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

[TheGreenTBer]

I think it’s absolutely necessary to keep Matthews and Nylander split up to run their own lines. Surround each with players that will bring the best out of them.

For Matthews, he seems to play best when he’s flanked by higher energy guys. He has played his best hockey alongside guys like Domi, Bertuzzi, Hyman, etc. I think the easiest solution is to use who we have and flank him with Matthew Knies and Max Domi.

Nylander needs a two-way center. There are 4 tier-1 options that are likely available for the right price - Phillip Danault, William Karlsson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Mikael Granlund. If none of them can be acquired, we have some tier-2 options - Mikael Backlund, Erik Haula, Ross Colton. The left winger ideally has some wheels and skill!

The most attainable way to build an effective 3rd line would be to bring back Tavares and surround him with big bodies to dominate the cycle game.


I think Vegas lands Marner, which means they need two things… unload some salary and acquire cheap scoring. A trade of Bobby McMann for William Karlsson accomplishes both of those.

The Nick Robertson for Mason Marchment trade just makes so much sense for both sides. It’s hard to imagine it doesn’t actually happen.

That leaves us with:
Knies-Matthews-Domi
_____-Karlsson-Nylander
Marchment-Tavares-_____
_____-Laughton-_____

Holmberg slots in somewhere or preferably gets dealt in a package for something else.

If we drop Kampf and Jarnkrok, that leaves about 10 million to fill those 4 winger spots.

Great post brother

 

[Dreakmur]

Jeannot-Laughton-Raddysh would be a fun 4th line. 2 wingers who've scored 20 goals in the past and a 40 point C. I imagine that Jeannot will be 2M+ and Raddysh 2M+ though.

I also think Jeannot would be an ideal 4th liner, but we can't pay him a premium. What is he worth providing 5-10 goals and elite physicality? I might pay a little over 2 million, but that's going to take away from either the 2nd or 3rd line winger money. Hmm.

 

[Dreakmur]

Jeannot-Laughton-Raddysh would be a fun 4th line. 2 wingers who've scored 20 goals in the past and a 40 point C. I imagine that Jeannot will be 2M+ and Raddysh 2M+ though.

Tanner Jeannot - Scott Laughton - Brandon Tanev is something I can see happening. That would be a momentum line.

 

[ACC1224]

I get the vibe he's looking for a US market.

I'd agree he'd be worth pursuing if he's interested though

Looking at his playoff numbers he’ll fit right in should they make the playoffs next year.

 

[Americanadian]

Tanner Jeannot - Scott Laughton - Brandon Tanev is something I can see happening. That would be a momentum line.

Raddysh and Tanev will probably make the same money. I take the guy who’s 6 years younger. The Leafs will also be deprived of RS forwards.

 

[facelessjoe1990]

Does anyone know of other players in Nick Robertson's shoes on other teams? Maybe a swap?

 

[Americanadian]

Does anyone know of other players in Nick Robertson's shoes on other teams? Maybe a swap?

Lapierre

 

[Dreakmur]

Raddysh and Tanev will probably make the same money. I take the guy who’s 6 years younger. The Leafs will also be deprived of RS forwards.

Raddysh doesn’t really fit on the line.

He’d be a better cheap option for the Tavares line.

 

[Americanadian]

Raddysh doesn’t really fit on the line.

He’d be a better cheap option for the Tavares line.

Couldn’t disagree more. Laughton is the C. Do you want him to be stapled next to two guys who provide next to no offense or do you want a guy 6’3 speedster who can provide offense while also not burning you defensively?

With Tanev you basically get a redux of Lorentz-Laughton-Jarnkrok but with more jam. With Raddysh you get a line who can actually score when they get to the other end of the ice.

 

[Dreakmur]

Couldn’t disagree more. Laughton is the C. Do you want him to be stapled next to two guys who provide next to no offense or do you want a guy 6’3 speedster who can provide offense while also not burning you defensively?

With Tanev you basically get a redux of Lorentz-Laughton-Jarnkrok but with more jam. With Raddysh you get a line who can actually score when they get to the other end of the ice.

Raddysh scored 7 goals last year, and 5 before that. He’d be ok… and barely ok… as a cheap gamble for 3rd wheel on an offensive line.

Tanev scores just as much, while also doing many other 4th line things.

