Trades and Free Agency - 2022-23 Season Edition

[Malachi Crunch]

My guess at or near the deadline is the Leafs will get 2 players from Chicago in McCabe & Taylor Raddysh (former Soo Greyhound).

I'm still scratching my head on what they will do for a forward with term. It makes more sense to me that they would get term on defense to off-set the loss with Muzzin, until they see what happens this off-season with the cap and re-signing.

Like the idea of Raddysh. We need another diamond in the rough like Bunting. It looks like Raddysh is finally starting to figure it out this year with a projected 23-goal total. He was a beast in the OHL so, hopefully, has more offense in him. He also has size, is dirt cheap, and from Toronto area.

 

[Americanadian]

Sign me up for Bertuzzi. He will be the cheapest 20-30 goal rental this year. Checks off what we're looking for too (size, passion, aggression, skill, left wing). Don't think we need to give a 1st.

Bertuzzi gets a rep as a gritty player but he truly isn't. Among Red Wings forwards he is 9th in hits/60 (5v5) over the last 2 seasons. He would be 9th on the Leafs. He has one fight since 2018.

 

[Malachi Crunch]

Bertuzzi gets a rep as a gritty player but he truly isn't. Among Red Wings forwards he is 9th in hits/60 (5v5) over the last 2 seasons. He would be 9th on the Leafs. He has one fight since 2018.

Yeah, he has dealt with some significant injuries. That's part of the reason we can, likely, get him at a cheap cost.

Even if one thinks that his grit has diminished a bit, he still scored 30 goals last year. To get a 30-goal LW for the playoffs for a reduced cost is a no-brainer IMO. (although the injuries can make teams hesitant)

 

[LeafSteel]

My priority for this TDL is to keep Knies, our first, and our top prospects.

McCabe and Gav are the popular names now, which indicate an overpay, and throwing our LHD arrangements going forward into a jumble.

Trading Sandin is not an option.

Gio has been brilliant, but anyone counting on a 40 year old Dman to play top 4 next year for a full season is not being realistic. Time is not on his side, and this when/where we need Sandin to take it and run.

We need to improve. I am not a Holl hater, but he cannot be anything other than bottom pairing in the playoffs. He is just too slow, physically and mentally. He panics and gets keyed on over and over again. He's also a UFA and will likely get $4m on his next contract. There are simply better options out there.

To improve our D, I'm looking at ideally Andrew Peeke or Connor Murphy a close 2nd. Both are true RHD, play strong defensively, can play physically, and are younger than Holl and have term left. Both should come cheaper than the main names being floated out there.

For forwards, would love to see Crouse and Lafferty added to our roster. A package with Chicago for Lafferty and Murphy should be explored.

Bunting-Matthews-Nylander
Crouse-Tavares-Marner
Knies-Kampf-Jarnkrok
McMann-Lafferty-Holmberg/Engvall

Rielly-Peeke/Murphy
Gio-Brodie
Sandin-Liljegren
Benn-Timmins

Kerfoot and Holl need to go. They do have trade value and cannot be own UFA rentals that walk for nothing next year, particularly when it's clear that they don't have a long-term place on our Team.

While I hope to hold on to our 1st round pick this Draft, I would be open to our 2024 1st rounder.

Not a usual type post for me, and the flaming I'm sure that is to come is the reason why.

Cheers.

 

[Leafed]

... To improve our D, I'm looking at ideally Andrew Peeke or Connor Murphy a close 2nd. Both are true RHD, play strong defensively, can play physically, and are younger than Holl and have term left. Both should come cheaper than the main names being floated out there.

... A package with Chicago for Lafferty and Murphy should be explored.
....

FWIW, though he's been a legacy target on this forum, Chicago fans have said Murphy's been really bad this year. I saw one wondering what they had to attach to move his contract. For reference:

 

[thusk]

Bertuzzi gets a rep as a gritty player but he truly isn't. Among Red Wings forwards he is 9th in hits/60 (5v5) over the last 2 seasons. He would be 9th on the Leafs. He has one fight since 2018.

Bunting is a player whos playing with grit but hes not a big hittrr 3.55 hit/60... grit doesn't mean hit

Grit is player who will battle hard, rush the net, play hard, battle for every puck and going on place we will be in pain.

 

[Rude Dog]

Leafs need to add one 30 plus scorer up front and hope Knies can contribute. Adding two players, while replacing 2 duds would go a long way. They need more guys who can chip in up front. Too many of the same player. This roster isn't good enough yet.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Upgrading over Kerfoot and Engvall are seeming like a priority .. with a centre that can provide some offense and steady D, and a more physical winger

 

[dubplatepressure]

Upgrading over Kerfoot and Engvall are seeming like a priority .. with a centre that can provide some offense and steady D, and a more physical winger

IMO Engvall is fine he has his place - but yes Kerfoot, and even guys like ZAR, Anderson, and McMann. I like these players but if they aren't able to produce in a bottom-6 role then they are replacement ready. We have NO ONE who can reasonably step up into the 2C spot if Kerfoot cannot do that

 

[ULF_55]

IMO Engvall is fine he has his place - but yes Kerfoot, and even guys like ZAR, Anderson, and McMann. I like these players but if they aren't able to produce in a bottom-6 role then they are replacement ready. We have NO ONE who can reasonably step up into the 2C spot if Kerfoot cannot do that

It would have been nice to see if Robertson was a NHL player.

