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

[Americanadian]

I've come around on the idea of a Rielly for Kreider deal. Initially I was opposed to it because I figured Kreider was more washed than Rielly. Even if he is - he has 2 years left at 6.5M vs. Rielly who has 5 years left at 7.5M. If the Leafs can limit their cap commitments beyond Matthews' contract expiry that would be ideal.

I also believe, outside of the on-ice play of both players, there is value to other Leafs players if this deal were to happen.

1. You can play OEL on his strong side which will naturally allow him to play better.
2. Kreider's peak is probably the ceiling for what Knies peak looks like. If Kreider can teach Knies anything, that is a win for the Leafs.

The Leafs would be looking for a puck moving 3RD after this move. Someone like Justin Barron out of Nashville or Nick Perbix as a UFA.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

I think it's already well fallen off the tracks, it's just the patient still has a slight heart beat... I'm not dead yet....

I don't disagree. They are loaded with flaws yet have a shallow prospect pool. They are kind of in a middle ground and that is by far the worst place to be.

They'll bottom out soon and I'd bet money they win the lottery at least once. Watch it be the year where that WHL defenseman (DuPont I think is name is) is the prize.

 

[mydnyte]

I've come around on the idea of a Rielly for Kreider deal. Initially I was opposed to it because I figured Kreider was more washed than Rielly. Even if he is - he has 2 years left at 6.5M vs. Rielly who has 5 years left at 7.5M. If the Leafs can limit their cap commitments beyond Matthews' contract expiry that would be ideal.

I also believe, outside of the on-ice play of both players, there is value to other Leafs players if this deal were to happen.

1. You can play OEL on his strong side which will naturally allow him to play better.
2. Kreider's peak is probably the ceiling for what Knies peak looks like. If Kreider can teach Knies anything, that is a win for the Leafs.

The Leafs would be looking for a puck moving 3RD after this move. Someone like Justin Barron out of Nashville or Nick Perbix as a UFA.

we'd need to replace Rielly ...maybe offer Marner's rights with Rielly for Kreider and rights to Miller (we'd likely need to add, unless its a sign and trade for Marner)

 

[Americanadian]

we'd need to replace Rielly ...maybe offer Marner's rights with Rielly for Kreider and rights to Miller (we'd likely need to add, unless its a sign and trade for Marner)

What exactly are you trying to replace?

Why acquire more LD?

 

[Fogelhund]

I've come around on the idea of a Rielly for Kreider deal. Initially I was opposed to it because I figured Kreider was more washed than Rielly. Even if he is - he has 2 years left at 6.5M vs. Rielly who has 5 years left at 7.5M. If the Leafs can limit their cap commitments beyond Matthews' contract expiry that would be ideal.

I also believe, outside of the on-ice play of both players, there is value to other Leafs players if this deal were to happen.

1. You can play OEL on his strong side which will naturally allow him to play better.
2. Kreider's peak is probably the ceiling for what Knies peak looks like. If Kreider can teach Knies anything, that is a win for the Leafs.

The Leafs would be looking for a puck moving 3RD after this move. Someone like Justin Barron out of Nashville or Nick Perbix as a UFA.

If the Rangers are moving Kreider, it's to open up cap space for them, as they desperately need it. This does the opposite for them... makes a bad situation worse. I think Kreider will be much better last year, as it sounds like he was injured a good portion of the year, and I'd take him, but I don't think the Rangers would do this.

 

[mydnyte]

What exactly are you trying to replace?

Why acquire more LD?

if Rielly is moved out, or best LHD is McCabe, then OEL and Benoit... thats pretty BAD
I think Miller has untapped offensive potential, and worse case scenario, a cheaper version of Nurse (big, tough, and questionable on D from time to time with a powerful shot (100+mph))

 

[WTFMAN99]

if Rielly is moved out, or best LHD is McCabe, then OEL and Benoit... thats pretty BAD
I think Miller has untapped offensive potential, and worse case scenario, a cheaper version of Nurse (big, tough, and questionable on D from time to time with a powerful shot (100+mph))

K'Andre Miller is soft AF.

 

[Americanadian]

If the Rangers are moving Kreider, it's to open up cap space for them, as they desperately need it. This does the opposite for them... makes a bad situation worse. I think Kreider will be much better last year, as it sounds like he was injured a good portion of the year, and I'd take him, but I don't think the Rangers would do this.

They currently need cap space for KAM - but will they sign him? I definitely see a world where they move him given the last contract negotiation was reportedly contentious and he followed that up with much worse offense.

The reporting last year was they wanted to move off Zib and Kreider to get a new leadership core.

 

[The Shadow]

Countdown to Free Agent Frenzy: Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett headline TSN's Top 50 NHL free agent list | TSN

Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett represent the yin and yang of the 2025 free agent market. They are Nos. 1 and 2 in the TSN Free Agent rankings five weeks from Free Agent Frenzy on July 1.

www.tsn.ca

 

[Americanadian]

if Rielly is moved out, or best LHD is McCabe, then OEL and Benoit... thats pretty BAD
I think Miller has untapped offensive potential, and worse case scenario, a cheaper version of Nurse (big, tough, and questionable on D from time to time with a powerful shot (100+mph))

McCabe-Tanev was a top 3 shutdown pair this season.

