Trades and Free Agency - 2022-23 Season Edition

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According to Nick Kypreos, Jake Muzzin can no longer be deemed a dependable top-four blueliner for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jakub Chychrun is the answer, and they can’t afford to wait.


While other teams can go deeper with top prospects or top young players than the Leafs can, the Coyotes have told teams like Toronto and Ottawa if a trade involving Chychrun doesn’t include prospects like Matthew Knies or the Senators’ Ridly Greig, a deal can still be built around two first-round picks. It’s a pretty reasonable price to pay when you consider the Dallas Stars just paid the New York Rangers a first and potentially a third-rounder for Nils Lundkvist.

Last season we also saw Tampa Bay pay Chicago two first-round picks for Brandon Hagel. So it isn’t crazy to think that some team will pay Arizona’s price of two firsts for Chychrun. The deciding factor will be which team can sweeten the deal.

My guess is if the Leafs make a play for Chychrun, the Coyotes will ask for one of Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren or Topi Niemelä. (The Leafs would be wise to protect the right-handed shots). Since last June’s draft, Arizona GM Bill Armstrong has said he will absorb contracts for assets. To balance the money Arizona would need to take Alex Kerfoot’s remaining $3.5-million contract. And I believe they would. Solid play out of Nick Robertson over the next few weeks would make Kerfoot much easier to unload.

Now, if you believe Muzzin can somehow work himself back in the mix this season, his current $5.6 million would still fit in with Chychrun’s $4.6 million on the books, protecting the Leafs’ cap. By moving Kerfoot’s contract, Muzzin’s contract is no longer an LTIR factor.

If Dubas decides on Chychrun, who I’m told he is a fan of, his best bet is to move on this sooner than later.
Players like Chychrun seldom hang around long on the trade market and he is reportedly healthy enough in his wrist rehab to join the Coyotes for practice this week.

Chychrun may not be perfect, but he is the best available option for the Leafs moving forward. Not just for this season but for the next few years.
 
Bunting - Matthews - Marner
Malgin/Robertson - Tavares - Nylander
Malgin/Robertson - Kerfoot - Jarnkrok
Engvall - Kampf - NAK/ZAR

Is how I would have done it personally. Tavares-Nylander have been strong together. I would have kept Malgin with them and let Robertson go to a line where he would have been more of the focal point but I would have trusted Keefe's decision either way. I think you give the top line some more time to start converting and gaining their focus. The underlying numbers for them have been a lot better than the conversion rates and eye-test.



Seems like Keefe is just doing a straight Robertson for Malgin swap, which will solve absolutely nothing if that is what he intended to do. Seems like this is nothing more than a goodwill gesture for Robertson to play against his brother.

At least Simmonds is not playing.

See, this is where I wonder what the hell is going on in Keefe's head. The only line that's been dangerous offensively is the second one, so THAT's the one you change and leave the other three lines intact?

That and his obsession with the Muzzin-Holl pairing. Yeah, it was great three years ago. It ain't great now; in fact it's a HUGE liability now. One plus of Muzzin being hurt is that it forces Keefe to stop doing this, but when I saw him start with Muzzin-Holl, I wondered if we're going to once again have to spent 10 games learning that this pairing is no longer very good...
 
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According to Nick Kypreos, Jake Muzzin can no longer be deemed a dependable top-four blueliner for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jakub Chychrun is the answer, and they can’t afford to wait.


While other teams can go deeper with top prospects or top young players than the Leafs can, the Coyotes have told teams like Toronto and Ottawa if a trade involving Chychrun doesn’t include prospects like Matthew Knies or the Senators’ Ridly Greig, a deal can still be built around two first-round picks. It’s a pretty reasonable price to pay when you consider the Dallas Stars just paid the New York Rangers a first and potentially a third-rounder for Nils Lundkvist.

Last season we also saw Tampa Bay pay Chicago two first-round picks for Brandon Hagel. So it isn’t crazy to think that some team will pay Arizona’s price of two firsts for Chychrun. The deciding factor will be which team can sweeten the deal.

