long-term plans.

The challenge is ensuring that the move truly fills a need without overpaying. If Matthews’ health forces the lineup to adjust, the need for center depth becomes even more pressing. Are these targets real upgrades, and is the cost justified?

The right move could elevate this roster, but it needs to be calculated. Thoughts on which direction the Leafs should take as the deadline approaches?

Moving Danford basically is moving a 1st as we just drafted him.

It would be short sighted to do this for a rental, especially as we have nothing really coming at RD.

 

[conFABulator]

Moving Danford basically is moving a 1st as we just drafted him.

It would be short sighted to do this for a rental, especially as we have nothing really coming at RD.

Yeah, agreed that he would only make sense in a deal for someone with term. I think he is a few years away and would consider moving him for someone that could help us over the next couple/few years.

Good catch

 

[Budz]

OP - good assessment.

Anyone who understands hockey, knows we need a 2/3 Centre. We need to spread out scoring and the 3rd line HAS to help with goals.

I prefer getting a player with term.

I am also probably more willing to pay a steep price for that player. No one is off limits (Cowan, Danford, Minten even Knies in the right hockey trade, I would do).

The other need is a PP QB Dman.

These are very difficult trades to make but Brad has to put his mark on the team with a Hockey trade. I would be much less excited about a UFA trade deadline “guy”.

 

[conFABulator]

OP - good assessment.

Anyone who understands hockey, knows we need a 2/3 Centre. We need to spread out scoring and the 3rd line HAS to help with goals.

I prefer getting a player with term.

I am also probably more willing to pay a steep price for that player. No one is off limits (Cowan, Danford, Minten even Knies in the right hockey trade, I would do).

The other need is a PP QB Dman.

These are very difficult trades to make but Brad has to put his mark on the team with a Hockey trade. I would be much less excited about a UFA trade deadline “guy”.

I agree we need a middle-six C, and I’m all for swinging for the fences and putting our most valued trade assets on the table.

But pulling that off at an in-season trade deadline? That’s a long shot.

You’re looking for the perfect storm: a player who fits our needs, on a team that is a seller and values what we’re offering, a contract that fits under the cap, and no NMC headaches complicating things.

That’s why guys like Granlund, Laughton, and Frost make my list—they check most of those boxes.

Who are you thinking of in the "bigger game hunting" category? Would love to hear some names.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

I still feel our greatest need is the core 4 being willing to battle to the point of getting bruised and bloodied and still be willing to get out there the next shift and go hard again and again. Without that adjustment I don’t see an answer via acquisition making the difference.
However if they do take on the warrior type attitude the 3c and top 4d are the correct targets.
Just to be clear I’m strictly speaking in terms of a cup run.

 

[Matty Sundin]

it’s often frowned upon upon but if we have an opportunity to use the Vegas LTIR strategy with Matthews health issues why not make full use of it and do it but not getting too aggressive just giving assets away below their value.

We shown we have players can step up with Matthews not playing but forward depths never hurts, especially with Matthews health issues. Gourde is a guy that could fit on the bottom 6 right now without even moving anyone that has a role on the team. If Patrick Kane is available why not add him as well? He’s not Chicago dynasty Kane but experienced veteran winner and can still produce. I’m ok with trading Kampf but he has a role on the team to be filled if he goes. A few more cheap depth pieces that don’t look big can help if we go that way. Granlund

Our biggest priority is defenceand really if your a buyer in any situation a top 4 D should always be what your looking at. Trade market for defenceman isnt that attractive or deep this year though and also means value is higher. Savard is the only one that might have to be bit of an overpayment that fits. Luke Schen is there and I know he was good his last stint but he’s also older and I admittedly have no idea how he’s been looking in Nashville which has been a dumpster fire this year. Wouldn’t just add one defenceman and other cheap depth pieces as well.

Obviously if Woll and Stol are healthy, goaltending is fine and probably the most comfortable goalie tandem we had in years other then staying healthy . I don’t think there’s much you can do here and just hope they can. The thought of Murray even sitting in the bench as a back up in playoffs is terrifying though.