Dubas tries the build the bottom of the lineup with failed top-6ers rather than true roleplayers. It failed. Let’s not try it again.

 

[Americanadian]

Raddysh scored 7 goals last year, and 5 before that. He’d be ok… and barely ok… as a cheap gamble for 3rd wheel on an offensive line.

Tanev scores just as much, while also doing many other 4th line things.

Dubas tries the build the bottom of the lineup with failed top-6ers rather than true roleplayers. It failed. Let’s not try it again.

Raddysh has been a role player though. He played all of last season on WSH 4th line alongside Duhaime and Dowd and he put up 20 assists. He's also 2 years removed from scoring 20 goals (coincidentally his #1 linemate was Toews).

 

[SprDaVE]

That's a pretty good mix.

Mangiapagne would be an alright bargain on the 2nd line, but I think that line needs some grit to be fully effective. The main benefit is that he would likely outproduce his contract, which we do need.

That LW2 slot is the trickiest IMO. Outside of Brad Marchand, who we can't afford, I don't see any good fits on the UFA market. Jamie Benn maybe.

To get the ideal player, we'll have to make a trade. Blake Coleman, Eeli Tolvanen, or Lawson Crouse would all be perfect... but we don't exactly have a pile of assets to deal.

Maybe Mangiapagne is the best option....

Agreed on all fronts. Mangiapane is a shot at redemption and hope he can bounce back to his Calgary days. Unless he gets a pretty generous contract, I'd be shocked if the Leafs don't sign him.

Does anyone know of other players in Nick Robertson's shoes on other teams? Maybe a swap?

Islanders are rebuilding and could take a shot at him. Duclair might be someone that you can pick up after having issues with Roy and he'd be a good mid-line speedster to get, but does have some warts. Or maybe Pageau.

I think Philly, Dallas, Colorado, Calgary and Carolina should have some form of interest, just dunno for what.

 

[thewave]

AI 2025 ... Listed for future

Based on the available context, here are the top 30 prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft, ordered from best to worst:

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL): Schaefer is the best skater in this draft class and has a dynamic offensive game. He is strong enough to handle any situation in the defensive zone.

Michael Misa, F, OHL: Misa has the most complete toolkit of the group, with great creativity, vision, and puck skills. He produced massive numbers in the OHL, scoring over 60 goals this season.

Anton Frondell, F, Sweden: Frondell is a top prospect with a strong skating ability and a high hockey IQ. He has shown the ability to produce at a high level in Sweden.

Jake O’Brien, F, USHL: O’Brien is a skilled forward with a high compete level and strong playmaking abilities. He has been a consistent producer in the USHL.

Porter Martone, F, USHL: Martone is a creative forward with excellent skating and puck skills. He has the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL.

James Hagens, F, USHL: Hagens is a versatile forward with a strong two-way game. He has shown the ability to contribute offensively and defensively.

Caleb Desnoyers, F, OHL: Desnoyers is a skilled forward with a high hockey IQ. He has been a consistent producer in the OHL and has the potential to be a top-six forward.

Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (SWE-2): Eklund is an outstanding skater who has shown he can handle physical play well despite his size. He has stood out against older competition in Sweden.

Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary (WHL): Kindel is a strong skater and playmaker who isn’t afraid to work below the dots in the offensive zone. He has stood out in the WHL with 85 points in 52 games.

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA): Hensler has good size, strength, and smarts. He averaged 12 of ice time in seven games for the United States at the 2025 WJC.

Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL): Zonnon’s game is built around his speed, which he uses to create scoring chances and pressure opposing players. He has a high pace and is a consistent energy player.

Ivan Ryabkin, F, Muskegon (USHL): Ryabkin was considered the top draft prospect in Russia when his season started. He has shown the ability to produce at a high level and could fit well on a line with NHL talent.
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL): Mrtka is a two-way defenseman with great hockey sense and competitiveness. He has 30 points in 30 games and is hard to miss at 6-6, 207 pounds.

Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City (WHL): Smith has good speed and movement through the neutral zone to lead the rush. He has 40 points in 55 games this season.

Francesco Dell’Elce, F, UMass (NCAA): Dell’Elce impressed scouts with an excellent freshman campaign at UMass. He is a middle-six NHL potential prospect.

