Trades & Free Agency Thread: 2024-2025 Season Edition

[stickty111]

How much are you willing to put in a trade for Kovacevic? He would be a good target no doubt. He eats big minutes and has good numbers. He is not young and the last time he was traded it was this past June for a 2026 4th round pick. Has his value increased? He makes almost nothing. Myers would be part of package going back I assume, what of value do we add? Is Niemela too much? A 3rd rounder? Good it be Myers and Kampf if Keefe wants him over there?

Reilly Kovacevic
McCabe Tanev
OEL Timmins
Benoit Hakanpaa

...pretty good balance of RD and LD, pretty good depth, nice size, and enough skill and snarl.

Devils don't have a need to move him and they love him there. Probably not happening

 

[Fogelhund]

Kreider has 9 goals, 0 assists. I would think there'd be a market for him.

24 goals in 43 games in the last 3 playoffs.

Pacing 38 goals/82GP since his 52 goal season.

I could see him going to Boston for a package of Frederic and Geekie. Gives NYR cap flexibility beyond this season, gives Boston someone who can actually score.

Clearly I read the columns wrong.

 

[Americanadian]

I would be interested in Carrick as a Kampf replacement. I doubt NYR have any interest in absorbing the salary from Kampf, especially with Brodzinski as an in-house 4C replacement. I could see them having interest in Benoit though.

If the Leafs could get off Kampf for free and move out Benoit for Carrick that would save them 2.75M on the cap to be used elsewhere.

I would assume Benoit is replaced by Hakanpaa or Rifai.

 

[Fogelhund]

I would be interested in Carrick as a Kampf replacement. I doubt NYR have any interest in absorbing the salary from Kampf, especially with Brodzinski as an in-house 4C replacement. I could see them having interest in Benoit though.

If the Leafs could get off Kampf for free and move out Benoit for Carrick that would save them 2.75M on the cap to be used elsewhere.

I would assume Benoit is replaced by Hakanpaa or Rifai.

I like what Benoit provides for his dollars. I don't think Hakanpaa, nor Rifai can replace that. We'll see about Hakanapaa, as he gets more games... but no need to rush.

I don't see the Kampf salary being an issue, or a big need to move off of it. If we are replacing him, it needs to be an upgrade.

 

[arso40]

I like what Benoit provides for his dollars. I don't think Hakanpaa, nor Rifai can replace that. We'll see about Hakanapaa, as he gets more games... but no need to rush.

I don't see the Kampf salary being an issue, or a big need to move off of it. If we are replacing him, it needs to be an upgrade.

I think rifai actually could while being better with the pucc

 

[Fogelhund]

I like Minten too and I am also not sure he is a playoff answer for us...however, I like the idea of finding out over the next 30 or 40 games and supporting him and setting him up to succeed.

I am also indifferent on Acciari and would be happy to swap him for Kampf, directly or indirectly just to save a few bucks this year and next. I think we can build a Berube type of fourth line

Lorentz Acciari Dewar

Eight minutes a night, maybe more with speed, grit, defensive awareness. Maybe Lorentz, Dewar, and Steeves do that without picking up a year on Acciari. Either way, I think Kampf has to go unless we get more players on IR the rest of the way.

I'm looking to give Minten a chance as well. He seems to go to the right places to score, but doesn't seem as good at creating. He'd have to play with a Nylander like you've suggested. If Minten isn't quite ready, my #1 target would be Laughton.

I like Dewar, but would love to upgrade to Mathieu Olivier. Then again, Grebenkin has been really fun to watch, and we shall see if he's ready to help out with scoring too...

I don't see the issue with Kampf though... I don't think we NEED to move him. Is Acciari better? He provides more physicality... I'd love McBain, but I can't see Utah moving off of him.

Knies Matthews Domi
Paccioretty Tavares Marner
McMann Minten/Laughton Nylander
Lorentz Kampf/Acciari Olivier/Grebenkin

 

[Fogelhund]

I think rifai actually could while being better with the pucc

I'll have to watch a few more Marlies games then, and pay attention to him... I don't recall that amount of physicality in Rifai's game.... but happy to watch.

 

[Americanadian]

I'll have to watch a few more Marlies games then, and pay attention to him... I don't recall that amount of physicality in Rifai's game.... but happy to watch.

