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

[Americanadian]

The downside of doing shorter term deals. Maybe they'll finally understand that 8 year deals to core/top end players is much more worth it instead of the short-term cap money relief.

The original sin was giving Matthews 5 years out of his ELC. Matthews demanding 4 years on his 3rd contract is a blessing in disguise. If he does actually fall off due to injuries or the Leafs decide to pivot and rebuild they can now just walk away. Had they gone 3 years out of his ELC then 8 years they would have had him signed for an additional 2 years beyond his current contract which would have been the best case scenario for the team.

 

[Tony Romo]

The original sin was giving Matthews 5 years out of his ELC. Matthews demanding 4 years on his 3rd contract is a blessing in disguise. If he does actually fall off due to injuries or the Leafs decide to pivot and rebuild they can now just walk away. Had they gone 3 years out of his ELC then 8 years they would have had him signed for an additional 2 years beyond his current contract which would have been the best case scenario for the team.

Yeah slight chance Matthews may have overplayed his hand with the 4 year contract if the injuries keep up. But I mean it would probably just be the difference between being the highest paid player in the league or potentially signing for his salary is now with how the cap is expected to jump

 

[SprDaVE]

Would love to get Crouse and Jenner to form a large and in charge 3rd line of McMann - Jenner - Crouse.

Wonder what it would take to get Jenner out of Columbus.

Crouse more easily could be had and would be a target regardless.

Leafs have tried to get Jenner a few times over the years but Columbus or him rejected. He's their captain and a good part of that team. Maybe that changes if they can't improve though.

Crouse would be a good target.

 

[Americanadian]

Yeah slight chance Matthews may have overplayed his hand with the 4 year contract if the injuries keep up. But I mean it would probably just be the difference between being the highest paid player in the league or potentially signing for his salary is now with how the cap is expected to jump

If he plays at the same level he did this season he probably still demands the highest AAV in the league in 3 years, whether that be in UFA or with the Leafs (they have no backbone). If he sees a continued decline then he will regret demanding the 4 year deal.

 

[Americanadian]

Calgary had one LHD play over 15 minutes/game for them this season. I do think they trade Andersson for Byram to fix their LD/RD balance. I also think they make a play for Hague.

Besides those two players - I wonder if they see value in a player like Benoit. Pospisil for Benoit would be a great trade for Toronto.

Pospisil is one of the fastest players in the league (99th percentile), he was top 10 in hits/60 among forwards this year. He also has some offense he can bring to the 4th line (24 and 25 points in his first two seasons). He also has 4 fights in his 144 NHL games and 5 fights in 124 AHL games FWIW. His analytics (EvolvingHockey WAR) are also incredibly good for a 4th liner.

Pospisil is signed for 1M this year then RFA next summer, so at minimum you get 2 years of team control (the same as Benoit).

On top of Pospisil, trading Robertson for Kupari (even faster than Pospisil) would create the fastest 4th line in the league. Kupari would also be the only RS C in the Leafs organization.

To take it 1 step further - I would replace Benoit with a deal centered around McMann for D. Raddysh with Tampa.

Replace McMann with Mangiapane or a trade for marchment.

 

[MarMarSab3]

Calgary had one LHD play over 15 minutes/game for them this season. I do think they trade Andersson for Byram to fix their LD/RD balance. I also think they make a play for Hague.

Besides those two players - I wonder if they see value in a player like Benoit. Pospisil for Benoit would be a great trade for Toronto.

Pospisil is one of the fastest players in the league (99th percentile), he was top 10 in hits/60 among forwards this year. He also has some offense he can bring to the 4th line (24 and 25 points in his first two seasons). He also has 4 fights in his 144 NHL games and 5 fights in 124 AHL games FWIW. His analytics (EvolvingHockey WAR) are also incredibly good for a 4th liner.

Pospisil is signed for 1M this year then RFA next summer, so at minimum you get 2 years of team control (the same as Benoit).

On top of Pospisil, trading Robertson for Kupari (even faster than Pospisil) would create the fastest 4th line in the league. Kupari would also be the only RS C in the Leafs organization.

To take it 1 step further - I would replace Benoit with a deal centered around McMann for D. Raddysh with Tampa.

Replace McMann with Mangiapane or a trade for marchment.

Love the thinking behind this.