Anyways I know if we did all that it would be be borderline nhl 25 franchise mode but if we do find ourselves to put Matthews on LTIR why not make the most out of it. Reality is no matter what they add, what they really need is the core 4 to win an intense dramatic 7 game series(Tampa bay 2023 wasn’t enough)and comeback from adversity and stick to it to maybe finally get over mental issues that’s been effecting this core.

 

[Taylor Halls Teeth]

I still feel our greatest need is the core 4 being willing to battle to the point of getting bruised and bloodied and still be willing to get out there the next shift and go hard again and again. Without that adjustment I don’t see an answer via acquisition making the difference.
However if they do take on the warrior type attitude the 3c and top 4d are the correct targets.
Just to be clear I’m strictly speaking in terms of a cup run.

The results of the last few years are what they are but I think the lack of battle was more a coach that had no solutions. He sat there scratching his nuts when he should have been adapting to what the playoff opponents were doing. Other teams imposing their game on the club doesnt always fall on individual effort.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I have to be honest I'm intrigued by the idea of Towes because he could address the need for a 3C, and he won't cost you Cowan, or Minten or Danford.

And he won't cost you draft picks.

I'd look at that option.

 

[conFABulator]

I have to be honest I'm intrigued by the idea of Towes because he could address the need for a 3C, and he won't cost you Cowan, or Minten or Danford.

And he won't cost you draft picks.

I'd look at that option.

Yeah, you have to look at that one but:

(1) He may not come back this year
(2) He may not choose the Leafs
(3) He may not be any good

 

[conFABulator]

it’s often frowned upon upon but if we have an opportunity to use the Vegas LTIR strategy with Matthews health issues why not make full use of it and do it but not getting too aggressive just giving assets away below their value.

We shown we have players can step up with Matthews not playing but forward depths never hurts, especially with Matthews health issues. Gourde is a guy that could fit on the bottom 6 right now without even moving anyone that has a role on the team. If Patrick Kane is available why not add him as well? He’s not Chicago dynasty Kane but experienced veteran winner and can still produce. I’m ok with trading Kampf but he has a role on the team to be filled if he goes. A few more cheap depth pieces that don’t look big can help if we go that way. Granlund

Our biggest priority is defenceand really if your a buyer in any situation a top 4 D should always be what your looking at. Trade market for defenceman isnt that attractive or deep this year though and also means value is higher. Savard is the only one that might have to be bit of an overpayment that fits. Luke Schen is there and I know he was good his last stint but he’s also older and I admittedly have no idea how he’s been looking in Nashville which has been a dumpster fire this year. Wouldn’t just add one defenceman and other cheap depth pieces as well.

Obviously if Woll and Stol are healthy, goaltending is fine and probably the most comfortable goalie tandem we had in years other then staying healthy . I don’t think there’s much you can do here and just hope they can. The thought of Murray even sitting in the bench as a back up in playoffs is terrifying though.

Anyways I know if we did all that it would be be borderline nhl 25 franchise mode but if we do find ourselves to put Matthews on LTIR why not make the most out of it. Reality is no matter what they add, what they really need is the core 4 to win an intense dramatic 7 game series(Tampa bay 2023 wasn’t enough)and comeback from adversity and stick to it to maybe finally get over mental issues that’s been effecting this core.

I get the idea of using Matthews’ LTIR space, but I don’t think it’s the right move. We’re not in a position where we need major cap flexibility, and the team is better off with Matthews playing and building momentum heading into the playoffs. Chemistry is key, and no trade deadline addition can replace what he brings.

Forward depth is always good, and I’d prioritize Granlund over Gourde. Kampf is useful but could be moved in the right deal. Kane is a great player, but Detroit won’t give him away, and his contract makes it unlikely. Unless Toews signs here, I don’t see Kane happening.

On defence, adding a top-four D should be the priority, but the market is thin, and overpaying for Savard might not be worth it. Schenn doesn’t feel like much of an upgrade over Benoit, Timmins, Myers, or a healthy Hakanpää. Only a low-cost, retained deal would make sense, and that seems unlikely.