My guess is if the Leafs make a play for Chychrun, the Coyotes will ask for one of Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren or Topi Niemelä. (The Leafs would be wise to protect the right-handed shots). Since last June’s draft, Arizona GM Bill Armstrong has said he will absorb contracts for assets. To balance the money Arizona would need to take Alex Kerfoot’s remaining $3.5-million contract. And I believe they would. Solid play out of Nick Robertson over the next few weeks would make Kerfoot much easier to unload.

Now, if you believe Muzzin can somehow work himself back in the mix this season, his current $5.6 million would still fit in with Chychrun’s $4.6 million on the books, protecting the Leafs’ cap. By moving Kerfoot’s contract, Muzzin’s contract is no longer an LTIR factor.

If Dubas decides on Chychrun, who I’m told he is a fan of, his best bet is to move on this sooner than later.
Players like Chychrun seldom hang around long on the trade market and he is reportedly healthy enough in his wrist rehab to join the Coyotes for practice this week.

Chychrun may not be perfect, but he is the best available option for the Leafs moving forward. Not just for this season but for the next few years.
Hard pass on Chychrun. I don’t care what Kypreos thinks.
Arizona wants way too much for him and he is extremely injury prone. He also isn’t a great defender which is what we would be trying to replace in Muzzin. And finally despite Muzzin being a LHD we still need a RHD more.

Connor Murphy would cost less assets and would be a much better fit.
 
See, this is where I wonder what the hell is going on in Keefe's head. The only line that's been dangerous offensively is the second one, so THAT's the one you change and leave the other three lines intact?

That and his obsession with the Muzzin-Holl pairing. Yeah, it was great three years ago. It ain't great now; in fact it's a HUGE liability now. One plus of Muzzin being hurt is that it forces Keefe to stop doing this, but when I saw him start with Muzzin-Holl, I wondered if we're going to once again have to spent 10 games learning that this pairing is no longer very good...

I will wait to judge after the Dallas game. Robertson getting to play against his brother is a good enough excuse to let it fly for that one game, but if the 4th line struggles again for example, one of the wingers should be sitting for Malgin without question.

TBH, I think Muzzin may be a liability with anyone at this point. He made all of his partners worse last year. Surprisingly, the pairing hasn't killed us at ES and while they did make a few mistakes on the PK, they are still mostly solid on the PK too. The mental mistakes may be a permanent part of his game at this point, but we can live with it if he still manages to get the job done and so far he has. I can live with the lack of offense as long as he maintains that 2.15 GA/60 at ES.

For as much as it is talked about, and the noticeable mistakes that some of our defensemen have made, our defense is not the problem with this team right now.
 
I will wait to judge after the Dallas game. Robertson getting to play against his brother is a good enough excuse to let it fly for that one game, but if the 4th line struggles again for example, one of the wingers should be sitting for Malgin without question.

TBH, I think Muzzin may be a liability with anyone at this point. He made all of his partners worse last year. Surprisingly, the pairing hasn't killed us at ES and while they did make a few mistakes on the PK, they are still mostly solid on the PK too. The mental mistakes may be a permanent part of his game at this point, but we can live with it if he still manages to get the job done and so far he has. I can live with the lack of offense as long as he maintains that 2.15 GA/60 at ES.
Engvall hasn’t been great either. If that 4th line struggles again I’d move Engvall back down with Kampf who he has had success with and one of ZAR or NAK come out.

But more likely Keene puts Simmonds in. Respect to the veteran I guess. I love the Wayne train but he is done.
 
Engvall hasn’t been great either. If that 4th line struggles again I’d move Engvall back down with Kampf who he has had success with and one of ZAR or NAK come out.

But more likely Keene puts Simmonds in. Respect to the veteran I guess. I love the Wayne train but he is done.

It is an option. Engvall has good underlying numbers with the third line, but if we are adamant about keeping Robertson as a middle 6 winger full time, then I would rather have Engvall on the 4th line with Kampf and put Malgin back in the middle 6. Don't care which line each end up on, but I think Robertson would be better off feasting on bottom 6 lines with Kerfoot and Jarnkrok than being the 3rd wheel on the 2nd line like Malgin has been. Let ZAR and NAK compete for the other 4th line wing spot.
 