 

[Stephen]

Leafs have tried to get Jenner a few times over the years but Columbus or him rejected. He's their captain and a good part of that team. Maybe that changes if they can't improve though.

Crouse would be a good target.

Jenner is aging out of his prime years. Being a 2011 pick I would just be concerned there’s too much wear on the treads.

Crouse would be a nice reclamation.

 

[Duffman955]

I still think a top 2/3C is the biggest need. Tavares can no longer take defensive assignments against other top players. We need someone who is going to take some of the defensive duties off of Matthews but still contribute offense.

Here are some of the options:

- Charlie Coyle, takes a ton of faceoffs and has huge PK minutes. Still contributes 40ish points and can score 20 goals

- Mikael Granlund, decent defensive chops, and excellent playmaker

- Pius Suter, another guy who plays a huge role on the PK and puts up above 40 points

- William Karlsson, and trade option that could be available from Vegas. If he can stay healthy, would be a massive addition. PK, scoring, defense, winning pedigree, he brings it all

- Yanni Gourde, another great option who can contribute at both ends if healthy, similar to Karlsson, but lesser quality

 

[Stephen]

If he plays at the same level he did this season he probably still demands the highest AAV in the league in 3 years, whether that be in UFA or with the Leafs (they have no backbone). If he sees a continued decline then he will regret demanding the 4 year deal.

I’m not too bullish on Matthews regaining his Top 5-10 player form ever again. The lack of transparency with the injury makes me think they’re still in active management/state secrets mode… which means the rest and relaxation regimen they’re committing to this summer could be a bust and the whole situation in 2025-26 will be even more fraught with poor production, inconsistent play, missed time and deep questions about playoff readiness. Aka why were two summers wasted not properly dealing with X. Think that’s going to hit him in the wallet.

 

[mapleleafs34]

I still think a top 2/3C is the biggest need. Tavares can no longer take defensive assignments against other top players. We need someone who is going to take some of the defensive duties off of Matthews but still contribute offense.

Here are some of the options:

- Charlie Coyle, takes a ton of faceoffs and has huge PK minutes. Still contributes 40ish points and can score 20 goals

- Mikael Granlund, decent defensive chops, and excellent playmaker

- Pius Suter, another guy who plays a huge role on the PK and puts up above 40 points

- William Karlsson, and trade option that could be available from Vegas. If he can stay healthy, would be a massive addition. PK, scoring, defense, winning pedigree, he brings it all

- Yanni Gourde, another great option who can contribute at both ends if healthy, similar to Karlsson, but lesser quality

Laughton

 

[Americanadian]

I still think a top 2/3C is the biggest need. Tavares can no longer take defensive assignments against other top players. We need someone who is going to take some of the defensive duties off of Matthews but still contribute offense.

- William Karlsson, and trade option that could be available from Vegas. If he can stay healthy, would be a massive addition. PK, scoring, defense, winning pedigree, he brings it all

Karlsson would be the dream option alongside Bennett.

Knies (6-6.5M)-Matthews-X
X-Karlsson-Nylander
Tavares (4-5M)-Bennett (8-9M)-X
X-Laughton-X

That would be a deep and affordable team (assuming all of Domi, Jarnkrok, Kampf move on without retention). I'd fill the top 9 X's with Mangiapane, Brown and Raddysh.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

I love the idea of buying low on Crouse. He’s signed for two season, and us fans have wanted him in the past. He was so highly regarded by Utah/Arizona fans they wanted Knies as the return last year. Can you imagine a lineup of:

L1 Knies
L2 Crouse
L3 Mcman

That’s 3 big and fast F1 power forwards on the left side.

 

[Americanadian]

Looking at teams that might be rebuilding: PIT. I wonder what the price would be to simultaneously dump Jarnkrok and acquire Rust. With Marner going out the door - Rust would be a relatively cheap 1RW replace alongside Knies-Tavares. I am not sure if Dubas will look to tear down the roster around Crosby or use all the picks he has to make a big push. I am not sure if he is in 1st round pick territory or what the price would be.