Goaltending looks solid as long as Stolarz and Woll stay healthy. Murray in the playoffs isn’t ideal, but overall, this is the best tandem we’ve had in years.

Ultimately, this team’s success depends on the core four stepping up. Smart, modest moves can help, but keeping Matthews in the lineup and hitting full stride is the best way forward.

 

[ACC1224]

3c is a must, Domi is terrible.

 

[conFABulator]

3c is a must, Domi is terrible.

I tend to agree. This third line producing the way they have is interesting, but not something I feel comfortable with going into the playoffs.

I don't think we have to overpay or take on any contracts that roll into next year that we don't want.

Domi
Granlund
Gourde
Minten
Toews
Holmberg

...the answer is on this list I imagine. Let's see how it plays out.

 

[ACC1224]

I tend to agree. This third line producing the way they have is interesting, but not something I feel comfortable with going into the playoffs.

I don't think we have to overpay or take on any contracts that roll into next year that we don't want.

Domi
Granlund
Gourde
Minten
Toews
Holmberg

...the answer is on this list I imagine. Let's see how it plays out.

The answer for me is Tavares gets bumped down and they find someone to fill his spot.

 

[conFABulator]

The answer for me is Tavares gets bumped down and they find someone to fill his spot.

Sure, but that's not really an answer. Who is that player? What does it cost to acquire them? How do we fit them into our cap? How much additional contribution does that player need to bring to offset and justify the reduction in what JT gives us in reduced minutes?

Any specific targets and ideas?

 

[ACC1224]

Sure, but that's not really an answer. Who is that player? What does it cost to acquire them? How do we fit them into our cap? How much additional contribution does that player need to bring to offset and justify the reduction in what JT gives us in reduced minutes?

Any specific targets and ideas?

Of course it's an answer
Playing against lessor players should help Tavares more than it would hurt him plus he'd still get PP time.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

The results of the last few years are what they are but I think the lack of battle was more a coach that had no solutions. He sat there scratching his nuts when he should have been adapting to what the playoff opponents were doing. Other teams imposing their game on the club doesnt always fall on individual effort.

I’ve watched every second of it so while I agree Keefe isn’t the greatest coach in the world I can’t deny feeling the core has definitely not been warrior like.
I’m fine with you believing they have been though.

 

[29Potvin]

Its time for us to move on from Mo
Love him but his cap can be spent in areas that help the team

 

[conFABulator]

Okay, well it's an answer that raises a bunch of questions. I don't see who this 2C is that we fit into the lineup and I don't understand what the third line makeup is with Tavares on it.

 

[Dough72]

Marner for Elias Peterson

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

3c is a must, Domi is terrible.

Domi is not terrible he's just not a center

 

[conFABulator]

The results of the last few years are what they are but I think the lack of battle was more a coach that had no solutions. He sat there scratching his nuts when he should have been adapting to what the playoff opponents were doing. Other teams imposing their game on the club doesnt always fall on individual effort.

Yes and no. It's not entirely fair to blame the coach for players failing to step up and find that "warrior gear" in the playoffs. However, I do think it's the coach's responsibility to instill a competitive, hard-nosed style of play throughout the season. This way, the team doesn't find itself searching for a gear it hasn’t consistently demonstrated when the playoffs arrive. I’m hopeful that Berube is already making strides in this area, even if it’s not fully apparent yet.

 

[fahad203]

I don't have much faith in that 3rd line other than McMann being a key contributor in some way

Would like to some more depth down there. If the Sens are out of a spot by then, I would be interested in Girioux. Claude can still produce and decent on faceoffs

Another option maybe Jason Zucker

 

[29Potvin]

Would love a fouth line of

Marner for Elias Peterson

EP can't handle the pressure in Vancouver what do toy think happens here?
Miller would be awesome but like most people believe the only team in Canada he will play for is Van.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Scott Laughton is another option