Speculation: Nick Kypreos - "I expect Minten or Cowan to be gone pretty much this time next week"

[Stephen]

Minten I think realistically the Leafs believe can be a Cirelli 3rd line center. Basically a top end 3rd line center. He has all the tools for it (size, grit, willingness to engage physically, responsible defensively, hands not made of stone) and is a hockey nerd obsessed with studying the game. His floor is probably a Curtis Lazar type career.

I personally would rather keep him for that role and move Cowan who I think we can replace easier. We already have pretty good wingers and by far our best NHL ready prospects in the system are wingers after Minten.

I think Cowboy's statistical regression in the OHL coupled with reportedly trying to play a more pro game probably puts him on the outside for me. It may indicate the statistical burst he had last year isn't necessarily sustainable with his level of skill, that he probably won't be an offensive machine as he progresses up the ranks. If another team really likes him and you can use him as a centerpiece to make a splash. Minten doesn't have a high offensive ceiling either, but a Cirelli level center with high IQ and better size is something you can project to 3C without having to go out and get a guy.

Depends on what the return is, I would prefer a higher end player on a multi year deal, and not well into his 30s.

 

[TheGroceryStick]

As long as it is not Danford, I can live with it.

He is likely safe. I’d venture to say his value lies solely in our ability to develop him properly.

Would be a fail to just add him in a trade and doubt anyone sees him as a center piece prospect anyway.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Isn't credible? He brings up a lot of scenarios that come to fruition weeks and months down the line, such as the framework for the current Matthews deal.

If you believe they are going to trade Matthew Knies in a package for Rantanen as a rental I own every bridge in Japan and would like to sell them all to you.

 

[ItWasJustified]

Nick Kypreos is worse than Seravalli with his trade takes so take it for what it's worth.

Kypreos was the only one who had Rantanen on his trade board.

 

[Stephen]

If you believe they are going to trade Matthew Knies in a package for Rantanen as a rental I own every bridge in Japan and would like to sell them all to you.

He cited McMann (cheap), Cowan/Minten and a pick.

Nick Kypreos: How, why and when (spoiler alert: right now) the Maple Leafs should trade for Mikko Rantanen

Acquired a month ago in a blockbuster with the Colorado Avalanche, the Hurricanes star could become available in NHL trade talks this week.

www.thestar.com

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

He cited McMann (cheap), Cowan/Minten and a pick.

Nick Kypreos: How, why and when (spoiler alert: right now) the Maple Leafs should trade for Mikko Rantanen

Acquired a month ago in a blockbuster with the Colorado Avalanche, the Hurricanes star could become available in NHL trade talks this week.

www.thestar.com

He's also mentioned Knies several times

 

[Dead Coyote]

You think Chris Tanev is a #6 defensemen??

Uh, yes. He's a bottom pairing defenseman. A very good one, who you can potentially play in the top 4 in a pinch, but he's slowed down significantly and you don't want him in your top 4 ideally. Whether I call him a #6 or a #5 or a 4/5 tweener, he's a bottom pairing d-man. There's also a decent chance that he gets hit with injury or declines further and isn't in the NHL soon, so I think it's fair to say he's a #6.

 

[Leaf Fans]

First off the 65 game point streak wasn’t achieved solely this season, it started last year when his stock WAS higher.

Cowan has regressed this season, statically his production has dropped while playing for the top team in the OHL. Others around him have continued to progress and elevate their games (Dickinson, O’Reilly, Barkley etc) and he hasn’t. Factor in a dismal performance at the WJC where he really came across as a selfish player or someone who showed questionable decision making or low hockey IQ. He at times last season looked like a home run pick, there are definitely far more questions about him now.

Yes, it started last year and continued in to this year increasing his stock. While his volume of points has not been as prolific, his play has been better. He like Dickinson, O’Reilly, Barkley have elevated their games. It is true that he had a poor performance at the WJC but his dismal 3 pts lead the dismal team. Overall, he is a much better player this year over last year.

