GDT: Trade and Free agent Rumours thread | Chayka off-season edition

[nuck]

At EP 40's Cap hit we'd have to get him for almost free to justify doing that to our cap structure.

If Mo's $7.5M is out that wouldn't be a problem

 

[Fogelhund]

While I'd be fine with a Tuch addition, I'd rather do something cheaper and younger to impact the top 6, even if it comes at the cost of assets going the other way.

My three primary ideas are.

1. A significant package (possibly including Knies or Cowan if need be) that nets us Robert Thomas. 26 years old. Toronto native. Locked up for 4 more years at $8.1 million. Would solve our 2C situation for the rest of Matthews' prime and beyond. Would allow JT to move down to 3C or to LW to extend his career.

2. Something around Morgan Rielly that returns us Collin Graf from San Jose. RFA. Will be cost effective. Just put up nearly 50 points. 23 years old which helps with the core age. Would slot nicely at 2RW behind Nylander and opposite Mckenna and Knies. Would allow Cowan to play on his more effective left side as 2-way 3rd liner, which is ideal for him right now.

3. Something around Barrett Hayton to become the 3C. 25 years old which would help with the age of the forward group. Might have 2C upisde left in him. RFA and should be acquirable and extendable for relatively cheap. A guy that we know Chayka likes.

1. So you think St. Louis would move a young C, locked up for years, for a Winger? Ya... not going to happen.
2. The idea that Rielly will return Graf is misguided... zero chance San Jose would do that.
3. While I'm not opposed to Hayton, there is no 2C upside in this player. At $4.5-5 mil, he'll be an expensive 3C, with limited offensive upside... probably going to be a 20-30 point player going forward in the 3C spot.

 

[nuck]

Noting... adding EP40 eliminates adding McDavid down the road... if you believe in fairy tales and things.

Even after taking off Matthews contract? Maybe not. Cap will be $19M higher by then as well with only McKennas next deal pending.

 

[TMLAM34]

Noting... this works on the cap.

McKenna Matthews Tuch
Knies Tavares Nylander
Cowan Jenner Bourque
Lorentz Quillan Haltunnen
Joshua Groulx

McCabe Raddysh
Zellweger Tanev
OEL Carlo/Desharnais
Andrae Villeneuve

Of course, there are other options for 3C out there... the cap hits will be about the same. One too many bodies there, Domi on LTIR... not into LTIR... Plenty of options how to setup that fourth line.

I’ve opened up to the idea of signing Jenner. I thought his game had fallen off even further than it has.

Jenner and Bjorkstrand would be great additions up front through free agency along with the obvious in Tuch.

I can see Chayka having interest in Blueger as well as a 4C option. I’m not as high on Quillan as most.

Robertson for T. Raddysh.


McKenna - Matthews - Tuch
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
Cowan - Jenner - Bjorkstrand
Lorentz - Blueger - T.Raddysh

McCabe - D.Raddysh
Ekman Larsson - Carlo
Rielly - Tanev

Only downfall, very veteran heavy roster IMO.

 

[Sypher04]

Even after taking off Matthews contract? Maybe not. Cap will be $19M higher by then as well with only McKennas next deal pending.

No no no, you both have it wrong.
Obviously Matthews and McDavid in 2 years will sign matching $10M AAV full term contracts with the Maple Leafs

 

[Avilaj07]

Interesting dilemna... EP40 or Tuch for about the same money? And what's the cost to obtain EP40?

You take EP40 all day. His low is Tuch ceiling points wise, he's younger and a center we desperately need

 

[SprDaVE]

I’ve opened up to the idea of signing Jenner. I thought his game had fallen off even further than it has.

Jenner and Bjorkstrand would be great additions up front through free agency along with the obvious in Tuch.

I can see Chayka having interest in Blueger as well as a 4C option. I’m not as high on Quillan as most.

Robertson for T. Raddysh.


McKenna - Matthews - Tuch
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
Cowan - Jenner - Bjorkstrand
Lorentz - Blueger - T.Raddysh

McCabe - D.Raddysh
Ekman Larsson - Carlo
Rielly - Tanev

Only downfall, very veteran heavy roster IMO.

