Trades and Free Agency - 2022-23 Season Edition

[SprDaVE]

Leafs should hold onto their future ELSC's.

At TDD see about a rental or two.

Going to need ELSC players next few years, and when the Cap has increased lock them in.

The assumption would be that the player(s) acquired would have term on it to keep building. Robertson isn't given away in this scenario, moreso just doubling down for a cup run (I know... I know).

I probably wouldn't trade him personally. I can see a scenario where the Leafs want to really upgrade somewhere and can't wait for Robertson to develop further and his value might be the highest for a rebuilding team. Leafs are not missing good LW prospects that can come in and play on ELCs over the next couple years.

But I agree it's more likely the Leafs just grab a player without removing someone like Robertson. I'd say it's more likely they use Hirvonen, Niemela, etc if they really go for it, and of course picks.

 

[TMLAM34]

I’d love to see Robertson get some consistent time with Tavares and Marner before thinking about trading him. Gives Marner two pure shooters.

 

[Duffman955]

If we are making a big addition, I'd much rather it be a defenseman.

We really only need depth/complimentary players up front.

 

[ULF_55]

The assumption would be that the player(s) acquired would have term on it to keep building. Robertson isn't given away in this scenario, moreso just doubling down for a cup run (I know... I know).

I probably wouldn't trade him personally. I can see a scenario where the Leafs want to really upgrade somewhere and can't wait for Robertson to develop further and his value might be the highest for a rebuilding team. Leafs are not missing good LW prospects that can come in and play on ELCs over the next couple years.

But I agree it's more likely the Leafs just grab a player without removing someone like Robertson. I'd say it's more likely they use Hirvonen, Niemela, etc if they really go for it, and of course picks.

They really don't have Cap Space to acquire good players without moving the same money out.

Moving a player(s) who are prospects/not on the Cap doesn't open up space.

Unless they move out top prospects with first rounders, they aren't dangling much to entice a team to give up a player with a good cost controlled contract.

I think next year is the year to throw away assets.

 

[Stephen]

I think Knies could be a big wild card as well. I don't think he'll come in and be a superstar or anything but he could very well be that "free" deadline acquisition that just plays really well.

Robertson has been one of my fav prospects for awhile. Full stop. With that said, I would not be overly surprised if the Leafs sell relatively high on him if they are able to maybe acquire a legit top end player, whoever that is when the time comes. I'd be sad if they did but... a cup run is a cup run. It would have to be a really damn good player/return though.

I would lean towards keeping Knies over Robertson due to projectibility. Knies seems like he could fill a Hyman type role whereas Robertson is a little bit more TBD in terms of what his role would be. So if you could sell high, do it.

 

[SprDaVE]

They really don't have Cap Space to acquire good players without moving the same money out.

Moving a player(s) who are prospects/not on the Cap doesn't open up space.

Unless they move out top prospects with first rounders, they aren't dangling much to entice a team to give up a player with a good cost controlled contract.

I think next year is the year to throw away assets.

If everyone is healthy and Muzzin is on LTIR, the Leafs can acquire a 5.5M level player. That's a pretty damn good player. Could be Chychrun or a lot of other players with retention. The Leafs would 100% offer up future assets. They won't remove from the roster too much if at all.

 

[Fogelhund]

Or just keep Robertson AND Knies. I'm not sure why we have the idea we can't keep both??

Chances are we aren't keeping Kerfoot or maybe even Bunting next year, so we'll need cheaper replacements.

 

[SprDaVE]

Or just keep Robertson AND Knies. I'm not sure why we have the idea we can't keep both??

Chances are we aren't keeping Kerfoot or maybe even Bunting next year, so we'll need cheaper replacements.

Risk and reward. Sometimes you have to take that risk for that cup run.

It's very unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the likehood of finding a perfect fit, but let's say the Sharks keep sucking and the Leafs can trade Robertson with picks/prospects to get Meier and maybe another part.... it would be very tempting, no? Just a hypothetical, but I'm sure there's a couple other players that would fit this line of thinking.

 

[Fogelhund]

Risk and reward. Sometimes you have to take that risk for that cup run.

It's very unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the likehood of finding a perfect fit, but let's say the Sharks keep sucking and the Leafs can trade Robertson with picks/prospects to get Meier and maybe another part.... it would be very tempting, no? Just a hypothetical, but I'm sure there's a couple other players that would fit this line of thinking.