 

[leafsfan5]

Uh, yes. He's a bottom pairing defenseman. A very good one, who you can potentially play in the top 4 in a pinch, but he's slowed down significantly and you don't want him in your top 4 ideally. Whether I call him a #6 or a #5 or a 4/5 tweener, he's a bottom pairing d-man. There's also a decent chance that he gets hit with injury or declines further and isn't in the NHL soon, so I think it's fair to say he's a #6.

He hasn't slowed down at all, he's on one of the best defensive pairs in hockey this season. Overall, he's a top 5 defensive defensemen in hockey who can move the puck efficiently, I find it extremely difficult to see how that is a #6 defensemen??

There aren't 64 defensemen better than him - making him a top pair guy - nevermind the 160 that require him to be a #6

 

[Budz]

Nah, you are just looking through your blue tinted glasses.

Not sure how you can suggest it’s a lazy take when someone makes the effort to compare Cowan’s performance year to year with his regular team, compare his performance to that of multi-year teammates with the same team AND then assess his performance in a different environment against higher level competition.

You didn’t get to read the flowery praise you wanted as a Leaf’s fan, so it’s “a lazy take”.

FYI-I live in London.

I see almost all of Cowan’s games. I understand the context of what is going on with his role, injuries, what he’s been asked to do, and understanding what is happening with the Knights. I don’t just look at “stats”.

Carry on - with comparing apples and kiwis.

 

[TS Quint]

I'm sure they'll spend the extra 22 million on something good for your team. Just sayin. I'm also assuming Tavares extends for half his current salary if he wants to keep playing

The gift Tavares will give the Leafs will be a short term. He's not going to play for less than $8m. $5.5m is completely delusional.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Uh, yes. He's a bottom pairing defenseman. A very good one, who you can potentially play in the top 4 in a pinch, but he's slowed down significantly and you don't want him in your top 4 ideally. Whether I call him a #6 or a #5 or a 4/5 tweener, he's a bottom pairing d-man. There's also a decent chance that he gets hit with injury or declines further and isn't in the NHL soon, so I think it's fair to say he's a #6.

This is a pretty bad take. Here is a link with recent stats to educate yourself on the player

 

[ole ole]

He hasn't slowed down at all, he's on one of the best defensive pairs in hockey this season. Overall, he's a top 5 defensive defensemen in hockey who can move the puck efficiently, I find it extremely difficult to see how that is a #6 defensemen??

There aren't 64 defensemen better than him - making him a top pair guy - nevermind the 160 that require him to be a #6

Your trying to sell us that Tanev is a top pairing D. Good luck.

 

[Divine]

He also guaranteed Marner wouldn't be back this season.

Guaranteed!

I don't think he has any idea what's happening with the Leafs (or any other team) for that matter. He's just a fan with a podcast.

 

[leafsfan5]

Your trying to sell us that Tanev is a top pairing D. Good luck.

There aren't 64 defensemen in this league better than him

He's on the best defensive pair in the NHL and can move the puck. Name 64 better

 

[Phion Keneuf]

Uh, yes. He's a bottom pairing defenseman. A very good one, who you can potentially play in the top 4 in a pinch, but he's slowed down significantly and you don't want him in your top 4 ideally. Whether I call him a #6 or a #5 or a 4/5 tweener, he's a bottom pairing d-man. There's also a decent chance that he gets hit with injury or declines further and isn't in the NHL soon, so I think it's fair to say he's a #6.

Insanely bad take.

 

[biturbo19]

The only assets they have to move are Minten, Cowan, Niemela, 2026 1st. Other than Robertson who they probably won't move.

Yeah. There are limited assets for the Leafs to throw around if they want to get involved in the big fish bidding wars for guys like Schenn / Laughton types. So it really wouldn't surprise me to see one of Minten or potentially even Cowan involved if they actually land one of their apparent targets.


Even from this list, i'm not sure Niemela has all that much value, and Robertson likely has fairly little value left at this point.

 

[kevsh]

It seems like the current price for Schenn is either too high or the Leafs simply can't or won't (yet) match what other teams may being offering.

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Laughton is likely the backup plan.

In either case, I think Kypreos is implying that one of Minten or Cowan is likely going to be part of the deal.