 

[Contenderorpretender]

It would have been nice to see if Robertson was a NHL player.



He's no. He can't take physicality.

 

[ULF_55]

I'm warming up to Domi.
Good on face-offs.

He's not physical, but he has some offensive ability.

I recognize there are some concern about locker-room, but we aren't talking a long term commitment here, and Leafs need more offense in the bottom 6.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Henrique seems like the best option IMO .. reasonably priced and controlled through next year. Provides some veteran presence and offensive ability from the third line which works well with the Leafs carrying youngsters like McMann, Anderson, Holmberg

Toews would be awesome but that's tricky to fit in cap-wise and it's only 1 year.

Not much interest in Domi personally.

 

[Apex Predator]

I'm warming up to Domi.
Good on face-offs.

He's not physical, but he has some offensive ability.

I recognize there are some concern about locker-room, but we aren't talking a long term commitment here, and Leafs need more offense in the bottom 6.

I like the idea of Domi too. Growing up in Toronto he knows what it means to win here and I think he will bring that intensity that we lack at times.

 

[BertCorbeau]

IMO Engvall is fine he has his place - but yes Kerfoot, and even guys like ZAR, Anderson, and McMann. I like these players but if they aren't able to produce in a bottom-6 role then they are replacement ready. We have NO ONE who can reasonably step up into the 2C spot if Kerfoot cannot do that

I do like Engvall, brings a nice element of size and speed. He has just been a bit too vanilla this season, not imposing himself as much as we saw last season.

I think if the Leafs can get Henrique (for Kerfoot +) and Barbashev, that would address some weaknesses:

Bunting-Matthews-Nylander
Jarnkrok-Tavares-Nylander
McMann-Henrique-Barbashev
Holmberg-Kampf-Engvall
ZAR
Knies

 

[ULF_55]

Not much interest in Domi personally.

I know he isn't a popular choice, but he seems like an easier acquisition to make.

No third party team to payoff for retention.

Cap less than Kerfoot. Probably could get the Hawks to retain without much effort as money is almost zilch at that point.

If they wanted to gamble on Athanasiou ...

 

[leafsfan5]

I do like Engvall, brings a nice element of size and speed. He has just been a bit too vanilla this season, not imposing himself as much as we saw last season.

I think if the Leafs can get Henrique (for Kerfoot +) and Barbashev, that would address some weaknesses:

Bunting-Matthews-Nylander
Jarnkrok-Tavares-Nylander
McMann-Henrique-Barbashev
Holmberg-Kampf-Engvall
ZAR
Knies

That third line is wonderful. Blend of grit, speed, and some scoring ability

 

[Menzinger]

Upgrading over Kerfoot and Engvall are seeming like a priority .. with a centre that can provide some offense and steady D, and a more physical winger

I think the Leafs giving extended looks to some Marlies grads like Holmberg have been them testing the waters for potentially moving out one or both of Kerfoot/Engvall. I suspect they will keep Kerfoot if they can, depending on their trade targets

 

[Duffman955]

Go all in.

Ain't trying to wait 5 yeas for 1st round picks and prospects to become impact players

 

[stickty111]

I rather have Henrique over ROR too. The risk is lower and it's still a good player

 

[ULF_55]

I rather have Henrique over ROR too. The risk is lower and it's still a good player

If they are willing to take Kerfoot's Cap and bottom 6'ers along with a non-first rounders and non-Knies prospects ...

Henrique is a 15 month rental, so two kicks with him.

 

[Brobust]

Apparently there's some speculation that the leafs will have a conservative TDL because they just don't like the odds in a stacked Atlantic division and will wait till next season for any big moves.

 

[leafsfan5]

If they are willing to take Kerfoot's Cap and bottom 6'ers along with a non-first rounders and non-Knies prospects ...

Henrique is a 15 month rental, so two kicks with him.

From what I've read, Ducks fans don't want to move him this year unless a 1st comes back. He's been a good veteran and is signed for another year so they can just get a 2nd+ next TDL

Who knows what their management thinks but we might need to give up a 1st if you want him right now. For Henrique I'll do it, gets you a 3C for 2 playoff runs who can jump up and play 2C when required. A ~25 goal/50 point center on the 3rd line would be huge

 

[leafsfan5]

Apparently there's some speculation that the leafs will have a conservative TDL because they just don't like the odds in a stacked Atlantic division and will wait till next season for any big moves.

I feel like we've been saying this every year since 2019. At a certain point you have to accept that the division is insane and will be for some time

Don't go all in, that would be stupid and you see teams pay the price for it (Florida). But if you there is someone management likes and he fills a need, dealing a 1st is fine

 

[Brobust]

I feel like we've been saying this every year since 2019. At a certain point you have to accept that the division is insane and will be for some time

Don't go all in, that would be stupid and you see teams pay the price for it (Florida). But if you there is someone management likes and he fills a need, dealing a 1st is fine

The leafs have been wary of rentals outside of the bubble season. I don't think that will change this season.

If they can make a big move for a player with term, they'll do it. But they don't have the assets to keep up with other teams in the bidding.