Speculation: TDL - Is it time for Dubas to mortgage the future to bolster The Leafs?

[Punch Drunk Loov]

I would like to see us go all in. We have been taking half steps by trading 1st rounders (hoping they are late) and decent prospects. We are struggling to retain our current core and there is no foreseeable future where this current roster is going to be more skilled.

If we can add Goodrow's, Coleman's, and grizzled vets on D (reduce depth and add talent) at the cost of our next 3-4 years. I think we do it. This should be the easiest first round matchup in a long time. If we win 1 round who knows how much damage we can do with a motivated core.

In short, I think we should offer high value futures to do damage this year because I think the playoffs looks like it could be a chance at success when in prior years it didn't look close. If we can't get it done with Matthews/Marner/Nylander/JT/Rielly in their prime, we're going to have to blow it up anyways and we'll recover pieces we trade.

 

[ottomaddox]

Yeah ok, so this isn't a blanket thing you do.

Why haven't we won't a round. Because the defence and goaltending couldn't match up to their opponents.

Do we have that now? Yes on defence, no on goaltending. So unless we are upgrading Andersen, whats the plan?

Moves at the trade deadline are often small:

1 or 2 players

I am not suggesting wholesale alterations.

 

[Critical13]

I think we could use a top 6 LW, for sure. Someone defensively sound. This would bump Mik back to the 3rd line where he was excellent. I am thinking a Rakell/Silferberg type, although I haven't watched them enough lately to know if they are still good defensively. Cap would be really difficult, though.

Beyond that, I am not really sure what we can improve.

Our top pairing of Rielly-Brodie has really struggled, but we don't have cap space to bring in a top pairing LD.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

Do you think they should move Freddy and go with Campbell and Hutchinson? What about Hyman?, Thornton? Spezza? Simmonds?

This team is in 1st overall as of this post do you think they should move those players?

Freddy is a core piece and big contributor. Bozak and JVR were ahead of Martin at ES.

Most of the other pieces you mention are league minimum fillers who won't net a return. Hyman is the exception and he, like Freddy, is a big contributor. Not sure where you are struggling here?

 

[A1LeafNation]

I think we could use a top 6 LW, for sure. Someone defensively sound. This would bump Mik back to the 3rd line where he was excellent. I am thinking a Rakell/Silferberg type, although I haven't watched them enough lately to know if they are still good defensively. Cap would be really difficult, though.

Beyond that, I am not really sure what we can improve.

Our top pairing of Rielly-Brodie has really struggled, but we don't have cap space to bring in a top pairing LD.

Not only that, when does bringing in a top pair ever work out for the acquiring team? It takes a full season or more to develop chemistry.

Most contenders add bottom 6 forwards or bottom pair dmen that give them a push.

Brodie and Rielly have shown glimpses of playing well together. It looks like they need more time to develop chemistry.

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

I dont really want to give up any prospects for immediate runs as we'll need guys like Amirov, Robertson, Abramov, Sandin, Lilly on their ELCs the next few years to remain competitive. If we were to do anything I would move picks. Isnt this year's draft kind of weak? Plus its almost a write off from a scouting/development year.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

I am in favour of giving up almost all of our 2021 draft picks to improve da team. Now I know they are not worth much as teams look for 2022 picks in trades today. But they are worth something more to teams in a rebuild. And of all years this is da one (unless you have #1 pick) to unload for depth. It would be great to pick up another defensive defender for da playoff run. Still too much risk for me if Muzzy goes down. Even another guy like him who can help for playoff run like a UFA is fine. All we did is lose drafts in a terrible draft year.

 

[kk87]

frankly this draft is a completly shitshow. This would be the year to gamble your draft picks

Makes sense in theory but I actually disagree - with Dubas' draft pedigree and evident ability to exploit market inefficiencies, late picks in this draft could be even more valuable. The variability could lead to players falling despite elite skillsets, based on not playing much and being very raw. If anything, I hope Dubas tries to stockpile late picks like he did last year

 

[Wafflewhipper]

When the time comes to deal it’s always about the cap. We ate against it hard with Thornton,Campbell and Robertson out. Successful and fairly consistent so far. There is no trade requirement presently.
Would be nice to have some cap space at the deadline or far a waiver claim on a Goalie. Nothing imminent right now.
We have so many unknowns right now, big important unknowns in Freddy,Hyman and the expansion draft. I wouldn’t want to be managing a cap without Pridham’s. Holee molee that guy is impressive.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Kinda useless asking here. This is the place that wanted to sell JVR & Bozak when we were a 105 point team.