Benoit, who I’m not a huge fan of, is objectively a good 3LD.

OEL-Carlo is a good 2nd pair.

They just need someone at 3RD. Why acquire another LHD and force players to their off side?

 

[Legion34]

Dubas being all over that? For Toronto?

Dumba is all kinds of terrible.

If we got Bourque it could be worth it. If Marner signs elsewhere we won’t need the space but will need a top 6 RHC

 

[Fogelhund]

McCabe-Tanev was a top 3 shutdown pair this season.

Benoit, who I’m not a huge fan of, is objectively a good 3LD.

OEL-Carlo is a good 2nd pair.

They just need someone at 3RD. Why acquire another LHD and force players to their off side?

If we move off of Rielly, we need a GOOD puck moving guy, and maybe a good PP QB. (Hopefully the same person).

The group you've got, just isn't good enough at moving the puck, we saw some of that in the playoffs.

I think we need to target someone a little higher up than a third pairing guy.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Some moves I can potentially see happening:

Knies and Tavares re signed
Marner sign and trade to Vegas for Karlsson
Kampf and Jarnkrok traded for late picks
Mcmann and Robertson to Dallas for Marchment and Bourque

 

[TMLAM34]

What exactly are you trying to replace?

Why acquire more LD?

I think we’ve become so fixated on we need 3 LHD and 3 RHD or it will never work. We have two RHD in Carlo and Tanev, if one plays their off-side, as long as it’s played effectively (McCabe), who cares? You look at Florida, they only have 2 RHD and are doing just fine.

 

[TMLAM34]

Accidental double post

 

[mydnyte]

McCabe-Tanev was a top 3 shutdown pair this season.

Benoit, who I’m not a huge fan of, is objectively a good 3LD.

OEL-Carlo is a good 2nd pair.

They just need someone at 3RD. Why acquire another LHD and force players to their off side?

I'm hoping they gran Fabbro as a RHD, BUT, McCabe-Tanez is not a #1 pairing, they are a shutdown line.
OEL - Carlo is a 'good 3rd pairing, so, we actually 'need' a top pairing.
we can split any of the pairings if we have a #1, but, Miller, and Fabbro arent a #1 either, Rielly is barely a #1 and thats because he was averaging 55+ points (over his career)

K'andre miller has a ton of flaws, but, he has more potential to put the puck in the net.
over their careers they have a near identical 8+ Goal per season average. ...Rielly had a 20 goal campaign raising his totals.

Fabbro had never been given a chance at top mins/opportunity until he went to Columbus (and still had Werenski & Provorov ahead of him), and he still potted 9 goals.

I dont know if either can walk the line and manage PP#1 but, they are a threat from the point more than any defenders we currently have

Ideally, unless we manage to get a true #1 (not holding my breath) we can try to ice 3 2nd pairing level pairings.

Benoit had a decent playoffs visually, but, not actually. He struggled to get the puck out of the defensive zone a lot, and its an area he has not been able to improve. He is ideally our #7

keeping the shutdown pair
Miller - Fabbro
McCabe - Tanev
OEL - Carlo

better balanced
Miller - Tavev
McCabe - Fabbro
OEL - Carlo

this would be a much improved defense over last year i believe, but, we 'need' to add a starting RHD and also Upgrade on Benoit

If Brandt Clarke was actually available (like rumored at the deadline) I'd be all-in on getting him as our #1 offensive option

this is almost all assuming Rielly is asked to waive and dealt (Miller is here because of my suggested trade earlier)

 

[mydnyte]

I think we’ve become so fixated on we need 3 LHD and 3 RHD or it will never work. We have two RHD in Carlo and Tanev, if one plays their off-side, as long as it’s played effectively (McCabe), who cares? You look at Florida, they only have 2 RHD and are doing just fine.

they have 3 D that would be our #1 ...that makes it easier.

 

[Rare Jewel]

An LA poster a couple of days ago proposed Danault + Spence for Carlo + Jarnkrok + 2nd


I'd be pretty inclined to take it.

 

[Fogelhund]

I'm hoping they gran Fabbro as a RHD, BUT, McCabe-Tanez is not a #1 pairing, they are a shutdown line.
OEL - Carlo is a 'good 3rd pairing, so, we actually 'need' a top pairing.
we can split any of the pairings if we have a #1, but, Miller, and Fabbro arent a #1 either, Rielly is barely a #1 and thats because he was averaging 55+ points (over his career)

K'andre miller has a ton of flaws, but, he has more potential to put the puck in the net.
over their careers they have a near identical 8+ Goal per season average. ...Rielly had a 20 goal campaign raising his totals.

