Trades & Free Agency Thread: 2024-2025 - Deadline-ageddon

[Americanadian]

A couple bad games and people want a player gone. Pretty crazy.

I don’t think anyone’s making judgements based on the 2 bad games. He’s a fine goalie who is scheduled to make 3.7M for the next 3 years. He’s at a .905 sv% which puts him outside the top 20 in the league (also outside the top 20 in GSAx). If you can turn your back up goalie into a good asset that contributes every game why wouldn’t you?

Come playoff time, assuming Stolarz is the starter, Woll won’t play anyway. If you trade him for a GOOD player - that player will play in the playoffs.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Ferraro is a good D, but our need for another LD is pretty much zero.

Unless Rielly is going the other way, 100% this.

 

[DarkKnight]

Hes obviously not untouchable and can be easily replaced. But why the rush to get away from a league minimum RFA who is showing signs of improvement? Even if his potential maxes out as a 30 point 3rd line winger, thats still a useful piece.

It's an easily replaceable piece imo. Hey, I actually thought maybe he could be a cheap replacement at 4C for Kampf, but I've really changed my mind, he doesn't have it for me, he really doesn't excel at anything, and his lows are real low. He's dining off Nylander right now, great, but I'm not worried about losing him. Anyways, he's been decent lately, I'll give him that.

 

[SprDaVE]

I don’t think anyone’s making judgements based on the 2 bad games. He’s a fine goalie who is scheduled to make 3.7M for the next 3 years. He’s at a .905 sv% which puts him outside the top 20 in the league (also outside the top 20 in GSAx). If you can turn your back up goalie into a good asset that contributes every game why wouldn’t you?

Come playoff time, assuming Stolarz is the starter, Woll won’t play anyway. If you trade him for a GOOD player - that player will play in the playoffs.

I'd say the large majority of teams play more than 1 goaltender in their playoff run and depth is very important for the grind. Injuries can happen fast and randomly. Canucks were playing their 3rd stringer last year. Woll was a beast in the playoffs last year and the Leafs probably win that series if Keefe didn't try to make Samsonov work.

In theory there are no issues trading Woll before Friday for a GOOD player. But can it at least be someone that is locked up and/or also fills a hole in the lineup? That's all I ask. It makes no sense to trade him for a rental, who likely is walking on July 1st, just to get another top winger.

This summer though, the Leafs should probably look at capitalizing if they can.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Trading Woll hurts valuable goaltending depth now and in the future

 

[Americanadian]

I'd say the large majority of teams play more than 1 goaltender in their playoff run and depth is very important for the grind. Injuries can happen fast and randomly. Canucks were playing their 3rd stringer last year. Woll was a beast in the playoffs last year and the Leafs probably win that series if Keefe didn't try to make Samsonov work.

In theory there are no issues trading Woll before Friday for a GOOD player. But can it at least be someone that is locked up and/or also fills a hole in the lineup? That's all I ask. It makes no sense to trade him for a rental, who likely is walking on July 1st, just to get another top winger.

This summer though, the Leafs should probably look at capitalizing if they can.

How many current cup contenders do you think could win a cup with their backup? Tampa is going all in right now with the worst goalie in the league as their back up.

Vegas has Samsonov, Colorado has Wedgewood, Florida has Vanecek.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Trading Woll hurts valuable goaltending depth now and in the future

Hildeby is less of a certainty but Ahkyamatov is gonna be 24 around training camp next year...how far would he be off from being able to back up Stolarz? Obviously goaltending development is never linear.

 

[Fogelhund]

Omg now people want to hold onto a Holmberg? Sure he's been better lately, every dog has his day, especially on a second line, but come on, he's cannon fodder. Sell less low I say! He's a fourth liner, he doesn't PK anymore, he isn't that great defensively, last night another great example and he has no hands. Jarnkrok is taking his spot anyways, let's not fall in love with a guy who's potted a goal off nine people, an empty netter and a quick tip back after Robertson did all the work. This guy is nothing and isn't only going to get better. Whatever to a Holmberg, if someone wants him as a sweetener see ya later all day long. Steeves easily replaces him too if anyone is worried.

I think he's a useful 13th forward.... Minimum contract, can play C or any other position. He isn't in my top 12, if we added one 3C, but he's my 13th guy.

To me, the best we can do, by adding only one 3C is this.

Knies Matthews Marner
McMann Tavares Nylander
Robertson 3C Domi
Lorentz Kampf Steeves
Holmberg

I'd rather have McMann on the third line, and maybe try Domi with Matthews again... but... that's kind of how I'd see the top 13... Holmberg is too cheap, and too much utility to get rid of.

Unless Rielly is going the other way, 100% this.

Which would take our offense from our D, from bad, to absolutely terrible. Ferraro has 11 points, Reilly 32.

