Brad Treliving is doing a great job.

[ULF_55]

We aren’t strong on the wing either definitely need to re tool there

Yeah, but strength in net, on defense and down the middle.

A good center can carry a winger, easier than a winger can carry a center.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Yeah, but strength in net, on defense and down the middle.

A good center can carry a winger, easier than a winger can carry a center.

Or just get away from the idea that anyone needs to carry anyone and make lines that have clear purposes where every player fits that purpose. Bonino and Hagelin weren’t gamebreakers but I wouldn’t say Kessel carried them, the line had an obvious job to do and they were all good at doing it. Same for the Lundell line or that Nick Paul line that beat the shit out of us.

It doesn’t really matter how good of a winger you can realistically get for Tavares-Nylander, that line doesn’t have an obvious job or key skillset they’re collectively the best on the ice at.

 

[ULF_55]

Or just get away from the idea that anyone needs to carry anyone and make lines that have clear purposes where every player fits that purpose. Bonino and Hagelin weren’t gamebreakers but I wouldn’t say Kessel carried them, the line had an obvious job to do and they were all good at doing it. Same for the Lundell line or that Nick Paul line that beat the shit out of us.

It doesn’t really matter how good of a winger you can realistically get for Tavares-Nylander, that line doesn’t have an obvious job or key skillset they’re collectively the best on the ice at.

There is always a worst player on each line, one of Knies, Matthews, marner was the worst player on that line.

That's what I'm saying.

 

[Martin Skoula]

There is always a worst player on each line, one of Knies, Matthews, marner was the worst player on that line.

That's what I'm saying.

The worst at what though? If Marner is overall more productive than the next worst guy on the line but can’t help them swarm the puck on the forecheck, the line is worse at doing what should be it’s competitive advantage (being 6’3 225 with elite hands) than if you put a Wilson who’s overall worse than Marner but turns 50/50 board battles into 80/20 ones and makes the D play different. It doesn’t really matter if it’s framed as Wilson and Knies being carried or not if the sum is greater than the parts.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

We aren’t strong on the wing either definitely need to re tool there

We aren't but that's not as important a situation because wingers are easier to get then centers.

We know Domi and Matthews can play together we've seen that a few times and we know Knies can play with Matthews.

I think you can get by until the deadline with Nylander, Knies Domi and McMann as your top 6 wingers if you can add a piece down the middle.

Now I don't expect them to do that, I fully expect an extensive retool.

But they could do that if they added another piece down the middle.

 

[sunstersun]

We aren't but that's not as important a situation because wingers are easier to get then centers.

We know Domi and Matthews can play together we've seen that a few times and we know Knies can play with Matthews.

I think you can get by until the deadline with Nylander, Knies Domi and McMann as your top 6 wingers if you can add a piece down the middle.

Now I don't expect them to do that, I fully expect an extensive retool.

But they could do that if they added another piece down the middle.

Yes I agree, centre depth is a gaping hole. I'm not saying McMann is good, but in the regular season he's enough to not be a passenger on the 2nd line.

Imo, I want to take on centre reclamation projects and assets this year in a mini tank/retool year before going all out contention in 2026 with Matthews remaining years. Then it's big decision point before it's a total rebuild.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Yes I agree, centre depth is a gaping hole. I'm not saying McMann is good, but in the regular season he's enough to not be a passenger on the 2nd line.

Imo, I want to take on centre reclamation projects and assets this year in a mini tank/retool year before going all out contention in 2026 with Matthews remaining years. Then it's big decision point before it's a total rebuild.

That's not going to happen because that would be a step back.

If you watched Pelley's press conference It's VERY clear a step back is NOT an option.

Nor should it be.

 

[ULF_55]

The worst at what though? If Marner is overall more productive than the next worst guy on the line but can’t help them swarm the puck on the forecheck, the line is worse at doing what should be it’s competitive advantage (being 6’3 225 with elite hands) than if you put a Wilson who’s overall worse than Marner but turns 50/50 board battles into 80/20 ones and makes the D play different. It doesn’t really matter if it’s framed as Wilson and Knies being carried or not if the sum is greater than the parts.

Doesn't change anything about being the worst player on a line.

Having a specific role on a line doesn't make you the better player.

 

[BlueForever75]

There are some good winger depth pieces that fit the Berube mold and style available in free agency. Also some that can make up for lack of scoring from the wing as well.