Eberle in a dump trade would be an option too. He’s only signed for 1 year at 4.75M and is probably closer to neutral value coming off a down year.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

Leafs trade Rielly
Calgary trades Andersson & Lomberg

Lomberg is one bad ass mf'er

Leafs trade Matthews, Nylander
Jersey trades Hischier, Meier, Hamilton, Nemec

Leafs trade Robertson, Jarnkrok, Kampf for picks

Leafs sign Ehlers 7x8
Leafs sign Boeser 7x8
Leafs sign Tavares 3x6
Leafs sign Knies 6x7

Knies(7)/Hischier(7.25)/Boeser(8)
Ehlers(8)/Tavares(6)/Meier(8.8)
Lomberg(2)/Domi(3.75)/McMann(1.5)
Lorentz(1)/Holmberg(1)/Laughton(1.5)
*Cowan(1)

OEL(3.5)/Hamilton(9)
McCabe(4.5)/Tanev(4.5)
Carlo(3.5)/Andersson(4.5)
*Benoit(1.5), Danford (1), Nemec(1)

Woll(3.5)
Stolarz(2.5)
*Hildeby(1)

Total = 94.3

 

[A1LeafNation]

Knies Matthews ________
Cowan ________ Nylander
McMann Tavares Domi
Lorentz Laughton ________
Holmberg

Is acquiring three "dawgs" enough to put the Leafs over the top?

 

[aingefan]

Looking at teams that might be rebuilding: PIT. I wonder what the price would be to simultaneously dump Jarnkrok and acquire Rust. With Marner going out the door - Rust would be a relatively cheap 1RW replace alongside Knies-Tavares. I am not sure if Dubas will look to tear down the roster around Crosby or use all the picks he has to make a big push. I am not sure if he is in 1st round pick territory or what the price would be.

Eberle in a dump trade would be an option too. He’s only signed for 1 year at 4.75M and is probably closer to neutral value coming off a down year.

I think moving the ‘bad contracts’ Kampf and Jarnkrok for other ‘slightly worse contracts’ that fit better makes a lot of sense.
And there should be a market for NickRob for a similar experienced player who brings something different. I like your Kupari idea, but other guys like Krebs, Reichel too.

 

[Punch Drunk Loov]

Don't love the buyout idea. Jarnkrok is useful and so is Kampf. They're overpaid but neither are dead weight. Jarn can pot 12 goals which is useful, just nothing in the playoffs lol

The Reaves deal has always been like paying for an assistant coach on the ice instead of a player

 

[Fogelhund]

I’m not too bullish on Matthews regaining his Top 5-10 player form ever again. The lack of transparency with the injury makes me think they’re still in active management/state secrets mode… which means the rest and relaxation regimen they’re committing to this summer could be a bust and the whole situation in 2025-26 will be even more fraught with poor production, inconsistent play, missed time and deep questions about playoff readiness. Aka why were two summers wasted not properly dealing with X. Think that’s going to hit him in the wallet.

If our management is as concerned about his health, as much as you and I... he should be shipped out for the best return, while he has value. I had suggested a trade to LA Kings earlier in the year...

If Matthews isn't a top 5-10 player going forward, and we keep him... it really doesn't matter what else this team does, who we add.... we're done.

 

[SprDaVE]

Don't love the buyout idea. Jarnkrok is useful and so is Kampf. They're overpaid but neither are dead weight. Jarn can pot 12 goals which is useful, just nothing in the playoffs lol

The Reaves deal has always been like paying for an assistant coach on the ice instead of a player

There are no reasonable reasons to buy out any player other than maybe Rielly. But they apparently won't even try to trade him... so why would they buy him out? Makes no sense.

Kampf savings for the next 2 years of his buyout saves you 700k off his 2.4M cap it... that's it. It doesn't even get you a min league player. And then gives you 355k of dead cap space for 2027 to 2029. Jarnkrok gives you a 500k savings for next season and then dead cap space of 250k for 2026-2027. Reaves is similar to Jarnkrok. You don't buy out players for a small 500-700k savings for a year or two. Insane.

Like I said previously, I think Friedman didn't quite do his research right. I think the Leafs just want to do big changes to their bottom lines, and he took that as doing everything they can do do so, even buyouts.

 

[aingefan]

Knies Matthews ________
Cowan ________ Nylander
McMann Tavares Domi
Lorentz Laughton ________
Holmberg

Is acquiring three "dawgs" enough to put the Leafs over the top?

I like the idea of using internals with some competition.
Explore some cost effective extensions for McMann, Quillan, Villeneuve.