 

[ULF_55]

Are you aware that McMann is already 28 years old and turning 29 in June by the time the playoffs are wrapping up? He was also an undrafted UFA signing.

Is he suppose to be the Tippett equivalent (top 15 pick overall) in this example?

View attachment 987751

No McMann is a now player, to go along with other assets.

Tippett was their futures player, who is now a top 6.

'Canes are competing now so a 22 year old Tippett wouldn't have helped them at the trade.
Tippett the next year was great for the bottom feeders that are the Flyers.

For it to make any sense McMann, +, Top Prospects.

Leafs are going to be easily outbid.

It does seem Rantanen is going to be a rental, as he tries to wrap his head around his situation.

Going to be interesting to watch the bidding for this rental.

I'll throw this out there: Barbashev

 

[SprDaVE]

How many current cup contenders do you think could win a cup with their backup? Tampa is going all in right now with the worst goalie in the league as their back up.

Vegas has Samsonov, Colorado has Wedgewood, Florida has Vanecek.

It's about insurance and depth? It's like asking how many cup contenders would win without their best defenseman, probably not many. The Leafs are better with running a hot goaltender then putting their eggs into Stolarz, him getting injured, and risking a much worse goaltender or even Hildeby stepping in.

I'm sure the teams with much worse goaltending depth would probably like to get better goaltending but it's not easy. Colorado in particular made a bunch of goaltender trades this season.

Brossoit played 8 games for the Knights in their cup year. Stolarz played 1. Francouz played 7 for the Avs.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Hildeby is less of a certainty but Ahkyamatov is gonna be 24 around training camp next year...how far would he be off from being able to back up Stolarz? Obviously goaltending development is never linear.

Maybe a cup of coffee this year but he’s similar to Hildeby .. nothing proven

As great as Stolie has been he’s only started 23 games this year, and has a career high of 28 games started. He’s far from a lock to carry the load.

Moving Woll opens up a large gap and risk in net. Woll has had his ups and downs, but has generally been good this season. And is just starting to settle in to his career.

 

[Commander Clueless]

Ferraro is a good D, but our need for another LD is pretty much zero.

I dunno about zero.

If we're resigned to OEL on the right, pencil me in as interested in a Benoit upgrade.

I was a Benoit-McCabe evangelist, but this year's version is a #7D to me.

But yes, my priority would be RD.



A setup of:

Rielly-Tanev
Ferraro-McCabe
OEL-Timmins
Benoit

...could be interesting. I would still be hoping for a Timmins upgrade.

 

[Mess]

This is why we have to stop giving away picks. Many people here want to keep throwing them away. At some point you have to stop the madness and draft and develop properly

I'm with you 100% on this one.

This is even more important to the Leafs than any other team in the league because they currently keep handing out the highest AAV contracts in the NHL with 4 of the top 12 highest paid players in the game with their core 4.

Its almost MANDATORY that you draft and develop well, because you need these cheap young high impact draft picks that play on entry level contract < $1 mil to offset your $11-$14 mil contracts.

Easton Cowan @ $900k + Auston Matthews $13.25 mil = $7 mil on average for 2 players
Frazer Minten @$900k + Willy Nylander @ $11.25 mil = $6 mil on average for 2 players
etc.

If you keep mortgaging your future picks and prospects for the immediate on rental players and then lose in round #1 you move further from a Cup not closer.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Maybe a cup of coffee this year but he’s similar to Hildeby .. nothing proven

As great as Stolie has been he’s only started 23 games this year, and has a career high of 28 games started. He’s far from a lock to carry the load.

Moving Woll opens up a large gap and risk in net. Woll has had his ups and downs, but has generally been good this season. And is just starting to settle in to his career.

Yes, I know some people were harsh on Woll last night but he's made had 2-3 bad games all year? How many good goalies have we shelled or gotten pulled? It happens.

Same with Stolarz, if he has a poor game, I just shrug it off, they're good-great far more often than sub par.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I don’t think anyone’s making judgements based on the 2 bad games. He’s a fine goalie who is scheduled to make 3.7M for the next 3 years. He’s at a .905 sv% which puts him outside the top 20 in the league (also outside the top 20 in GSAx). If you can turn your back up goalie into a good asset that contributes every game why wouldn’t you?

Come playoff time, assuming Stolarz is the starter, Woll won’t play anyway. If you trade him for a GOOD player - that player will play in the playoffs.

Goalies for some reason don't seem to have that much trade value, and it's hard to see us going far in the playoffs anyway. Goalie is the most important position so taking all that into consideration, I'd rather keep him.

 

[dubplatepressure]

I dunno about zero.

If we're resigned to OEL on the right, pencil me in as interested in a Benoit upgrade.

I was a Benoit-McCabe evangelist, but this year's version is a #7D to me.