I don't know where to find AHL hitting stats but Benoit has 1 fight in the last year, Rifai has 4.

I'm looking to give Minten a chance as well. He seems to go to the right places to score, but doesn't seem as good at creating. He'd have to play with a Nylander like you've suggested. If Minten isn't quite ready, my #1 target would be Laughton.

I like Dewar, but would love to upgrade to Mathieu Olivier. Then again, Grebenkin has been really fun to watch, and we shall see if he's ready to help out with scoring too...

What do you realistically think Laughton/Olivier would cost? Is it worth using the Leafs only trade assets (2nd/3rd) to pick up a 4RW?

 

[BertCorbeau]

Kreider would be a nice upgrade in the top 6, especially if Robertson is moved

But it’s more of a luxury with the Leafs having some youngsters playing well

Trochek would be the best target but I doubt he’s available.

Not sure how I feel about Trouba .. he’s got a hefty cap hit.

 

[Fogelhund]

I don't know where to find AHL hitting stats but Benoit has 1 fight in the last year, Rifai has 4.


What do you realistically think Laughton/Olivier would cost? Is it worth using the Leafs only trade assets (2nd/3rd) to pick up a 4RW?

Olivier cost them a 4th in 2022 to pickup. I don't see the cost being much higher. Would a package of young players/prospects be of interest? I was thinking of Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves.. maybe a couple of them.... Players that should be NHL caliber, but aren't likely to make hit here, and with a change of scenery might.

If you think Benoit can be replaced by a Rifai... even a gut like Benoit.

AHL hitting stats aren't public.

 

[Americanadian]

Olivier cost them a 4th in 2022 to pickup. I don't see the cost being much higher. Would a package of young players/prospects be of interest? I was thinking of Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves.. maybe a couple of them.... Players that should be NHL caliber, but aren't likely to make hit here, and with a change of scenery might.

You don't think the price for a heavyweight on pace for 25 goals would be higher than a 4th? He cost a 4th after putting up 11 points in 46 AHL games. Now he's outproducing that in the NHL. I see his market as a 2nd or 3rd+.

I don't see why CBJ would take any of Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves over a 2nd or 3rd+.

 

[SprDaVE]

Kreider would be a nice upgrade in the top 6, especially if Robertson is moved

But it’s more of a luxury with the Leafs having some youngsters playing well

Trochek would be the best target but I doubt he’s available.

Not sure how I feel about Trouba .. he’s got a hefty cap hit.

Kreider or Trochek would be great fits but hard to fit them past this season and not sure we have quite the assets to make it happen either.

 

[conFABulator]

I'm looking to give Minten a chance as well. He seems to go to the right places to score, but doesn't seem as good at creating. He'd have to play with a Nylander like you've suggested. If Minten isn't quite ready, my #1 target would be Laughton.

I like Dewar, but would love to upgrade to Mathieu Olivier. Then again, Grebenkin has been really fun to watch, and we shall see if he's ready to help out with scoring too...

I don't see the issue with Kampf though... I don't think we NEED to move him. Is Acciari better? He provides more physicality... I'd love McBain, but I can't see Utah moving off of him.

Knies Matthews Domi
Paccioretty Tavares Marner
McMann Minten/Laughton Nylander
Lorentz Kampf/Acciari Olivier/Grebenkin

Kampf for me is too much money for too many years for a guy who hasn't helped us win in the playoffs and can be replaced from within.

It is not a hate for Kampf, it is cap management.

 

[Fogelhund]

Kampf for me is too much money for too many years for a guy who hasn't helped us win in the playoffs and can be replaced from within.

It is not a hate for Kampf, it is cap management.

Fair enough... but do we need the extra cap?

You don't think the price for a heavyweight on pace for 25 goals would be higher than a 4th? He cost a 4th after putting up 11 points in 46 AHL games. Now he's outproducing that in the NHL. I see his market as a 2nd or 3rd+.

I don't see why CBJ would take any of Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves over a 2nd or 3rd+.

He's a UFA fourth liner... when has a UFA fourth liner cost a 2nd? I really like the player.. but keep in mind, he's shooting at 25%... that's not sustainable... He should be pacing for 12-14 goals.. which is really nice for a fourth liner, but this 25 goals isn't realistic.

