Trades & Free Agency Thread: 2024-2025 Season Edition

[Lemontree]

So they can waive Holmberg at any time here, he's going to clear. Can try Steeves or little Willy while we have injuries.

Don't be so sure of that. Holmberg hasn't looked very good so far this season but he's 25, makes $800k and is RFA after this season. He can play center and has been used as a bit of a swiss army knife in the bottom 6 with some PK time. I would imagine at least one team in the league would put in a waiver claim for him if he is put on waivers.

 

[LeafEgo]

Don't be so sure of that. Holmberg hasn't looked very good so far this season but he's 25, makes $800k and is RFA after this season. He can play center and has been used as a bit of a swiss army knife in the bottom 6 with some PK time. I would imagine at least one time in the league would put in a waiver claim for him if he is put on waivers.

Not sure it matters either way, just seems unlikely a team uproots the one point in 14 games guy struggling to keep pace with no discernable impact quality or jam. The Sharks and Hawks of the league have local guys. In the meantime just see what else we might have, although it's starting to get late with folks coming back.

 

[Puckstuff]

So they can waive Holmberg at any time here, he's going to clear. Can try Steeves or little Willy while we have injuries.

I’m not against moving both Jarnkrok and Kampf tbh if it helps us with the cap to add a player like Granlund. While I’m not a fan of Holmberg in the top 9, I think he would be a solid 4c. Granlund + Holmberg >> Kampf+Jarnkrok.

Knies - Matthews - Domi
Patches - Tavares - Marner
Robertson -Granlund - Willy
Lorentz - Holmberg - McMann

 

[LeafEgo]

I’m not against moving both Jarnkrok and Kampf tbh if it helps us with the cap to add a player like Granlund. While I’m not a fan of Holmberg in the top 9, I think he would be a solid 4c. Granlund + Holmberg >> Kampf+Jarnkrok.

Knies - Matthews - Domi
Patches - Tavares - Marner
Robertson -Granlund - Willy
Lorentz - Holmberg - McMann

That's one way to go and seems to be getting traction. I sway more towards plugging holes in the playoffs than upgrading, so would not swap Kampf for Holmberg.

Willy ain't third line in the playoffs, team priority is to run offence through him and Matty to break high pressure games.

 

[Puckstuff]

That's one way to go and seems to be getting traction. I sway more towards plugging holes in the playoffs than upgrading, so would not swap Kampf for Holmberg.

Willy ain't third line in the playoffs, team priority is to run offence through him and Matty to break high pressure games.

It’s not really a traditional third line, It’s sort of like having two second lines that both get the same amount of ice, while we have a line driver on each line. Having 3 duos like this would be insane:

Matthews-Domi
Tavares-Marner
Granlund-Nylander

 

[LeafChief]

I hope Pacioretty is okay. He's been so much better than I expected at this point in his career. Finishing every check. Beast on the boards. He's fit in really well.

 

[arso40]

It’s not really a traditional third line, It’s sort of like having two second lines that both get the same amount of ice, while we have a line driver on each line. Having 3 duos like this would be insane:

Matthews-Domi
Tavares-Marner
Granlund-Nylander

I’d want the top 9 getting the similar ice time if we’re running it like this no reason why Matthews has to get more ice whoever’s going gets the edge obviously double shifting the big three together where ever you can

 

[LeafEgo]

It’s not really a traditional third line, It’s sort of like having two second lines that both get the same amount of ice, while we have a line driver on each line. Having 3 duos like this would be insane:

Matthews-Domi
Tavares-Marner
Granlund-Nylander

I get it and maybe that could work, but typically it's net negative all things considered having a superstar on the third line (Crosby aside).

Nevertheless it feels like overthinking it to not build the forward lines around Matty and Willy winning important games for us.

We might be better off with a Provorov than a Granlund. Take last year's playoffs as a blueprint for what we're working with - remove crippling injuries, replace a good d corps with a good d corps that can move the puck (OEL and Tanev already in), and no Keefe/Sammy.