Nah, I'm not trading a young kid who has shown promise, and developed for a few years at his level, for a soon to be UFA that we wouldn't resign.

 

[SprDaVE]

Nah, I'm not trading a young kid who has shown promise, and developed for a few years at his level, for a soon to be UFA that we wouldn't resign.

Technically Meier is a RFA I think but yeah, it definitely wouldn't be for a UFA in what I'm trying to explain.

 

[Fogelhund]

Technically Meier is a RFA I think but yeah, it definitely wouldn't be for a UFA in what I'm trying to explain.

Damn, missed that he was a RFA... sorry. How would we even afford Meier on an extension though? He's surely going to ask for a raise of some type, and we wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

[SprDaVE]

Damn, missed that he was a RFA... sorry. How would we even afford Meier on an extension though? He's surely going to ask for a raise of some type, and we wouldn't be able to afford it.

It would require some hard decisions in the off-season for sure.

Either way, this is all very unlikely anyway. I don't think Dubas and the Leafs do something like this. They'll just add a rental or a player for pure picks/prospects.

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

Or just keep Robertson AND Knies. I'm not sure why we have the idea we can't keep both??

Chances are we aren't keeping Kerfoot or maybe even Bunting next year, so we'll need cheaper replacements.

This is it.

Trade Sandin, trade a 1st, but just keep the 2 guys who can play on ELCs and contribute. We need young, hungry legs out there.

 

[kb]

Risk and reward. Sometimes you have to take that risk for that cup run.

It's very unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the likehood of finding a perfect fit, but let's say the Sharks keep sucking and the Leafs can trade Robertson with picks/prospects to get Meier and maybe another part.... it would be very tempting, no? Just a hypothetical, but I'm sure there's a couple other players that would fit this line of thinking.

IMO I don't think any top prospect should ever be traded for anything but a high end rental who can be resigned.

Because when Meier walks (too expensive).....the Leafs will have traded his replacement to get him.

 

[JTK1967]

While I'm all in favor of a Horvat or Timo Meier I'd suggest we wait a little while longer before making an offer for those types of players. Either would be a substantial investment, and potentially just rentals. Still, I'd love either, and would pull the trigger (if required/wanted) well before the TDL.

One trade I'd consider today would depend on how management/coaching values Wayne Simmonds. He's been a pro's pro, and if he can't play here, I'd look to Philly to see if there's interest. I think Torts would love to have Wayne's presence in the room. While doing well early, I'd attribute the Flyers start to Carter Hart. I don't think they're going to continue doing as well as they have. Let Simmonds finish where he had his glory days. With both teams being at 23/50, the swap has to be equal in the number of bodies, and for the Leafs, cap neutral.

To Phil: Simmonds, Benn, SDA
To Tor: Braun, one of Frost/Allison/Karzynski, Barratt

With 2 1sts next year, I think the Flyers are ok with dropping in the standings and increasing their returns with their picks. Braun is an upgrade on Benn, and could replace Holl. F/A/K aren't producing much, and SDA is proving to be more dangerous than Barratt in the AHL.

In a trade like this, the most important thing (IMO) is to take shots at C's, and bigger D.

We need to have some young guys with snarl on the back end. Sandin, Liljgren, Niemela are all good parts to a core, but we dont have anyone currently who is going to move people around.

Same goes for C depth. I am find giving up on a SDA who looks like a AAAA+ guy if he pans out, for someone who might be a 3/4C at some point. Scoring touch im not as worried about in this new player, but someone with a bit of size and smart defensive play. We have good prospect depth on the W that can help provide offence in the bottom 6.

 

[JTK1967]

I think Knies could be a big wild card as well. I don't think he'll come in and be a superstar or anything but he could very well be that "free" deadline acquisition that just plays really well.

Robertson has been one of my fav prospects for awhile. Full stop. With that said, I would not be overly surprised if the Leafs sell relatively high on him if they are able to maybe acquire a legit top end player, whoever that is when the time comes. I'd be sad if they did but... a cup run is a cup run. It would have to be a really damn good player/return though.

For Robertson, I would prefer they 'style' him in the top 6 until the trade deadline,. See if he can build real chemistry as a offensive minded W who is the 3rd option. (On either line, he will have Nylander/Marner+Matthews/Tavares pulling attention)

My fear with young guys, is they try and prove too much on every shift and with ever puck touch because they are fearful they will get bumped from the lineup / top 6 when they mess up. I would prefer we give him a real opportunity and see what he can do.