The Leafs don't need to go that heavy in bottom line additions. Quillan, Tverberg and Groulx are all potential options to have into your depth. Do we really need Blueger there? I'm not sure.

 

[Sypher04]

The Leafs don't need to go that heavy in bottom line additions. Quillan, Tverberg and Groulx are all potential options to have into your depth. Do we really need Blueger there? I'm not sure.

I honestly will be surprised if any of the 3 are opening night roster players. No shade intended, just think the team will want more proven solutions to the roles.

 

[WTFMAN99]

I think we need a good 2-way legit option for top pair with Raddysh.

I don't see a world you can bring back either of Rielly or OEL really, both were top 10 goals against for D.

My slotting now is

X-Raddysh
McCabe-Tanev
Andrae-Carlo/X

 

[IrishInOntario]

1. So you think St. Louis would move a young C, locked up for years, for a Winger? Ya... not going to happen.
2. The idea that Rielly will return Graf is misguided... zero chance San Jose would do that.
3. While I'm not opposed to Hayton, there is no 2C upside in this player. At $4.5-5 mil, he'll be an expensive 3C, with limited offensive upside... probably going to be a 20-30 point player going forward in the 3C spot.

1. Obviously nobody is suggesting that Thomas could be acquired for a winger straight up. Toronto would have to move a considerable package of players, prospects and picks for Thomas.

2. I think there is a world in which a package around Rielly nets you Graf. Again, nobody is suggesting a straight up trade. San Jose has a glut of top 6 forwards in their system and I suspect they'd move one in a deal that makes sense.

3. I think 20-30 points is laughably low for Hayton. I think he's easily a 30-40 point 3C playing PP2 minutes and flanked by decent wingers.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

I honestly will be surprised if any of the 3 are opening night roster players.

Stenlund or Blueger are definitely my top two options for 4c. Let those younger guys steal the spot.

 

[SprDaVE]

I honestly will be surprised if any of the 3 are opening night roster players.

I'd be disappointed if they weren't around. This is how you find your own Raddysh and Shea's of the world. They are younger, hungrier and provide youthful energy. I really don't know why they'd bother giving term to guys like Blueger or even Bjorkstrand, etc. They are bland as they get.

We'll see how things morph as the off-season progresses but adding free agents doesn't mean better.

 

[Sypher04]

I think we need a good 2-way legit option for top pair with Raddysh.

I don't see a world you can bring back either of Rielly or OEL really, both were top 10 goals against for D.

My slotting now is

X-Raddysh
McCabe-Tanev
Andrae-Carlo/X

Ok, go get Gavrikov.
Then we can talk Rielly and OEL both being moved.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

Ok, go get Gavrikov.
Then we can talk Rielly and OEL both being moved.

Gavrikov would be a great get but the cost would be high.

 

[Avilaj07]

I think we need a good 2-way legit option for top pair with Raddysh.

I don't see a world you can bring back either of Rielly or OEL really, both were top 10 goals against for D.

My slotting now is

X-Raddysh
McCabe-Tanev
Andrae-Carlo/X

To Toronto-
27th overall pick
Graf

To San Jose-
Rielly
Buffalo 2nd Rounder
Robertson

Then,

To Toronto-
Byram

To Buffalo-
Carlo
Colorado 2027 1st Round Pick
San Jose 2026 1st Round Pick

 

[Sypher04]

I'd be disappointed if they weren't around. This is how you find your own Raddysh and Shea's of the world. They are younger, hungrier and provide youthful energy. I really don't know why they'd bother giving term to guys like Blueger or even Bjorkstrand, etc.

We'll see how things morph as the off-season progresses but adding free agents doesn't mean better.

I see one being extra likely to start, likely Quillan and he’ll sure play, maybe even all 3 over the course of the season as injuries happen

 

[TMLAM34]

Ok, go get Gavrikov.
Then we can talk Rielly and OEL both being moved.

Maybe something around Knies for Gavrikov + Cuylle?

 

[Leafed]

Was intrigued by the gamble on Andrae. Hard to argue against price paid for Raddysh. Along with Mckenna, we've now added three pieces that should be improvements on last year's roster (Mckenna moreso long-term) at the cost of Woll and Benoit while adding a 3rd rounder

I'd be satisfied with the defence as-is going into next season. There's probably an extra man in there now, so could potentially try to upgrade on Carlo. Maybe Rielly's moved, but I'd be hesitant to move the guy who elevates the most during playoffs.