It is an option. Engvall has good underlying numbers with the third line, but if we are adamant about keeping Robertson as a middle 6 winger full time, then I would rather have Engvall on the 4th line with Kampf and put Malgin back in the middle 6. Don't care which line each end up on, but I think Robertson would be better off feasting on bottom 6 lines with Kerfoot and Jarnkrok than being the 3rd wheel on the 2nd line like Malgin has been. Let ZAR and NAK compete for the other 4th line wing spot.
I’d like to see what Robertson can do in an extended look with good offensive players. So as our lineup is currently constructed the first or second line.
But if I had my way completely I’d run a more balanced 2nd and 3rd line. So he would be with one of the big 4 on either line
 
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I’d like to see what Robertson can do in an extended look with good offensive players. So as our lineup is currently constructed the first or second line.
But if I had my way completely I’d run a more balanced 2nd and 3rd line. So he would be with one of the big 4 on either line

I guess it depends on preference. I don't think we should be putting one of our top guys on the 3rd line. Too difficult to get them enough minutes to do it unless absolutely necessary.

At the same time, I would rather Robertson have a chance driving a line rather than being the passenger. Malgin has done well as a passenger and while he can probably drive a line himself, the general sentiment seems to be that Robertson's development is priority number 1. I think driving the 3rd line would be better for his development.
 
According to Nick Kypreos, Jake Muzzin can no longer be deemed a dependable top-four blueliner for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jakub Chychrun is the answer, and they can’t afford to wait.


While other teams can go deeper with top prospects or top young players than the Leafs can, the Coyotes have told teams like Toronto and Ottawa if a trade involving Chychrun doesn’t include prospects like Matthew Knies or the Senators’ Ridly Greig, a deal can still be built around two first-round picks. It’s a pretty reasonable price to pay when you consider the Dallas Stars just paid the New York Rangers a first and potentially a third-rounder for Nils Lundkvist.

Last season we also saw Tampa Bay pay Chicago two first-round picks for Brandon Hagel. So it isn’t crazy to think that some team will pay Arizona’s price of two firsts for Chychrun. The deciding factor will be which team can sweeten the deal.

My guess is if the Leafs make a play for Chychrun, the Coyotes will ask for one of Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren or Topi Niemelä. (The Leafs would be wise to protect the right-handed shots). Since last June’s draft, Arizona GM Bill Armstrong has said he will absorb contracts for assets. To balance the money Arizona would need to take Alex Kerfoot’s remaining $3.5-million contract. And I believe they would. Solid play out of Nick Robertson over the next few weeks would make Kerfoot much easier to unload.

Now, if you believe Muzzin can somehow work himself back in the mix this season, his current $5.6 million would still fit in with Chychrun’s $4.6 million on the books, protecting the Leafs’ cap. By moving Kerfoot’s contract, Muzzin’s contract is no longer an LTIR factor.

If Dubas decides on Chychrun, who I’m told he is a fan of, his best bet is to move on this sooner than later.
Players like Chychrun seldom hang around long on the trade market and he is reportedly healthy enough in his wrist rehab to join the Coyotes for practice this week.

Chychrun may not be perfect, but he is the best available option for the Leafs moving forward. Not just for this season but for the next few years.

Hell no to a deal based on two firsts.

This team needs to start preparing for a future beyond this core. Dubas has already pissed away so many top picks. You can see it in our complete lack of depth in terms of cheap ELC players that can be more than just bubble guys.

Scary part is, I can see us going for it with how much is on the line this year (jobs, Matthews contract). It would be the final kick in the nuts from this management group on the way out.
 
Hell no to a deal based on two firsts.

This team needs to start preparing for a future beyond this core. Dubas has already pissed away so many top picks. You can see it in our complete lack of depth in terms of cheap ELC players that can be more than just bubble guys.

Scary part is, I can see us going for it with how much is on the line this year (jobs, Matthews contract). It would be the final kick in the nuts from this management group on the way out.
Chychrun always seems to be injured?
 
I guess it depends on preference. I don't think we should be putting one of our top guys on the 3rd line. Too difficult to get them enough minutes to do it unless absolutely necessary.

