Speculation: The 2026-27 Roster Speculation Thread: Summer Edition - Throw in All The Oars, We're Trading for Battleships

[Jacob582]

I wish carolina or someone would just finalize their Hellebuyck trade so I don't have to worry about us wasting assets on a declining 33 year old goalie with bad knees and bad playoff performances.

Hellebuyck will be traded after the draft.

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

Putting the defense aside for a second, and looking only at forwards:



Benson-Norris-Thompson
Zucker-Helenius-Quinn
Ostlund-McLeod-Doan
Krebs-Carrick-Malenstyn (assuming he gets signed)
Kulich, Danforth.

That puts us at 14 forwards.

When we were closer to the cap, most folks had Danforth being in Rochester to save he space. That is no longer needed (at least at this juncture). If that group, the three untouchables are Benson, Doan, and Thompson. After that, its varying degrees of untouchable. For example, I wouldn't trade Helenius UNLESS we are getting a top line center back.

The question is: Whats the play here. We have excess forwards (we can still assign any of Kulich/Oslund/Helenius to rochester next year).

The issue we have is quality, not quantity, but what quality is available?

Robertson, Larkin and....?

Its a barren market (that we know of).

If I am doing anything, my focus is trying to turn Norris ++ into Larkin.

Larkin fits our timeline, is on a good contract, and fits our needs. We can move Thompson permanently to wing.

Norris is from Michigan, which I think would have some appeal. The question is, what does Detroit want AND will Larkin waive his NMC to come here (and will detroit trade in Divison)

I think I would prefer a real swing at Larkin for a package with Norris over Trocheck. I think that could be doable

Norris would be a secondary piece if anything in a Larkin deal. At the prices its taking to get good players right now, I dont think theres any way a deal for Larkin doesnt require #4 and Ostlund/Helenuis which I don't think I'd want to do for Larkin. We also aren't on his list. Based on his list he seems to want to be a passenger on a team thats already loaded.

 

[jd1970]

I wish carolina or someone would just finalize their Hellebuyck trade so I don't have to worry about us wasting assets on a declining 33 year old goalie with bad knees and bad playoff performances.

I wouldn't worry about it. I think Jarmo is done outside a minor deal or two.

 

[KrakenSabresMike]

I wouldn't worry about it. I think Jarmo is done outside a minor deal or two.

Ha - why would you think that???

 

[Jetskiis]

Norris would be a secondary piece if anything in a Larkin deal. At the prices its taking to get good players right now, I dont think theres any way a deal for Larkin doesnt require #4 and Ostlund/Helenuis which I don't think I'd want to do for Larkin. We also aren't on his list. Based on his list he seems to want to be a passenger on a team thats already loaded.

Larkin and Tage are good friends, he could probably get him to waive, if the trade was brought to him

 

[Dirty Dog]

What are you guys thinking is fair for a Knies deal?

Some of us on the Leafs board were thinking 4th overall + Helenius + McLeod.

Feel free to laugh me off your board but just wondering what you all are thinking.

Why not have Dahlin and Tage? Throw in a second and have benson and Doan!

 

[EmeraldCitySabre]

I wouldn't worry about it. I think Jarmo is done outside a minor deal or two.

Wow, I sure hope not. For the last 10 years we've always had one of the best prospect pools in the NHL year in and year out. 2 years ago I asked the question, when are we going to stop collecting prospects and actually try to start winning? We finally do that, after a 14 year playoff drought and some on here want us to go back to collecting prospects? Maybe I'm alone in this, but f that. Keep the 4th pick if you want, but everything else should be used to at least make the team as good as they were last year, or close to it. Winning ONE championship is hard enough, we know that better than most, I'll take ONE, I'm not greedy.

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

The Canucks are sellers. How much would it cost for Marcus Pettersson or Rossi? I'm not sure if they'd want to trade Rossi, but Marcus Pettersson shouldn't be cost prohibitive. I'd rather target him and Rossi than Carlo and Trochek.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Why not have Dahlin and Tage? Throw in a second and have benson and Doan!

Nah gotta make it conditional.

Throw in Dahlin and Tage and also include the Cup transferring to the Leafs if you win in 2027 or 2028.

Now that’s a steal of a deal for you guys I tell ya

 

[Jacob582]

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Pizza over playoffs. Someone's in love.

 

[Jetskiis]

apparently the ask for Zary is a 2nd round pick. I'd do that in a second. Just add another guy to the pile of possible 2cs.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

apparently the ask for Zary is a 2nd round pick. I'd do that in a second. Just add another guy to the pile of possible 2cs.

Great kid, was on our bantam team way back. But I think his knees might be shot.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Alright. There really isnt anyone whose been rumored to ve available I feel worthy of the 4th OA. Just take the pick please!

 

[billsandsabres]

what am i missing with knies. 60-65 point winger with size but horrific defensive metrics is worth what?

i know +/- isn't the best, but -30 when his linemate matthews was -4 means something right.

 

[billsandsabres]

gotta turn in the card at 4. pick got devalued in the byram trade, market is set. if you deal it, you'll get similar value in return to what chicago got. better off sticking.

 

[TehDoak]

what am i missing with knies. 60-65 point winger with size but horrific defensive metrics is worth what?

i know +/- isn't the best, but -30 when his linemate matthews was -4 means something right.

I mean, I certainly don't get the hype either. He's very much a Zach Hyman type where all he does is create chaos around the front of the net and score goals, which,w hen you have Nylander/Matthews to draw the defenses attention, its a great thing to be.

He's a nice player on a nice contract, I don't think I'd pay the premium price that Toronto is asking.

 

[TehDoak]

Marchenko is an interesting name. Certainly not a Tuch replacement in his role, but a dynamic offensive winger entering his prime. If Columbus is concerned he won't extend....might be someone we could give up the 4th OA for. A player Jarmo would be very familiar with.

 

[Jetskiis]

I mean, I certainly don't get the hype either. He's very much a Zach Hyman type where all he does is create chaos around the front of the net and score goals, which,w hen you have Nylander/Matthews to draw the defenses attention, its a great thing to be.

He's a nice player on a nice contract, I don't think I'd pay the premium price that Toronto is asking.

I also do not understand the Knies hype. maybe for 20OA but for 4???? seems insane to me.

 

[Beerz]

gotta turn in the card at 4. pick got devalued in the byram trade, market is set. if you deal it, you'll get similar value in return to what chicago got. better off sticking.

I think you could chalk it up to a nervous GM... about his job and about Connor.
I don't think you have to follow the market of a bad trade.

 

[Hasekperreault23]

Not for Robertson

No Helleybuck

 

[ValJamesDuex]

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

If true - and I hope it's not - it should come with a big discount for taking on Carlo.

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

I'd assume Helenius or Ostlund are apart of it than, if true

 

[ValJamesDuex]

I'd assume Helenius or Ostlund are apart of it than, if true

Mrtka, & 27 1st ?