Kristian Epperson, F, Saginaw (OHL): Epperson registered 30 goals and 84 points in 63 combined regular-season and playoff games with Saginaw. Despite some off-ice issues, he has the tools to be a top-nine AHLer.

Erik Pickford, D, Medicine Hat (WHL): Pickford had a breakout season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, playing above a point per game and breaking the 30-goal mark as a defenseman.

Connor McMorrow, F, Waterloo (USHL): McMorrow’s game is about his motor. He works and skates, involves himself, and will make the odd play. He is a great fit for Denver and could become a solid bottom-six college player.

Arturs Feldbergs, F, Latvia (WJC): Feldbergs was the story of the 2025 World Juniors, leading Latvia to historic wins. He has the tools to be an impactful collegiate player and potentially a top-nine AHLer.

Caden Taylor, F, Peterborough (OHL): Taylor has a legitimate NHL-level shot and can score 30-40 goals as a north-south shooter. He has the potential to be a late-round pick with a lot of upside.

Owen Griffin, D, OHL: Griffin is a big, mobile defenseman with a strong shot. He wins 50/50 battles and picks up the next play quickly.

Quinn Beauchesne, D, OHL: Beauchesne is a skilled defenseman with good skating and playmaking abilities. He has the potential to be a late-round pick with a lot of upside.

Niklas Annborn, D, Sweden: Annborn was a top-four defenseman for the Swedish national team and has shown the ability to produce in the J20 league. However, his play has been inconsistent.

Gavin Gavin, F, Tri-City (WHL): Gavin was a high draft pick in the WHL Bantam draft and has shown the ability to produce at a high level. However, his low-pace game has raised questions about his potential.

Charlie Cerrato, F, UMass (NCAA): Cerrato is a skilled forward with a strong two-way game. He has the potential to be a late-round pick with a lot of upside.

EJ Emery, D, OHL: Emery is a big, mobile defenseman who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He has the potential to be a top-end defensive prospect.

Cole Eiserman, LW, OHL: Eiserman is a left-wing prospect who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He has the potential to be a top-end offensive prospect.

Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL): Schaefer is a top defenseman with a dynamic offensive game and strong defensive skills. He is the best prospect for the 2025 draft.

Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL): Mrtka is a two-way defenseman with great hockey sense and competitiveness. He has 30 points in 30 games and is hard to miss at 6-6, 207 pounds.

 

[thewave]

Other AI.

Top 32 Prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft (in general order, subject to change):

Matthew Schaefer (D) - Erie Otters (OHL)
Michael Misa (C/LW) - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
James Hagens (C) - Boston College (NCAA)
Porter Martone (RW) - Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Caleb Desnoyers (C) - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Anton Frondell (C) - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Roger McQueen (F) - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Jake O'Brien (C) - Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Victor Eklund (LW) - Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Radim Mrtka (D) - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Jackson Smith (D) - Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Carter Bear (C/LW) - Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Brady Martin (C) - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Lynden Lakovic (F) - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Justin Carbonneau (RW) - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Kashawn Aitcheson (D) - Barrie Colts (OHL)
Logan Hensler (D) - University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Braeden Cootes (C) - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Cameron Reid (D) - Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Malcolm Spence (LW) - Erie Otters (OHL)
Benjamin Kindel (RW) - Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Cullen Potter (C) - Arizona State (NCAA)
Cole Reschny (F) - Victoria Royals (WHL)
Blake Fiddler (D) - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Sascha Boumedienne (D) - Boston University (NCAA)
Joshua Ravensbergen (G) - Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Bill Zonnon (LW) - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Jack Nesbitt (C) - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Jack Murtagh (C/LW) - U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
William Moore (C) - U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)
Ivan Ryabkin (C) - Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Henry Brzustewicz (D) - London Knights (OHL)

 

[Dreakmur]

Raddysh has been a role player though. He played all of last season on WSH 4th line alongside Duhaime and Dowd and he put up 20 assists. He's also 2 years removed from scoring 20 goals (coincidentally his #1 linemate was Toews).

Don't confuse playing on the 4th line with being a good roleplayer.

 

[Tony Romo]

It sucks LAK has cap or it just won't happen with VGK but man. Mitch Marner sign and trade for Karlsson or Danault would be so f***ing perfect.