 

[Puckstuff]

I get it and maybe that could work, but typically it's net negative all things considered having a superstar on the third line (Crosby aside).

Nevertheless it feels like overthinking it to not build the forward lines around Matty and Willy winning important games for us.

We might be better off with a Provorov than a Granlund. Take last year's playoffs as a blueprint for what we're working with - remove crippling injuries, replace a good d corps with a good d corps that can move the puck (OEL and Tanev already in), and no Keefe/Sammy.

The reason for putting Nylander, Matthews and Marner on different lines is none of the big 3 have that great of chemistry together. I mean, It’s not like any of them are lighting the league up playing together.

Matthews and Marner seem too predictable, with Marner often deferring instead of being assertive.

Nylander and Marner haven’t been tried because they're both right wingers, and the team has never shown a willingness to move one of them to the left wing.

Nylander and Matthews have probably been the best pair, but nothing exceptional that would make me want to keep them together long-term. Although I’m open to trying it again.

But if all three were truly elite when playing together and had good chemistry then I would say play them together, but I just don’t see any exceptional chemistry between any of them. So having one on each line makes sense to me and they can all drive their own line.

It’s not the recipe for most other teams but I think it’s the best path for this unique team.

 

[LeafEgo]

The reason for putting Nylander, Matthews and Marner on different lines is none of the big 3 have that great of chemistry together. I mean, It’s not like any of them are lighting the league up playing together.

Matthews and Marner seem too predictable, with Marner often deferring instead of being assertive.

Nylander and Marner haven’t been tried because they're both right wingers, and the team has never shown a willingness to move one of them to the left wing.

Nylander and Matthews have probably been the best pair, but nothing exceptional that would make me want to keep them together long-term. Although I’m open to trying it again.

But if all three were truly elite when playing together and had good chemistry then I would say play them together, but I just don’t see any exceptional chemistry between any of them. So having one on each line makes sense to me and they can all drive their own line.

It’s not the recipe for most other teams but I think it’s the best path for this unique team.

Yeah we're on the same page here. Agree with everything you said - there's a lack of synergy between our superstars and we have two wingers and one center. I wanted Willy to work out in the middle but it didn't go.

AM and WN on L1 should be tried again, but if they have to be split have Marner captain the third line and man special teams. Run offence in the playoffs through Matty and Willy. Don't get fancy, they can do the job.

 

[hockeywiz542]

Will Leafs trade for 3C? Kaprizov contract over/under? Does Daly succeed Bettman? Ask CJ - The Athletic

Is the primary trade target for the Leafs down the road a 3C? If so, is it a pure rental scenario or could you see them dealing a first or prospect for a younger C with term? — Dustyn K.

At the risk of putting the cart before the horse here, I think it’s fair to say that Toronto will likely look to strengthen itself down the middle before the March 7 trade deadline passes. Of course, one significant injury at another position between then and now could always shift internal priorities. As for whether it’ll be a rental or a player with term they’re targeting, rentals tend to be more readily available during the NHL’s main trading period. But it’s worth noting that the Leafs have far more flexibility than normal to consider players signed through next season with a couple of big cap hits due to expire this summer should something come up.

Can you suggest any names for defensemen that shake up and become available at this year’s trade deadline? — Madhav D.

Ivan Provorov topped my list of 10 early trade candidates published last month. The Columbus Blue Jackets will almost certainly move the left-shot defenseman ahead of the trade deadline. Some other names to consider are Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, both of whom are signed beyond this season. While the rental market is still taking shape and will hinge heavily on where the playoff races stand come late February, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the San Jose Sharks move veteran right-shot defenseman Cody Ceci before the end of the season.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Why is Myers so valuable if he doesn’t play?

He was also horrible when he did play. I don't get it either.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Hopefully we don't waste assets on a defensemen this year. Go get a 3rd line centre.

 

[Malachi Crunch]

Some good ideas for trading for a 2C or a strong 3C, but I think that Easton Cowen may be the guy these teams ask for in return. I would likely do it based on our contending timeline, but I look at the Capitals this year and see how our timeline could be stretched with the right prospects (McMichael, Protas) in the system and a few cunning summer moves. I don't think Robertson + or Niemela will get us anything substantial though. It's going to be one of our top prospects.