The roughly 1st + 2nd + 2nd we would have got for them would have been enough to outbid Tampa for McDonagh as a 1.5 year rental without touching any core pieces or blue chip prospects.

Or are soft PP specialists more important than #1/2 D now?

 

[horner]

Look no further than Tampa and STL who made bold trades to make their teams world beaters. Tampa gave an arm and a leg for McDonough, and good young assets for Goodrow/Coleman.

I know Dubas doesn't have a lot of cap space to improve the team, but average to mediocre players like Kerfoot/Engvall/Dermott can all be moved for better fitting players. More futures and draft picks can be offered for retention of salary too.

Does Dubas try it this TDL? Can we improve the defense even more? Do you want more forwards?

No cap space.
Besides u want to see if we can win a playoff series .

 

[ottomaddox]

No cap space.
Besides u want to see if we can win a playoff series .

Money in money out!

Seriously. TMLSE have professionals in every aspect of professional hockey. They can figure out many ways to acquire players while sitting so close to the cap.

 

[TopChedder]

No

 

[ottomaddox]

No cap space.
Besides u want to see if we can win a playoff series .

Side note - I didn't create this thread because I need to convince every fan. A move or two will likely happen at the trade deadline no matter what I do. I'm curious about what the other fans want in those minor adjustments.

 

[ChickenMcNugget]

Taylor Hall or bust.

 

[Twine Tickler]

Honestly It may not be a popular thought on here, but I really think we have to keep our picks. This scouting staff has been doing a great job in the last couple years. I really love the idea of stockpiling picks, especially in a year like this. I would be far more inclined to move on with Dermott, as he is a player we would have to potentially leave unprotected in the expansion draft. On the flip side, if we protect him over say Justin Holl, we are protecting a player that plays 50% of our games vs. an every day D-man. I am not sure if that's the scenario that will unfold, as I have not looked to far ahead at who we have to protect, but I just think it would be foolish to move draft picks for the players as draft picks do not require protecting this year. I am a fan of TD, but he will likely get scooped by Seattle if left unprotected, and if we are choosing to use him sparingly, id rather acquire a rental or picks for him. we have Sandin, Liljegren, and mikko ready to play, so losing TD would likely not burn us from a depth perspective. I think TD will be a good player in this league for a while. I am not convinced he will be a game changer. Long story long, I think TD should be the currency we use to acquire a rental if need be, certainly not picks

 

[qqaz]

Honestly It may not be a popular thought on here, but I really think we have to keep our picks. This scouting staff has been doing a great job in the last couple years. I really love the idea of stockpiling picks, especially in a year like this. I would be far more inclined to move on with Dermott, as he is a player we would have to potentially leave unprotected in the expansion draft. On the flip side, if we protect him over say Justin Holl, we are protecting a player that plays 50% of our games vs. an every day D-man. I am not sure if that's the scenario that will unfold, as I have not looked to far ahead at who we have to protect, but I just think it would be foolish to move draft picks for the players as draft picks do not require protecting this year. I am a fan of TD, but he will likely get scooped by Seattle if left unprotected, and if we are choosing to use him sparingly, id rather acquire a rental or picks for him. we have Sandin, Liljegren, and mikko ready to play, so losing TD would likely not burn us from a depth perspective. I think TD will be a good player in this league for a while. I am not convinced he will be a game changer. Long story long, I think TD should be the currency we use to acquire a rental if need be, certainly not picks

I'd agree that Dermott could be "currency" for the trade deadline. But I'd have no problem if they decide to move picks, as well. At some point, you have to identify a window and push for a campionship.

You can go for it without going "all in" and "mortgaging the future." You don't have to pull a Kekalainen and move of all the picks for Duchene and Dzingel. You can make some smart additions and make a run. It's about timing and fit.

I'd say Dermott and our (hopefully) late 1st or 2nd could turn into something really valuable. Assuming we look like contenders at the deadline, I wouldn't flinch to trade a high pick and Dermott for something that will make a difference on a Cup run.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I'd agree that Dermott could be "currency" for the trade deadline. But I'd have no problem if they decide to move picks, as well. At some point, you have to identify a window and push for a campionship.