I'd now like to add some more two-way speed and snarl to the forward group. Dangle Robertson, Macelli, and Domi (prob not with injury) who no longer have roles. I've been following less recently, but Jenner, assuming he hasn't fallen off completely, would be a great addition. Leave a role or two for Marlies (Groulx, Quillian, Tverberg ?)

McKenna - Matthews - Knies
Tavares - Jenner - Nylander
XXX - XXX - Cowan
Joshua/Lorentz - Groulx/Quillian? - XXX

McCabe - Tanev
OEL - Raddysh
Rielly - Carlo
Andrae - Villeneuve

 

[Phion Keneuf]

McCabe is likely gone when his full NTC turns into only a 16 team NTC. Not sure why people are speculating he’ll be moved out this offseason.

McCabe-Raddysh should be a solid pairing

 

[Sypher04]

Maybe something around Knies for Gavrikov + Cuylle?

I don’t know reasonably what Gavrikov would take. I’ve heard rumour he wants out. But I wouldn’t do Knies.

I understand you have to give to get but no chance I move Knies for a deal with such an age disparity. Knies goes for a guy like Harley or he stays imo

 

[IrishInOntario]

I’ve opened up to the idea of signing Jenner. I thought his game had fallen off even further than it has.

Jenner and Bjorkstrand would be great additions up front through free agency along with the obvious in Tuch.

I can see Chayka having interest in Blueger as well as a 4C option. I’m not as high on Quillan as most.

Robertson for T. Raddysh.


McKenna - Matthews - Tuch
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
Cowan - Jenner - Bjorkstrand
Lorentz - Blueger - T.Raddysh

McCabe - D.Raddysh
Ekman Larsson - Carlo
Rielly - Tanev

Only downfall, very veteran heavy roster IMO.

I like Jenner, but I'm weary about adding another 30+ year old center to the roster when there are few center options in Toronto's prospect pool (Luc-Koblar is likely the only one with 3C upside). Furthermore, we're going to take a LW 1st overall this year so it's not as if a high end center is likely to be added to the system via the draft.

I'd scour the trade market for a top 9 center that is 26 or younger. Even if you have to gamble a little hit on a guy.

 

[Duffman955]

McCabe is likely gone when his full NTC turns into only a 16 team NTC. Not sure why people are speculating he’ll be moved out this offseason.

McCabe-Raddysh should be a solid pairing

There has been "insiders" saying that he may be in play.

Which would make sense to me. Until that happens, I expect McCabe-Raddysh to be a great pair

 

[SprDaVE]

I see one being extra likely to start, likely Quillan and he’ll sure play, maybe even all 3 over the course of the season as injuries happen

Very possible. But adding a bunch of average or sub average players just because they have NHL games is meh to me, especially with an awful free agency. They need to promote and give guys like Groulx a shot, especially where he exceeded expectations in his short stint. Can they regress or get waived? Sure.

Groulx skates fast, he plays gritty and can play very well 2-way. If you block him for a Blueger... I'd be dumbfounded.

Add quality guys to the lineup, and let the bottom part of the lineup with Marlies you spent years putting development in.

 

[Sypher04]

Very possible. But adding a bunch of average or sub average players just because they have NHL games is meh to me, especially with an awful free agency. They need to promote and give guys like Groulx a shot, especially where he exceeded expectations in his short stint. Can they regress or get waived? Sure.

Groulx skates fast, he plays gritty and can play very well 2-way. If you block him for a Blueger... I'd be dumbfounded.

No I agree, they need to be added because they are the right fits and fill a team need/role well, not just because they aren’t youth.

 

[613Leafer]

Byram available - 25 years old, averaged ~22 minutes a night the last three years in Buffalo, and has only missed 9 games in the last three years (all of which were 3 seasons ago). Also shifted to more defensive zone starts this past season, and plays on the PK.

What do we think he is? Obviously hasn't broken out into a legit #1, and at his age, is there potential for him to get there? If not, he's still probably a solid #2?

Seems like he's available, and could be a big swing to solidify our blueline. Would likely need to be a deal around Knies, or Cowan++ though.