Marchand
Ehlers
Mangiapane
Beauvallier
Boeser
R. Smith
P. Kane
Armia
Olafsson
Kapanen
C. Brown
Sprong


From a center perspective we need to re-sign Tavares but find a center that is a 2b. You wont get one that is better then Tavares in free agency unless it is Bennett. But there are options:

Nelson
Granlund
Bennett
Duchene
Donato
Geekie
Tanev


I would be good with signing Mangiapane, Tanev and Kane on the wings with Granlund up the middle. This would mean trading off Jarnkrok and Kampf. Lineup would be:

Knies-Matthews-Kane
Mangiapane-Granlund-Nylander
McMann-Tavares-Domi
Lorentz-Laughton-Tanev

That to me adds more depth, speed and tenacity. With offence made up with Kane, Mangiapane and Granlund additions. Can easily exceed the 104 pts lost with Marner. But now you have spread it across the lineup but also have more defensive minded players that hit with speed.

 

[The Shadow]

It’s obvious that Florida has some of the best pro scouting in the league and we need to use our vast resources to be better

Then create a winning culture where these guys come into a role seamlessly and thrive

It seems whatever Florida touches turns to gold right now and that has a lot to do with putting guys into a role to succeed not expecting more than they’re capable of.

 

[The Shadow]

There are some good winger depth pieces that fit the Berube mold and style available in free agency. Also some that can make up for lack of scoring from the wing as well.

Marchand
Ehlers
Mangiapane
Beauvallier
Boeser
R. Smith
P. Kane
Armia
Olafsson
Kapanen
C. Brown
Sprong


From a center perspective we need to re-sign Tavares but find a center that is a 2b. You wont get one that is better then Tavares in free agency unless it is Bennett. But there are options:

Nelson
Granlund
Bennett
Duchene
Donato
Geekie
Tanev


I would be good with signing Mangiapane, Tanev and Kane on the wings with Granlund up the middle. This would mean trading off Jarnkrok and Kampf. Lineup would be:

Knies-Matthews-Kane
Mangiapane-Granlund-Nylander
McMann-Tavares-Domi
Lorentz-Laughton-Tanev

That to me adds more depth, speed and tenacity. With offence made up with Kane, Mangiapane and Granlund additions. Can easily exceed the 104 pts lost with Marner. But now you have spread it across the lineup but also have more defensive minded players that hit with speed.

Patrick Kane suits Berube’s style ?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

There are some good winger depth pieces that fit the Berube mold and style available in free agency. Also some that can make up for lack of scoring from the wing as well.

Marchand
Ehlers
Mangiapane
Beauvallier
Boeser
R. Smith
P. Kane
Armia
Olafsson
Kapanen
C. Brown
Sprong


From a center perspective we need to re-sign Tavares but find a center that is a 2b. You wont get one that is better then Tavares in free agency unless it is Bennett. But there are options:

Nelson
Granlund
Bennett
Duchene
Donato
Geekie
Tanev


I would be good with signing Mangiapane, Tanev and Kane on the wings with Granlund up the middle. This would mean trading off Jarnkrok and Kampf. Lineup would be:

Knies-Matthews-Kane
Mangiapane-Granlund-Nylander
McMann-Tavares-Domi
Lorentz-Laughton-Tanev

That to me adds more depth, speed and tenacity. With offence made up with Kane, Mangiapane and Granlund additions. Can easily exceed the 104 pts lost with Marner. But now you have spread it across the lineup but also have more defensive minded players that hit with speed.

I've always seen Granlund more as a winger, he is somebody I expect them to target though

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Patrick Kane suits Berube’s style ?

Patrick Kane is a winner he suits everybody style

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I'm interested to see what he says tomorrow

 

[centipede2233]

There are some good winger depth pieces that fit the Berube mold and style available in free agency. Also some that can make up for lack of scoring from the wing as well.

Marchand
Ehlers
Mangiapane
Beauvallier
Boeser
R. Smith
P. Kane
Armia
Olafsson
Kapanen
C. Brown
Sprong


From a center perspective we need to re-sign Tavares but find a center that is a 2b. You wont get one that is better then Tavares in free agency unless it is Bennett. But there are options:

Nelson
Granlund
Bennett
Duchene
Donato
Geekie
Tanev


I would be good with signing Mangiapane, Tanev and Kane on the wings with Granlund up the middle. This would mean trading off Jarnkrok and Kampf. Lineup would be:

Knies-Matthews-Kane
Mangiapane-Granlund-Nylander
McMann-Tavares-Domi
Lorentz-Laughton-Tanev

That to me adds more depth, speed and tenacity. With offence made up with Kane, Mangiapane and Granlund additions. Can easily exceed the 104 pts lost with Marner. But now you have spread it across the lineup but also have more defensive minded players that hit with speed.