Would allow Matthews to get more oz starts, takes him off the PK. Allows us to play Tavares as 3c.

 

[Americanadian]

Don't confuse playing on the 4th line with being a good roleplayer.

What makes him a bad role player?

 

[TheGreenTBer]

AI 2025 ... Listed for future

Gavin Gavin, F, Tri-City (WHL):

 

[Tony Romo]

I think it’s absolutely necessary to keep Matthews and Nylander split up to run their own lines. Surround each with players that will bring the best out of them.

For Matthews, he seems to play best when he’s flanked by higher energy guys. He has played his best hockey alongside guys like Domi, Bertuzzi, Hyman, etc. I think the easiest solution is to use who we have and flank him with Matthew Knies and Max Domi.

Nylander needs a two-way center. There are 4 tier-1 options that are likely available for the right price - Phillip Danault, William Karlsson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Mikael Granlund. If none of them can be acquired, we have some tier-2 options - Mikael Backlund, Erik Haula, Ross Colton. The left winger ideally has some wheels and skill!

The most attainable way to build an effective 3rd line would be to bring back Tavares and surround him with big bodies to dominate the cycle game.


I think Vegas lands Marner, which means they need two things… unload some salary and acquire cheap scoring. A trade of Bobby McMann for William Karlsson accomplishes both of those.

The Nick Robertson for Mason Marchment trade just makes so much sense for both sides. It’s hard to imagine it doesn’t actually happen.

That leaves us with:
Knies-Matthews-Domi
_____-Karlsson-Nylander
Marchment-Tavares-_____
_____-Laughton-_____

Holmberg slots in somewhere or preferably gets dealt in a package for something else.

If we drop Kampf and Jarnkrok, that leaves about 10 million to fill those 4 winger spots.

out of curiosity, in this what are you giving Tavares and Knies?

 

[Gaberd2608]

This is the strategy I hope they follow rather than panic signing some of the so-so guys this free agency class to long term deals.

And focus on dumping a good portion of the depth forwards. Need to spend the money better than Jarnkrok, Kampf, Reaves, and probably Domi

Would be interesting...

Knies. Matthews. Kane
Domi. Karlsson. Nylander
Marchand Giroux. Maxpac
Lorentz. Laughton. Tanev

McCabe. Tanev
Rielly. Carlo
Benoit. OEL

Stolarz
Woll

Not sure how the money can work but that would certainly change the

 

[Dreakmur]

What makes him a bad role player?

He doesn't excel in roles. He doesn't PK. He doesn't hit. He doesn't fight. He's doesn't agitate. He's not an emotional spark.

 

[Dreakmur]

out of curiosity, in this what are you giving Tavares and Knies?

Taveres 5.0 x 3 years
Knies 8.0 x 8 years

 

[keonsbitterness]

View attachment 1044586

Is that really his name?

 

[Americanadian]

He doesn't excel in roles. He doesn't PK. He doesn't hit. He doesn't fight. He's doesn't agitate. He's not an emotional spark.

He does PK though. He played well on the PK in Chicago (just looking at the numbers). Sure he doesn't fight and his hit totals aren't high. Ultimately if you have a line with Jeannot and Laughton you don't want a 3rd wheel that has no offensive or transition ability or else they'll be stuck in their own end all game.

 

[Tony Romo]

Taveres 5.0 x 3 years
Knies 8.0 x 8 years

I'm pro giving Knies 8m, but hypothetically speaking. If you do the bridge at 5x3 for Knies. Get rid of Kampf/Jarnkrok

That gives you 13m.

Theoretically you could try acquire a Kreider (6.5m) for LW2 or give Marchand 6.5m-7m for LW2.

Would give you 6m for RW3, LW4, RW4. Could be more if somehow Cowan makes a huge jump and can take RW3.

I fooled around with puckpedia and I have this currently.

Knies (5m) - Matthews (13.4m) - Domi (3.75m)
Kreider (6.5m)/Marchand (7m) - Pageau (5m) - Nylander (11.5m)
Marchment (4.5m) - Tavares (5m) - FA/Cowan/Trade
Laughton/FA/Trade - Laughton/FA - FA

You would have 6m to fill the two winger spots on the 4th line and the 3rd line if Cowan can't play that spot this year.