At the same time, I would rather Robertson have a chance driving a line rather than being the passenger. Malgin has done well as a passenger and while he can probably drive a line himself, the general sentiment seems to be that Robertson's development is priority number 1. I think driving the 3rd line would be better for his development.
I agree that it’s all preference and that development of Robertson is the priority. I just am not sure that he is ready to drive a line on his own and I think to maximize his potential he needs to play with other highly skilled players.
I also don’t think it’s a problem to have one of our core 4 on a 3rd line. The Pens won back 2 back cups with Kessel feasting on 3rd line match ups and it wasn’t a problem getting him enough minutes playing him down there.
 
Hard pass on Chychrun. I don’t care what Kypreos thinks.
Arizona wants way too much for him and he is extremely injury prone. He also isn’t a great defender which is what we would be trying to replace in Muzzin. And finally despite Muzzin being a LHD we still need a RHD more.

Connor Murphy would cost less assets and would be a much better fit.
We've never been one to shy away from moving for an extremely injury prone player.
 
We've never been one to shy away from moving for an extremely injury prone player.
Ok. That addresses 1 of multiple points. Kinda…….

Chychrin’s best value comes on the power play. We already have a Dman who fills that roll. If we are going to move significant assets for a Dman why not one that fits our needs.

Chychrin is the sexy name but a poor fit overall.
 
Ok. That addresses 1 of multiple points. Kinda…….

Chychrin’s best value comes on the power play. We already have a Dman who fills that roll. If we are going to move significant assets for a Dman why not one that fits our needs.

Chychrin is the sexy name but a poor fit overall.
You're probably right. But I doubt our management's ability to identify and solve what are issues are/who would be a good fit.

There does not seem to be much thought gone into who fits in where to be a part of a team. It's a lot of individuals.

I doubt we get Chychrun to be honest. I don't think we'll end up with someone at that level.
 
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I’d like to see what Robertson can do in an extended look with good offensive players. So as our lineup is currently constructed the first or second line.
But if I had my way completely I’d run a more balanced 2nd and 3rd line. So he would be with one of the big 4 on either line
Put him with Willy and watch him go
 
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They need a legit #1 goalie
They need a top pairing RHD
We've known this for the past 3 years?
Wait till 20 game mark and then start kicking tires on starters on teams that are looking like they are out of it
i.e. Gibson, Quick, MAF (nmc), Hart,
 
LTIR
Jake Muzzin

LEAFS - HAWKS
Connor Murphy @ 1.4 Ret
For
Justin Holl, Alex Steeves, 2023 1st & Sens 3rd

Rielly - Murphy
Sandin - Brodie
Gio - Liljigegren
 
LTIR
Jake Muzzin

LEAFS - HAWKS
Connor Murphy @ 1.4 Ret
For
Justin Holl, Alex Steeves, 2023 1st & Sens 3rd

Rielly - Murphy
Sandin - Brodie
Gio - Liljigegren

You want Chicago to retain for FOUR years? That's never going to happen, and certainly not with that return.

@therealkoho brought up targeting Alec Regula from Chicago. 22 year old RHD, 6'4" 207lbs, strong defensively, good results in the AHL, PPG his last year in the OHL. 26 points in 41 games in AHL last year. Now I'm not sure why Chicago would move a young guy like that, and he is likely too raw to just jump into the lineup and replace a Muzzin anyway.. but long-term it would likely be a good move.
 
You want Chicago to retain for FOUR years? That's never going to happen, and certainly not with that return.

@therealkoho brought up targeting Alec Regula from Chicago. 22 year old RHD, 6'4" 207lbs, strong defensively, good results in the AHL, PPG his last year in the OHL. 26 points in 41 games in AHL last year. Now I'm not sure why Chicago would move a young guy like that, and he is likely too raw to just jump into the lineup and replace a Muzzin anyway.. but long-term it would likely be a good move.

Guessing Hawks will ask for Knies in any trade with the Leafs.
 
No way Chicago retains on Murphy, not to mention, 4.4 million is solid value for Murphy.
 
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