Puis Suter is the guy I would be targeting

 

[rumman]

He’s on the wrong side of 30 now and is only going to decline in speed and performance.

He’s also not a great power play guy and for $7.5 million for what value he adds I think it’s replaceable

And he’s fat, like whale fat. How a professional athlete can allow that to happen to themselves is beyond me, plenty of time to get fat in retirement, just ask Savard……..

 

[rumman]

3 picks wasted. Was Laughton and Carlo the difference against Ottawa?

maybe? if it was, we suck.

The Laughton deal is inexcusable, he’s a okay player, but Tre overpaid and overpaid hard on that deal…….

 

[rumman]

I’d like to see Reeves get his 1000 games but hopefully not with us

But I do think there is a need for some depth guys that can fight when needed

If the team is serious about getting better Reeves can’t be part of it, his time in the NHL is over, he’s not a effective pugilist anymore and what else does he bring other than that?

 

[rumman]

A week and a half since the Leafs season ended, and we still haven't heard from Brad.

Next time this organization spews their usual PR nonsense about the fans mattering, and wanting to improve that relationship with fans, remember that actions will always speak louder than words

Shut up and buy a jersey for Pete’s sake……..

 

[rumman]

I know.

Nelson will be courted by how many teams, and I think Minnesota is one.

...

The second part is in reference to the many (not the quoted post) where Leafs end up with some center from some team that accepts some player that magically waives their NMC to move.

...

Leafs best option is re-signing Tavares ~ $6mm * 2, or $5mm * 3.
Tavares is probably the best free agent center this year.
He might not be the best option for Nylander and some newly discovered top 6 winger.

It is financially possible for the Leafs to sign both with the marner and Tavares money being redistributed to:

Tavares, Nelson, Knies.

I want them to explore the viability of Johnathan Toews and pick up Kane as a Marner replacement. That saves a ton of money that can be dispersed throughout the lineup to improve the team overall. Picking up high priced talent to replace high priced talent won’t fix the cap allocation problems the team suffers from imo……

 

[rumman]

We aren’t strong on the wing either definitely need to re tool there

We need more size overall and more snot. Patches and Knies played a hard nosed brand of hockey this offseason, we need more of that. Players who are rumoured to possibly be available like Crouse, Anderson, and McBain all bring more of what’s needed. Hopefully their toughness would rub off on McMann who I see potential in, but he needs more snarl. Icing this team means no need for a Reeves type of player……..

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I'm starting to think Krider might end here.

There appears to be to much smoke for there to be no fire.

 

[ULF_55]

I want them to explore the viability of Johnathan Toews and pick up Kane as a Marner replacement. That saves a ton of money that can be dispersed throughout the lineup to improve the team overall. Picking up high priced talent to replace high priced talent won’t fix the cap allocation problems the team suffers from imo……

Middle 6 players are needed.

Just looking at forwards under contract for next year, or RFA's.

1st. Matthews, Nylander, Knies (29 goals, 58 points)

3rd. Domi, McMann, Jarnkrok

3rd./4th. Kampf, Robertson, Laughton, Holmberg

 

[rumman]

Middle 6 players are needed.

Just looking at forwards under contract for next year, or RFA's.

1st. Matthews, Nylander, Knies (29 goals, 58 points)

3rd. Domi, McMann, Jarnkrok

3rd./4th. Kampf, Robertson, Laughton, Holmberg

with the exception of Knies, I'd rather see the rest of them playing elsewhere next year, plenty of good trades available with those assets being shopped..........

 

[ULF_55]

with the exception of Knies, I'd rather see the rest of them playing elsewhere next year, plenty of good trades available with those assets being shopped..........

Not sure much value in those assets.

Jarnkrok was injured most of the year, and will be 34 before the next season starts.
Kampf is only 30 (is only laugh), but Berube has him pegged as a 4th. line, PK specialist.

I forgot Reaves ... but he's a 5th. liner.