But yes, my priority would be RD

Splitting hairs here but I'd rather keep Benoit for the low board battles, and upgrade Timmons, who doesn't get PP time and isn't that strong defensively.

 

[TMLAM34]

Rantanen to the Leafs is pure click bait right now. The only way this happens is if Marner walks in free agency and Rantanen makes it there.

 

[Commander Clueless]

This is why we have to stop giving away picks. Many people here want to keep throwing them away. At some point you have to stop the madness and draft and develop properly

Agreed but is that time now?

Do we have time to draft and develop with our stars in their late twenties?

Or are we really talking about a rebuild/retool?

 

[Skullz]

Ferraro is a good player, but the LHD situation is already untenable. Rielly cannot play on the left, and OEL is significantly worse when he does play on the left. Only McCabe has some aptitude for it, but as we want to pair him with Tanev, he needs to stay on the left.

McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Carlo/Murphy/Risto
OEL - Myers

Is what I envision. If we do get Ferraro, could try:

Ferraro - Tanev
OEL - McCabe
Rielly - Myers

I would rather get a RHD. See if Benoit holds value to anyone, not sure there is room for him: I'm not sure if he is better than Rifai anyways in terms of depth.

 

[The Podium]

I'm with you 100% on this one.

This is even more important to the Leafs than any other team in the league because they currently keep handing out the highest AAV contracts in the NHL with 4 of the top 12 highest paid players in the game with their core 4.

Its almost MANDATORY that you draft and develop well, because you need these cheap young high impact draft picks that play on entry level contract < $1 mil to offset your $11-$14 mil contracts.

By seasons end itll be 3, possibly 2 of the top 12. None of the Leafs draft picks will even make it to the NHL within this window of contention. So really it doesnt matter whether we save or spend assets.

 

[aingefan]

Ideally I would keep Timmins and Myers. Benoit would be moved, but in this specific scenario, I don’t think Boston would have much interest in Benoit already having Lindholm (when healthy), Zadorov and Lohrei on the left side.

McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Carlo/Murphy
Ekman Larsson - Timmins
Myers

That would be my ideal blueline heading into the playoffs.

If Kesselring is a stabilizing type, maybe a Benoit and FLA 2nd would interest Utah, seeing that they’re deeper on the right.
I don’t know the player that well other than what I read here.
I think that package should be plenty to get a guy that complements Mo.

 

[Americanadian]

It's about insurance and depth? It's like asking how many cup contenders would win without their best defenseman, probably not many. The Leafs are better with running a hot goaltender then putting their eggs into Stolarz, him getting injured, and risking a much worse goaltender or even Hildeby stepping in.

I'm sure the teams with much worse goaltending depth would probably like to get better goaltending but it's not easy. Colorado in particular made a bunch of goaltender trades this season.

Brossoit played 8 games for the Knights in their cup year. Stolarz played 1. Francouz played 7 for the Avs.

We’re saying the same thing - if the most important players get injured they’re screwed anyway. Why not bolster the lineup that will play every game?

Also - if Woll isn’t available in the playoffs I’d think Murray would be the back up.

 

[hamzarocks]

They probably would, but the Leafs would not.



I don't disagree that this summer would be a good time to pick one goaltender and sell relatively high on the other. Knowing the Leafs, they will keep both and bring Stolarz to UFA.

Before Friday though, it's a lot of risk without really plugging a hole long-term. If we were talking about a younger player locked up or at the very least a legitimate top 2/4 defenseman, then you'd be a lot more willing to do something like that right now. The Panthers didn't give up Knight for a rental.

Yeah I get your point.

Term is key for us. If Rantanen came with an extension then Id do Woll for sure.

Since that is very unlikely and ignores why CAR would trade Rantanen extended for Woll + 1st + Minten/Cowan its mostly fantasy land haha.

I do 100% agree that leafs will run back Woll and Stolarz next year irrespective of what happens thid spring in playoffs. They wont make a trade they could fail on, and will take dumb low risk option of running both and likely either overpaying Stolarz heavy in 2026 summer and selling low on Woll or will let Stolarz walk via another own rental

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

If Rantanen agreed to an extension the Leafs should be willing to trade anyone and everyone from Knies on down to get him.

Let Tavares or Marner walk in the offseason. Rantanen's awesome and a much better player than either of those two playoffs chokers. He'd easily be the best winger Matthews ever played beside.

Rantanen, Matthews, and Nylander should easily be good for 125+ goals a year.

 

[The Podium]

We’re saying the same thing - if the most important players get injured they’re screwed anyway. Why not bolster the lineup that will play every game?

Also - if Woll isn’t available in the playoffs I’d think Murray would be the back up.

Stolarz and Woll are close to interchangeable. There is a very realistic possibility that Woll is the starter come playoff time. Stolarz getting hurt may not screw this team with Woll as the backup.