Roster Building/Team Building/Future Trade/Drafting thread.

[4thline]

I agree about the idea that you're not looking to fill a 100 point hole at RW but ideally Nylander isn't playing with Matthews and you are looking for a RW that can compliment Matthews.

I also think they're looking for a C to play with Nylander, who would be 2C in writing, but you don't need someone who is outproducing Tavares.

That's fair, and natural follow on point- line up holes aren't the same as depth chart holes. We may have an open spot on the top line (depending on what you think of Domi)- but In no way are we in need of a 1st line/ all star level RW.

C is a little more contentious. Assuming Tavares is back and carries his play another year he's still a 1C level player lining up in the 2 spot. But another 2C level player in the 3 spot gives us some serious strength up the middle and makes line construction much easier.

This offseason is all about the mix.

 

[WTFMAN99]

That's fair, and natural follow on point- line up holes aren't the same as depth chart holes. We may have an open spot on the top line (depending on what you think of Domi)- but In no way are we in need of a 1st line/ all star level RW.

C is a little more contentious. Assuming Tavares is back and carries his play another year he's still a 1C level player lining up in the 2 spot. But another 2C level player in the 3 spot gives us some serious strength up the middle and makes line construction much easier.

This offseason is all about the mix.

I feel like the way the line up works is we're a deeper team, maybe 4 lines deep but not as top heavy with talent.

 

[rumman]

Would you rather cheer the Leafs in the playoffs have some hope/excitement? Like now,? or go back 10-15 years ago where they attempted to win and sucked every year... I know I quite enjoy seeing the team being top 10 in the league every year, even if the results aren't what we wanted.

I said us fans are "spoiled" because we forget how much it sucked watching the team sign fa's / make trades and say "we will make the playoffs this year" just for them to suck ass year after year.


Yep. It can turn around obviously if next FA class is stacked, but you're gambling on the unknown. Toronto is in a really tough spot this year for sure.

What you my friend lack is the experience of winning it all, and you’ll never experience that if your happy with mediocrity……..

 

[Rare Jewel]

If Bill Zito thinks he isn't a 7M player after watching him for the last 5 seasons I will trust his judgement.

Yeah, he may like him a lot as well, but keeping Bennett was top priority.

The bigger issue is I hope Treliving knows when to say "no" and doesn't go to $10 m+ for him.

 

[weems]

If Mitch walks and we're asking ways that we can potentially still stay at current level or even possibly be better, the center position and the potential to form three strong lines is the most obvious.

Whether thats keeping Tavares at #2C and acquiring a really good #3C or acquiring another solid #2C and bumping down Tavares to the third slot.

I think there's also upside to acquiring another center that just fits better playstyle wise with Nylander (pair him up with a more explosive skater).

When was the last time we could say we we're three deep at the C position? O Rielly for that short stint?

Our depth has hurt us in the playoffs and the easiest first way to build a strong third line is by acquiring the center because he's the one driving most of the play.

The hope was Laughton maybe could be that player but I think that might be a bit too optimistic.

 

[Americanadian]

Yeah, he may like him a lot as well, but keeping Bennett was top priority.

The bigger issue is I hope Treliving knows when to say "no" and doesn't go to $10 m+ for him.

He can easily afford both. All reports are they don’t value Ekblad at 7.5M.

 

[Trapper]

Count me in the anti-Marchand camp

Looks like he's running on fumes using up everything for this cup run, then looking to cash in and coast.

The last thing we need are players looking for a retirement contract. We already have the market on those.

 

[Rare Jewel]

He can easily afford both. All reports are they don’t value Ekblad at 7.5M.

Well, that's tough for him, but he'll find someone in a few weeks' time that does.

 

[weems]

Jordan Spence is apparently being shopped.
How good is his offensive upside?
Also what about Danault as a possible addition? He had a down year shooting only 6%, 43pts, with two years remaining at 5.5M
Is this player washed or can he still play somewhere close to the level of Montreal and early LA play?

 

[Trapper]

He can easily afford both. All reports are they don’t value Ekblad at 7.5M.

Bennett will get a raise, Ekblad a reduction. His comments seem to indicate he really wants to stay in Florida so he might take what makes it work. Imagine players saying they really want to stay and making it work to do so. Crazy.

 

[Torontonian]

I don't understand the enjoyment of watching a good team that you know won't win.

It's not like the Leafs losing Marner means they are automatically in the Kessel/Bozak era. Nylander/Matthews/Knies are more exciting to watch than any player from the Kessel/Bozak era.

That's sports. Good teams might not win, and bad teams might some how win. No one knows what's going to happen. Capitals fans probably thought they might not win ever because they couldn't get passed the 2nd round.. Till they did.. That's the beauty of sports.

 

[Torontonian]

Assuming Marner is gone, the 1RW on the depth chart is coming off a 45 goal 84 point season, and the 2C* on the depth chart is coming off a 38 goal 74 point season. Those aren't the holes.

*Assuming Tavares is back

If you didn't notice, Chief didn't like to play Nylander - Matthews together, that's the problem.

 

[Torontonian]

What you my friend lack is the experience of winning it all, and you’ll never experience that if your happy with mediocrity……..

I'm a fan, not apart of a team. They won 60 years ago, doubt there many fans on this board that have seen them won.

It's not about mediocrity, top 10 teams aren't mediocre, you don't fluke that out. But if you don't make the playoffs - you dont ever have a chance to win.