 

[conFABulator]

Fair enough... but do we need the extra cap?

It's a fair question, I think we will need it this year to call up and keep up everyone we might want, definitely to bring Jarnkrok back.

In the off-season I would say we would benefit from the space for sure.

 

[Americanadian]

He's a UFA fourth liner... when has a UFA fourth liner cost a 2nd? I really like the player.. but keep in mind, he's shooting at 25%... that's not sustainable... He should be pacing for 12-14 goals.. which is really nice for a fourth liner, but this 25 goals isn't realistic.

I completely agree he shouldn't cost a 2nd but I firmly believe he will (or a 3rd+) because he's having a career year. Brandon Duhaime got a 3rd last year and he had 4 goals/8 points in 62 games. He also barely fights. Why would Olivier return less than Duhaime?

 

[Americanadian]

Fair enough... but do we need the extra cap?

The extra cap space could be the difference between acquiring a long-term C solution or one of the mediocre stop-gap UFAs.

Also - any cap space they shave off this season can help them avoid Pacioretty's bonus' carrying over to next season.

 

[Fogelhund]

It's a fair question, I think we will need it this year to call up and keep up everyone we might want, definitely to bring Jarnkrok back.

In the off-season I would say we would benefit from the space for sure.

Will Jarnkrok be back? I don't know... he hasn't been a playoff contributor anyway. I'd sooner move off him... I mean, who are the top nine wingers when we are healthy? Knies, Marner, Nylander, Domi, Patches, McMann... Does he replace any, and do you want him on the fourth line?

My answer is no... He's expendable, and the sooner the better... health is the problem of course.

So, we save on cap there. The other guys, who could make our lineup... Grebenkin, Minten, Nylander.... with Robertson and Holmberg on the outside looking in... aren't any additional cost.

If you replace Benoit with Rifai... more savings.

It's hard to strip out the team, from the individuals stats.. but Acciari is bleeding xGA, while Kampf is very low.... Kampf hockey is essentially not much happens when he's out there, for either team. But, maybe that's Penguins and not Acciari. I don't think we need the cap, but if we are confident it makes the team BETTER, yes... go for it.

 

[I am Canadian]

Would love the Leafs to be after Jiricek. Not sure we have the asset but would be exactly the type of defender the Leafs have needed for a long time. I would offer Easton Cowan & a pick and hope they bite.

This year:

Rielly - Tanev
McCabe - OEL
Benoit - Jiricek

See if they can get him #1 PP time and then move him into OEL's position next year.

 

[Fogelhund]

I completely agree he shouldn't cost a 2nd but I firmly believe he will (or a 3rd+) because he's having a career year. Brandon Duhaime got a 3rd last year and he had 4 goals/8 points in 62 games. He also barely fights. Why would Olivier return less than Duhaime?

Again.. I'm offering prospects and players... do they take that trade... I don't know. Maybe, maybe not... if we can replace said picks, by moving bodies we don't need... I don't care how the logistics work... If it's a third or a few picks worth a third and we can sell a pile of bodies for the equivalent of a third.. go ahead... But I think we'd get a third for Benoit... if we were confident Rifai replaces him. Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves... maybe you get a third worth out of the bunch.

The extra cap space could be the difference between acquiring a long-term C solution or one of the mediocre stop-gap UFAs.

Also - any cap space they shave off this season can help them avoid Pacioretty's bonus' carrying over to next season.

Patience.. .maybe Minten is that choice... if not, Laughton maybe... . I've done the math... we can keep Kampf and get Laughton, with 430k cap space, and 22 man roster. That's with Olivier as well.

​

 

[TheDoldrums]

Would love the Leafs to be after Jiricek. Not sure we have the asset but would be exactly the type of defender the Leafs have needed for a long time. I would offer Easton Cowan & a pick and hope they bite.

This year:

Rielly - Tanev
McCabe - OEL
Benoit - Jiricek

See if they can get him #1 PP time and then move him into OEL's position next year.

Timmins is a better player than Jiricek right not. This isn't the type of move a win-now team should make. We're spending our most valuable futures on something that doesn't make the team any better.

 

[TheMadHatTrick]

Nashville seems like a good team to target in a trade.