You can go for it without going "all in" and "mortgaging the future." You don't have to pull a Kekalainen and move of all the picks for Duchene and Dzingel. You can make some smart additions and make a run. It's about timing and fit.

I'd say Dermott and our (hopefully) late 1st or 2nd could turn into something really valuable. Assuming we look like contenders at the deadline, I wouldn't flinch to trade a high pick and Dermott for something that will make a difference on a Cup run.

totally agree. I would not to a CBJ all chips in the middle move. But I think Dermott + 2nd/3rd would get you a very good rental TBH. I don't think we need a game breaker in return necessarily, but I do believe Dermott+ would fetch a very effective player in return. My point was, a late 1st rounder and even a late 2nd rounder to us is more valuable of an asset to hold on to over TD who potentially/likely will be unprotected at the upcoming expansion draft. And seeing as though he still holds some value league wide, That would be the asset I would center the deal around.

 

[Jozay]

The leafs biggest need is depth. Dont think you need to mortgage the future that much to address some bottom 6 needs.

 

[MattySnipes]

No issue with adding a piece or two at TDL.

No need to giveaway prospects like Robertson and Amirov, etc.

Those guys and Leafs pipeline will be crucial to Leafs in the coming years. We need that cheap affordable talent. Don't give away.

I'd be okay with trading a 1st and maybe some defensive depth like a Dermott, etc.

The window is open for many years, even though the setup of current division is very enticing to go for it all now, it would be a mistake.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

No issue with adding a piece or two at TDL.

No need to giveaway prospects like Robertson and Amirov, etc.

Those guys and Leafs pipeline will be crucial to Leafs in the coming years. We need that cheap affordable talent. Don't give away.

I'd be okay with trading a 1st and maybe some defensive depth like a Dermott, etc.

The window is open for many years, even though the setup of current division is very enticing to go for it all now, it would be a mistake.

You know what I don’t understand about Dermott..... The way he skates and for whatever reason he processes in his mind that he has to skate directly at defenders and do head shakes instead of just barreling through open ice with his speed until he sees a open player. If it doesn’t happen turn and retreat or do a good dump into the corner.
It just annoys me now because it is holding up the play because he waits to long to make a decision with the puck. Kind of don’t trust his carries or the decisions he makes with the puck. He has limited poise with the puck

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I dont really want to give up any prospects for immediate runs as we'll need guys like Amirov, Robertson, Abramov, Sandin, Lilly on their ELCs the next few years to remain competitive. If we were to do anything I would move picks. Isnt this year's draft kind of weak? Plus its almost a write off from a scouting/development year.

Not really, considering two of the major leagues (OHL and WHL) have yet to play a game. If you added the prospects from those two drafts, it is a pretty stacked draft.

The issue is that nobody is playing in those two leagues, and many other leagues are starting and stopping. At least the QMJHL is starting up again.

 

[Cecithepylon]

Taylor Hall or bust.

I like that idea get him when Buffalo falls to last in their division trade dermott and a first should do it. They get something for him...

 

[Twine Tickler]

I would target Scott Laughton from Philly. Pending UFA, cap strapped team that will need to resign Carter Hart this coming year, and couterier will need a raise in a couple years as well. He is playing 2C as per daily faceoff, but it looks like Nolan Patrick might be on his heels for that spot with a hot start and PP time. I'm really not sure if Travis Dermott is a starting point for Laughton, or how much would need to be added in either direction personally. I do think Travis would be an upgrade to Philly's current d-core. And I really think Scott brings a solid 2 way game that would compliment the direction we want to go with this team. I Really have no clue how available Scott is, if at all. I am purely looking at the cap structure of their lineup, and vulnerabilities to the expansion draft. He, like Dermott, appear to be vulnerable to expansion. That, coupled with the fact that philly will have a hard time affording Scott past this season, a younger and cheaper Dermott might be attractive to them. That is my rational. Maybe there is a suitable trade to be had for both teams

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I dont really want to give up any prospects for immediate runs as we'll need guys like Amirov, Robertson, Abramov, Sandin, Lilly on their ELCs the next few years to remain competitive. If we were to do anything I would move picks. Isnt this year's draft kind of weak? Plus its almost a write off from a scouting/development year.

The piece we need aren't going to cost Sandin, Robertson, Amirov, Lily, you don't need to gut the farm system to upgrade the roster