 

[TMLAM34]

Some good ideas for trading for a 2C or a strong 3C, but I think that Easton Cowen may be the guy these teams ask for in return. I would likely do it based on our contending timeline, but I look at the Capitals this year and see how our timeline could be stretched with the right prospects (McMichael, Protas) in the system and a few cunning summer moves. I don't think Robertson + or Niemela will get us anything substantial though. It's going to be one of our top prospects.

I would be pretty hesitant to move Cowan but for a 23 year old second line center, I would definitely consider it.

 

[rumman]

Working hard is the absolute bare minimum for an NHL player to be fair.

Agreed, but sadly Robertson isn’t aline on the Leafs in that department……..

 

[LeafParade]

I am probably dangling Robertson in packages. I have always thought he was going to get surpassed by the prospects in the pipeline.

Robertson needs to go to some bottom dweller team who has a top 6 opening.

 

[LeafParade]

It’s not really a traditional third line, It’s sort of like having two second lines that both get the same amount of ice, while we have a line driver on each line. Having 3 duos like this would be insane:

Matthews-Domi
Tavares-Marner
Granlund-Nylander

You have 2 of 3 complimentary power forwards in Knies, McMann. It is too bad that Grebs is not as ready as I thought otherwise you would have 3, and 3 complete lines.

The 4th line never needs to play, just Reaves and a couple of penalty killers.

I am not Granlund's biggest fan but beggers cannot be choosers. I am hoping more for a longterm piece.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

I would be pretty hesitant to move Cowan but for a 23 year old second line center, I would definitely consider it.

I already got Cowan penciled in as Marner's replacement.

I'm really hoping for good things from that kid. It would really help this team's chances of winning a cup if they could re-allocate Tavares and Marner's money more appropriately. They could re-balance the entire roster and cap structure.

That could only be possible if Cowan can replicate Marner's success at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Puckstuff]

You have 2 of 3 complimentary power forwards in Knies, McMann. It is too bad that Grebs is not as ready as I thought otherwise you would have 3, and 3 complete lines.

The 4th line never needs to play, just Reaves and a couple of penalty killers.

I am not Granlund's biggest fan but beggers cannot be choosers. I am hoping more for a longterm piece.

3 power forwards. Knies, Pacioretty, McMann. They could run with a playmaker, shooter, power forward on every line

Knies (pwf) - Matthews (s) - Domi (p)
Patches (pwf) - Tavares (s) - Marner (p)
McMann (pwf) - Granlund (p) - Willy (s)

 

[LeafParade]

Cowan is not Marner, at least not any time soon. He will probably have a hard time making next year's team. I like the player but he is not about to set the team afire. It was obvious from this year's training camp.

3 power forwards. Knies, Pacioretty, McMann. They could run with a playmaker, shooter, power forward on every line

Knies (pwf) - Matthews (s) - Domi (p)
Patches (pwf) - Tavares (s) - Marner (p)
McMann (pwf) - Granlund (p) - Willy (s)

I forgot about Patches.

Those lines look good. Granlund is a bit small but its noa problem with those 2 wingers.

 

[Puckstuff]

Cowan is not Marner, at least not any time soon. He will probably have a hard time making next year's team. I like the player but he is not about to set the team afire. It was obvious from this year's training camp.


I forgot about Patches.

Those lines look good. Granlund is a bit small but its noa problem with those 2 wingers.

If there was a 6’3 210, 70 point playmaker available with a cap hit under 5 I’d be all over it. Given that doesn’t exist I’ll take Granlund

 

[ULF_55]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1855325125987463490

If they wanted to make a deal ... Leafs still have to waive Benning don't they?


How is he at face-offs?

 

[TheGroceryStick]

It kinda feels like Benoit should take a seat for a bit, work on some systems and get hungry again.

McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Hakanpaa
OEL - Timmins

 

[arso40]

He was also horrible when he did play. I don't get it either.

All our rhd are injury prone