One guy that I have interest in is Michael McCarron. Former 1st round pick that salvaged a career as a plugger. He's a huge guy (6'6") which Tre and Berube will love, but he can skate, take faceoffs (52.2% career), and loves to hit. He mostly plays wing but can draw in at centre like Lorentz. He's also a right shot, which is valuable for d-zone faceoffs.

The best part is he's under control for another year with just a 900K cap hit. You can throw him in on an energy or crash and bang line, and he can replace Reaves' fighting while adding a bit of offense and gives us another guy like Domi who can step in at centre in a pinch.

He shouldn't cost too much to acquire imo. We could maybe even try to get Sissons too.

 

[Americanadian]

Again.. I'm offering prospects and players... do they take that trade... I don't know. Maybe, maybe not... if we can replace said picks, by moving bodies we don't need... I don't care how the logistics work... If it's a third or a few picks worth a third and we can sell a pile of bodies for the equivalent of a third.. go ahead... But I think we'd get a third for Benoit... if we were confident Rifai replaces him. Robertson/Holmberg/Steeves... maybe you get a third worth out of the bunch.

This is a lot of maybe. Olivier would have been a good target in the off-season but right now he's probably too expensive. Better off to target players who aren't shooting the lights out to start the season (Bastian).

Patience.. .maybe Minten is that choice... if not, Laughton maybe... . I've done the math... we can keep Kampf and get Laughton.

I like Minten but counting on him to be 3C for a team with cup aspirations this year would be foolish. He's been caved in a 5v5 in his 2 games.

I also don't see the upside with Laughton. He's basically just another Domi, poor defensively and doesn't score goals.

 

[I am Canadian]

Timmins is a better player than Jiricek right not. This isn't the type of move a win-now team should make. We're spending our most valuable futures on something that doesn't make the team any better.

We have Matthws locked up for 4 years and possibly more. Adding a prospect of this magnitude on the backend would be helpful for extending the Leafs window.
They are toast in 3-4 years unless this D core is retooled

I get your point though. Depends on if the Leafs want to go all in over the next 4 years and then blow it up or not.

 

[conFABulator]

Will Jarnkrok be back? I don't know... he hasn't been a playoff contributor anyway. I'd sooner move off him... I mean, who are the top nine wingers when we are healthy? Knies, Marner, Nylander, Domi, Patches, McMann... Does he replace any, and do you want him on the fourth line?

My answer is no... He's expendable, and the sooner the better... health is the problem of course.

So, we save on cap there. The other guys, who could make our lineup... Grebenkin, Minten, Nylander.... with Robertson and Holmberg on the outside looking in... aren't any additional cost.

If you replace Benoit with Rifai... more savings.

It's hard to strip out the team, from the individuals stats.. but Acciari is bleeding xGA, while Kampf is very low.... Kampf hockey is essentially not much happens when he's out there, for either team. But, maybe that's Penguins and not Acciari. I don't think we need the cap, but if we are confident it makes the team BETTER, yes... go for it.

Jarnkrok should be back by the playoffs and the cap won't matter then. I am not a huge fan and would be Ok moving him too, I just don't see how given his injury status. I do like that Jarnkrok can play all the positions s and up and down in the lineup. It's better than 4cC-only Kampf to me.

In addition to the cap space, the roster spot for Kampf is useful. Assuming we have health:

Matthews
Marner
Nylander
Tavares
Domi
Knies
McMann
Paccioretty
Lorentz
Dewar

... that's ten guys and given that we carry 8 d-men and two goalies, that means we have three more forwards to carry.

Steeves
Kampf
Minten
Robertson
Holmberg
A. Nylander
Grebenkin
Reaves
Jarnkrok

We could keep CJ or LTIR, waive Reaves, demote Grebenkin and Minten and keep three of Steeves, Kampf, Robertson, Holmberg and A. Nylander. If we have to trade two of these guys or risk losing them to waivers then I don't see why we are keeping the most expensive (with term) of them. Without any TDL adds, I think our optimal F lineup is:

Knies Matthews Domi
Paccioretty Tavares Nylander
McMann Minten Marner
Lorentz Dewar Steeves
Robertson/Holmberg
Reaves

Kampf gets us a pick and assume we have at least someone injured allowing for Robertson AND Holmberg