 

[Joel Ward]

Coyle checks a lot of boxes if the Avs want to clear cap space:
Big (6'3" )
Fast (87th percentile top speed last season)
Physical (>1 hit/gp the past couple seasons)
Capable offensively (35 pts floor, 60 pts ceiling)
Defensively responsible (17th in takeaways, plays PK)
Right handed shot
Reasonable contract (1 year remaining at $5.25M)

Could see the them having interest in guys like McMann, Laughton, Benoit, Robertson, etc as cheap depth.

 

[weems]

Another thing that seems to be forgotten when talking about our team sliding next season, is just how mediocre to poor a season Matthews had compared to his usual play.

Sure maybe this is just who he is now (injury) but I would bet there's a good chance we see a really fresh Matthews in the regular season and he gets back to challenging the 50+ goal mark.

This guy was on an all time goal scoring pace. There will be alot of people both in his camp and the Leafs that will be working tirelessly this offseason to make sure he's good to go.

 

[ULF_55]

Bennett will get a raise, Ekblad a reduction. His comments seem to indicate he really wants to stay in Florida so he might take what makes it work. Imagine players saying they really want to stay and making it work to do so. Crazy.

Who is the best center available in free agency, that you can get 3 years from?

Leafs really have lucked out on Tavares, the best available center who actually will take less to stay with the team.

Getting a younger center who can push Tavares would be huge. That is going to rely on the Leafs pro-scouts. Who has untapped potential, who doesn't have to take over the 2nd. line immediately? We don't have their (Leafs' pro-scouts) information, nor their insight. Let's just hope they're up to the task.

I think what is going to happen is Treliving gets the best forward he can, regardless of position.

Talent is talent, and then you go bargain bin diving.

 

[Menzinger]

I've been wondering about the Leafs targeting s new top 4 D man in free agency

It would mean they could trade one of their current ones like Carlo or OEL for that much needed centreman.

Ekbkad has had his issues, but there's value too with him

 

[ULF_55]

If you didn't notice, Chief didn't like to play Nylander - Matthews together, that's the problem.

He insinuated he didn't want to break up / inconvenience Matthews-marner.

I think we know Nylander does not need Matthews to produce.

 

[Americanadian]

That's sports. Good teams might not win, and bad teams might some how win. No one knows what's going to happen. Capitals fans probably thought they might not win ever because they couldn't get passed the 2nd round.. Till they did.. That's the beauty of sports.

I wonder if Caps fans look back at the Ovi era after seeing the success of teams like Chicago, Pittsburgh, LAK, Tampa, Florida, VGK, Edmonton and say "Going beyond the 2nd round once in 20 years with the best goal scorer in the history of the NHL is a success".

 

[Ianturnedbull]

If you want to get rid of the cancer, you got to get out the knife, the core if the core that are moved the better. Those guys are talented and gutless. I’d be looking to move 34 and 16’s rights for a mega package, let JT walk, apply pressure until 44 waives, and convince 88 it’s in his best interest to play elsewhere………

I don't disagree, but I still think that many of the current defensemen are here for a playoff run and not a re-tool / re-build. I think that Treliving will do some of what you're suggesting.

 

[Americanadian]

Well, that's tough for him, but he'll find someone in a few weeks' time that does.

Yes - I was just saying that I’d be worried if my team was the one who paid him what he thinks he’s worth when the smartest front office in the league, who knows the most about the player, doesnt think he’s worth the contract he’s on today.

 

[Trapper]

Who is the best center available in free agency, that you can get 3 years from?

Leafs really have lucked out on Tavares, the best available center who actually will take less to stay with the team.

Getting a younger center who can push Tavares would be huge. That is going to rely on the Leafs pro-scouts. Who has untapped potential, who doesn't have to take over the 2nd. line immediately? We don't have their (Leafs' pro-scouts) information, nor their insight. Let's just hope they're up to the task.

I think what is going to happen is Treliving gets the best forward he can, regardless of position.

Talent is talent, and then you go bargain bin diving.

I’m not sure about UFA but players who could be traded are Coyle and Karlsson. Both would slot in the 2C with Nylander well I believe. Moving Tavares to the 3rd line at a big salary reduction.

 

[ULF_55]

I’m not sure about UFA but players who could be traded are Coyle and Karlsson. Both would slot in the 2C with Nylander well I believe. Moving Tavares to the 3rd line at a big salary reduction.

Yeah, I'm not looking at players who are owned by other teams.

But if I were, certainly you go shopping.

I don't think Leafs have much to offer though.
OEL - I don't think there is very much value there.

What combination of these get you a Top 6 center?
Laughton, McMann, Robertson, Holmberg, Benoit, Woll, Cowan ...

 

[rumman]

Bennett will get a raise, Ekblad a reduction. His comments seem to indicate he really wants to stay in Florida so he might take what makes it work. Imagine players saying they really want to stay and making it work to do so. Crazy.

just the fact they'll take less is mind boggling, guess to some winning is more important than money............

 

[JKG33]

Jordan Spence is apparently being shopped.
How good is his offensive upside?
Also what about Danault as a possible addition? He had a down year shooting only 6%, 43pts, with two years remaining at 5.5M
Is this player washed or can he still play somewhere close to the level of Montreal and early LA play?

Spence could be had, but Toronto has nothing reasonable LA would want for Danault