With Knies, I see him coming in on a 3rd line as a banger / puck chaser with a good shot. Think of a rookie ish Nathan Horton, great forechecker with a good shot.

Bunting - Mathews - Nylander
Robertson - Tavares - Marner
Knies - Jarnkrok - Engval
Malgin/Kerfoot - Kampf - ZAR

He helps balance out the bottom 6 a good amount.

 

[Dragao6]

I would like them to go for a adam Larson or conner murphy
Just get a strong top 4 D so that goaltending isn’t as big of an issue
This team has made goalies Allstars in the past just finally solidify the defence

U got rielly and Brodie
Gio and Lilly on bottom 4
Holl should be a goner on a serious contending team
U add 1/2 top 4 guys and that’s moves that actually means win now mode

U get chychrun and I’m sure if u don’t keep him I can still get at least a 1st when his contract is up at deadline
He’s a 3 season rental but I’d rather just get solid defensive good skating smart dmen

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

I would like them to go for a adam Larson or conner murphy
Just get a strong top 4 D so that goaltending isn’t as big of an issue
This team has made goalies Allstars in the past just finally solidify the defence

U got rielly and Brodie
Gio and Lilly on bottom 4
Holl should be a goner on a serious contending team
U add 1/2 top 4 guys and that’s moves that actually means win now mode

U get chychrun and I’m sure if u don’t keep him I can still get at least a 1st when his contract is up at deadline
He’s a 3 season rental but I’d rather just get solid defensive good skating smart dmen

Murphy definitely, and we've all kind of said the same in here. Larsson...well, you had better hope the Kraken fall apart. Hard to see them moving him.

 

[JTK1967]

I would like them to go for a adam Larson or conner murphy
Just get a strong top 4 D so that goaltending isn’t as big of an issue
This team has made goalies Allstars in the past just finally solidify the defence

U got rielly and Brodie
Gio and Lilly on bottom 4
Holl should be a goner on a serious contending team
U add 1/2 top 4 guys and that’s moves that actually means win now mode

U get chychrun and I’m sure if u don’t keep him I can still get at least a 1st when his contract is up at deadline
He’s a 3 season rental but I’d rather just get solid defensive good skating smart dmen

I said it before, but Carson Soucy is the best fit from their team.
He plays both sides, and is good on the P.K.
Has played with Gio last year and looked good.

He is a left shot D man, BUT it gives you both Brodie and Soucy who can play both sides which can really help in the playoffs with injuries etc.

Reilly - Liljgren
Gio - Soucy
Sandin - Brodie

If* (big if) Muzzin comes back, Soucy's contract being small (2.75 without retention, 1.375 with) can be covered by not having Holl.

Reilly - Brodie
Gio - Soucy
Muzzin - Liljgren
Sandin

 

[Martin Skoula]

IMO I don't think any top prospect should ever be traded for anything but a high end rental who can be resigned.

Because when Meier walks (too expensive).....the Leafs will have traded his replacement to get him.

If we win a few rounds with him and he walks, the price is arguably worth it. If we don't win a few rounds with him, one of the big 4 is traded and Meier can replace them.

 

[DcW]

Risk and reward. Sometimes you have to take that risk for that cup run.

It's very unlikely for the reasons you mentioned and the likehood of finding a perfect fit, but let's say the Sharks keep sucking and the Leafs can trade Robertson with picks/prospects to get Meier and maybe another part.... it would be very tempting, no? Just a hypothetical, but I'm sure there's a couple other players that would fit this line of thinking.

Isn’t Meier’s QO a ridiculous #? You’d better be prepared to offer a significant $ amount + term (ultimately would have to let Willie go).

 

[jaric1862]

If they're making a big move on defence, I really hope its a more impactful move than some of the names mentioned on here.

 

[kb]

If we win a few rounds with him and he walks, the price is arguably worth it. If we don't win a few rounds with him, one of the big 4 is traded and Meier can replace them.

IMO, unless it's a cup, it's not worth it because it will be Robertson ++

And his QO is $10 million.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Martin Skoula]

IMO, unless it's a cup, it's not worth it because it will be Robertson ++

And his QO is $10 million.

The rules changes after he signed his contract, it's the lower of the last year of salary or 120% of the AAV. Under the new rules his QO is 7.2 IIRC.