Fabbro had never been given a chance at top mins/opportunity until he went to Columbus (and still had Werenski & Provorov ahead of him), and he still potted 9 goals.

I dont know if either can walk the line and manage PP#1 but, they are a threat from the point more than any defenders we currently have

Ideally, unless we manage to get a true #1 (not holding my breath) we can try to ice 3 2nd pairing level pairings.

Benoit had a decent playoffs visually, but, not actually. He struggled to get the puck out of the defensive zone a lot, and its an area he has not been able to improve. He is ideally our #7

keeping the shutdown pair
Miller - Fabbro
McCabe - Tanev
OEL - Carlo

better balanced
Miller - Tavev
McCabe - Fabbro
OEL - Carlo

this would be a much improved defense over last year i believe, but, we 'need' to add a starting RHD and also Upgrade on Benoit

If Brandt Clarke was actually available (like rumored at the deadline) I'd be all-in on getting him as our #1 offensive option

Good post... I've always like Miller's athleticism and size... he's got to limit his mistakes that often result in the puck in the net... kind of like Rielly to be honest. He's 25 now, about when D really take off... so, maybe he finds it... I'd be interested if they were moving him, not sure how we pay that price.

Same with Clarke too... I'd love to pick him up, I think he'll be a really good player. He'd be a guy I'd absolutely love to pick up. Move Rielly, sign Gavrikov and pick up Clarke... Gavrikov and Clarke were excellent together in limited minutes.

Benoit... he's loved because of his effort, and hitting... but he does have his warts. He has very good speed though, which is a positive. I'm always for improving the group though. You are right on your assessment.

 

[Malachi Crunch]

One rumour is that the Leafs have interest in Kreider (which I wouldn't mind).

The other rumour is that Reilly will not be traded.

How would they trade for Krieder then? Not seeing a fit, trade-wise.

 

[Zero1]

There’s a rumour about the Leafs trading for Kreider apparently.

This is what I worry about with Treliving being given more power in the organization.

The Leafs better be getting a huge + with Kreider if they have to take on that contract for 2 years.

 

[SprDaVE]

There’s a rumour about the Leafs trading for Kreider apparently.

This is what I worry about with Treliving being given more power in the organization.

The Leafs better be getting a huge + with Kreider if they have to take on that contract for 2 years.

It's a very loose rumour from Pagnotta, who throws a lot of stuff at the wall with a lot of names.

It kind of makes sense based on need and the cap space we have. He's a playoff performer and he scores goals. He a prick on the ice. If the Rangers dump him for next to nothing to open up cap space and change things, maybe it makes sense. I don't think he's someone I'd expect the Leafs to be chasing too much.

 

[Fogelhund]

It's a very loose rumour from Pagnotta, who throws a lot of stuff at the wall with a lot of names.

It kind of makes sense based on need and the cap space we have. He's a playoff performer too and he scores goals. He a prick on the ice. It kind of makes sense. If the Rangers dump him for next to nothing to open up cap space and change things, maybe it makes sense. I don't think he's someone I'd expect the Leafs to be chasing.

Plus his performance last year, was allegedly negatively affected by injury issues.



If he bounces back from these injuries, he would be a very effective player for that contract.

The injuries and issues with Kreider’s body led to him missing 14 games this season, with his 68 appearances being the fewest he’s played in since the COVID-shortened 2021 campaign. He was able to play just about all of the Rangers’ games from March 1 onward. The 33-year-old was relatively productive in the final weeks of the season, registering seven points in the final nine games of the year.

 

[ULF_55]

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/campbell-vs-gallo-carolina-will-target-mitch-marner~3141019

Would you do a sign and trade to Carolina?

Bradly Nadeau?

AHL SCOUTING REPORT (Video + Grades) – Bradly Nadeau, W/C, Chicago Wolves

McKeen's Hockey's Dave takes a deep dive into Team Canada's Bradly Nadeau at the 2025 World Junior Championships.

www.mckeenshockey.com

+

 

[WTFMAN99]

Plus his performance last year, was allegedly negatively affected by injury issues.



If he bounces back from these injuries, he would be a very effective player for that contract.

The injuries and issues with Kreider’s body led to him missing 14 games this season, with his 68 appearances being the fewest he’s played in since the COVID-shortened 2021 campaign. He was able to play just about all of the Rangers’ games from March 1 onward. The 33-year-old was relatively productive in the final weeks of the season, registering seven points in the final nine games of the year.

This would make me consider a Kreider for Rielly trade.

Open to other pluses in the deal.

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/campbell-vs-gallo-carolina-will-target-mitch-marner~3141019

Would you do a sign and trade to Carolina?

Bradly Nadeau?

AHL SCOUTING REPORT (Video + Grades) – Bradly Nadeau, W/C, Chicago Wolves

McKeen's Hockey's Dave takes a deep dive into Team Canada's Bradly Nadeau at the 2025 World Junior Championships.

www.mckeenshockey.com

+

I don't think Marner wants to sign there.