Knies- Matthews-Nylander
3guys
McMann-Tavares-Cowan
Quillan-Laughton- X (Raddysh, Brown tier)

Mix and match 3rd 4th line wingers. Insulate with competition. Maybe a guy like Kunin? The first line can compete with anyone. The internals can skate, have good iq, play all three zones.

McCabe-Tanev
Reilly-Carlo
OEL/Benoit-Villeneuve/Myers

I think with the decent group of LD you can assume the risk of moving off one of OEL/Benoit, and develop one of the two RD to take over. Risk is they both scuffle….but you’re still just looking for a 5/6 type.

Stolarz-Woll

Plenty of cap for the other three forward spots and still options to make some shrewd trades. I mean, there’s a zillion permutations.

 

[Americanadian]

An interesting buy-low candidate for 3RW is Justin Danforth. If the Leafs can actually put together enough depth to have Tavares+another offensive threat on the 3rd line I think Danforth could be a good option to fill out that line.

The obvious downside is he's extremely small (5'8).

On the bright side he's heavy (188 lbs). He hits a ton, he would have been 4th among Leafs forward in hits. For reference his hits/60 were the same rate as Lomberg this season who is a similar size. He scores at a decent rate relative to his linemates (played with Olivier and ZAR all season). He's relatively fast (68th percentile). He can take draws (661 this season) and the Leafs don't have any RH C's. His underlying numbers are positive.

He should be cheap, probably 2x1.25-1.5M and he should be able to outproduce that cap hit if he's playing with actual offensive players. He's not my first choice but if the Leafs do find themselves spending big in UFA he can help fill out a JT lead 3rd line.

I'd offer him something like 7x1.15M. He gets a guaranteed payday until he's 39, the Leafs get to bury 100% of his contract when he declines into a non-NHLer.

 

[Menzinger]

Don't really understand the buyout talk. Kampf isn't worth it. Domi's deal is buyout proof with the bonuses, Rielly slaps the Leafs with deadcap for about a decade..... Revaes can stay buried. Kampf/Jarnkrok are probably moveable still

I still think a top 2/3C is the biggest need. Tavares can no longer take defensive assignments against other top players. We need someone who is going to take some of the defensive duties off of Matthews but still contribute offense.

Here are some of the options:

- Charlie Coyle, takes a ton of faceoffs and has huge PK minutes. Still contributes 40ish points and can score 20 goals

- Mikael Granlund, decent defensive chops, and excellent playmaker

- Pius Suter, another guy who plays a huge role on the PK and puts up above 40 points

- William Karlsson, and trade option that could be available from Vegas. If he can stay healthy, would be a massive addition. PK, scoring, defense, winning pedigree, he brings it all

- Yanni Gourde, another great option who can contribute at both ends if healthy, similar to Karlsson, but lesser quality

It absolutely is. Tavares can't contribute much at even strength (but obviously makes up for that on the PP), so they need someone to take over that icetime. Ideally one who can keep up with Nylander in terms of speed

 

[Punch Drunk Loov]

There are no reasonable reasons to buy out any player other than maybe Rielly. But they apparently won't even try to trade him... so why would they buy him out? Makes no sense.

Kampf savings for the next 2 years of his buyout saves you 700k off his 2.4M cap it... that's it. It doesn't even get you a min league player. And then gives you 355k of dead cap space for 2027 to 2029. Jarnkrok gives you a 500k savings for next season and then dead cap space of 250k for 2026-2027. Reaves is similar to Jarnkrok. You don't buy out players for a small 500-700k savings for a year or two. Insane.

Like I said previously, I think Friedman didn't quite do his research right. I think the Leafs just want to do big changes to their bottom lines, and he took that as doing everything they can do do so, even buyouts.

Yeah if we can get an asset for Timmins + Dewar, surely we could get something small for Jarn or Kampf.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Everyone brain storming roster moves...it's probably one of the more interesting off-seasons in a while.

 

[SprDaVE]

Yeah if we can get an asset for Timmins + Dewar, surely we could get something small for Jarn or Kampf.

Dallas dumped Faksa last off-season for nothing, that's what I see the outcome of Kampf. He's the first gone next to Robertson to me.

Jarnkrok is likely as well but I'd be hoping for at least a mid round pick or something there. I could see him sticking around if the Leafs think he can be a better bet than the majority of UFAs up for grabs.