Trades & Free Agency Thread: 2024-2025 Season Edition

[Fogelhund]

I don't see how it gets any better even if you wait 3 months. They will still want a center, they've been saying it since training camp. And yeah injuries and other issues could arise by the deadline, but the issue will always be the need for a center upgrade.

Who are you trying to upgrade? Matthews? Tavares? Kampf?

Only spot I see that’s upgradable is 3C. Minten has been hot and cold, but between 0.4 and 0.5 PPG is pretty much what you’d expect out of a 3C. If he finds a way to be more consistent and continues at an acceptable scoring pace, then perhaps there isn’t that need. You need to wait to see if he can claim that spot, so we don’t waste assets on a rental to accomplish the same thing he might be able to.

 

[SprDaVE]

Who are you trying to upgrade? Matthews? Tavares? Kampf?

Only spot I see that’s upgradable is 3C. Minten has been hot and cold, but between 0.4 and 0.5 PPG is pretty much what you’d expect out of a 3C. If he finds a way to be more consistent and continues at an acceptable scoring pace, then perhaps there isn’t that need. You need to wait to see if he can claim that spot, so we don’t waste assets on a rental to accomplish the same thing he might be able to.

Minten is fine but he's not 100% ready. It's much better to push him back to the Marlies and let him be the first call-up. We're an injury away from Minten being a top 6 center. It's not just about scoring, it's about the overall impact and creating better depth. We're gonna wait mainly because we have time but I can guarantee you that by trade deadline, the need is going to be a center regardless of Minten and health.

Kampf just sucks but we're stuck with him. But looks like he's gonna be back soon.

 

[Fogelhund]

Minten is fine but he's not 100% ready. It's much better to push him back to the Marlies and let him be the first call-up. We're an injury away from Minten being a top 6 center. It's not just about scoring, it's about the overall impact and creating better depth.

We don't know if Minten is ready, unless we give him a run, particularly with healthy and steady linemates. It's premature to say he's not 100% ready, or to crown him the 3C. Domi has done reasonably well as a top 6C, in spots.... I mean in all seriousness, name a team with a top 6C, playing as a 3C, excepting developing players? What's the most points a Stanley Cup finalist, has got out of their 3C in a regular season that last couple of years? I think it's Lundell, with 35 points last year.

Florida had 80, 41, 35 and 15 points out of their C's. Nobody has a potential 50-60 point C, as their 3C, it's just not a norm, nor a reasonable expectation.

The most recent example of someone trying to get a 2C, and putting them with 3C minutes is Edmonton Oilers, with Henrique, who really looked like a good pickup for them, and a guy people around here talked about. With the reduced minutes as a 3C, he's on 9 points, after 28 games. His points per 60 is 1.05. Minten's points per 60 is 1.76. You reduce players TOI, and they typically become less effective.

We need to be patient on Minten, and see what he's capable of. I'm not saying he's the guy, but we have plenty of time to make changes, 16 games between now and Jan 14th.... so I'd give him that run, give teams time to fall out of the playoffs, and make a decision then... no rush. See if he's good enough, make the calls to see who is available, and what the cost to obtain them is. It also gives time to see if that's is indeed our biggest need... we don't know if a Goalie, a Winger, or a top D has a season ending injury... and if we make that trade now, and don't have the assets left... we won't be able to fix that hole.

Minten is fine but he's not 100% ready. It's much better to push him back to the Marlies and let him be the first call-up. We're an injury away from Minten being a top 6 center. It's not just about scoring, it's about the overall impact and creating better depth. We're gonna wait mainly because we have time but I can guarantee you that by trade deadline, the need is going to be a center regardless of Minten and health.

Kampf just sucks but we're stuck with him. But looks like he's gonna be back soon.

You've edited some...

Kampf is fine for a 4C... he's just overpaid... there really aren't too many better 4C's... just more appropriately paid.

 

[SprDaVE]

We don't know if Minten is ready, unless we give him a run, particularly with healthy and steady linemates. It's premature to say he's not 100% ready, or to crown him the 3C. Domi has done reasonably well as a top 6C, in spots.... I mean in all seriousness, name a team with a top 6C, playing as a 3C, excepting developing players? What's the most points a Stanley Cup finalist, has got out of their 3C in a regular season that last couple of years? I think it's Lundell, with 35 points last year.

Florida had 80, 41, 35 and 15 points out of their C's. Nobody has a potential 50-60 point C, as their 3C, it's just not a norm, nor a reasonable expectation.

The most recent example of someone trying to get a 2C, and putting them with 3C minutes is Edmonton Oilers, with Henrique, who really looked like a good pickup for them, and a guy people around here talked about. With the reduced minutes as a 3C, he's on 9 points, after 28 games. His points per 60 is 1.05. Minten's points per 60 is 1.76. You reduce players TOI, and they typically become less effective.

We need to be patient on Minten, and see what he's capable of. I'm not saying he's the guy, but we have plenty of time to make changes, 16 games between now and Jan 14th.... so I'd give him that run, give teams time to fall out of the playoffs, and make a decision then... no rush. See if he's good enough, make the calls to see who is available, and what the cost to obtain them is. It also gives time to see if that's is indeed our biggest need... we don't know if a Goalie, a Winger, or a top D has a season ending injury... and if we make that trade now, and don't have the assets left... we won't be able to fix that hole.


You've edited some...

Kampf is fine for a 4C... he's just overpaid... there really aren't too many better 4C's... just more appropriately paid.

Nobody is saying to make a trade yesterday. It's just mainly discussing points of interest and where the additions should be added. The whole team could break their leg, which changes everything. There's going to be plenty of time before the Leafs are ready to shop seriously. The priority right now should be adding better quality down the middle, for depth and overall effectiveness. If a really good center hits the market, I don't hesitate to see what I can do though. Minten is holding the fort and gaining experience right now, which is good.

Kampf is fine if you remove the salary cap.

 

[ULF_55]

What exactly would you call impressive for a $3 mil forward then?

I stand correct. I am wrong about Domi.


I thought he was a top 6 forward. Not sure why people keep pushing him to play with Matthews.

He has a career 16 goals per 82 games.
Career average 51 points per 82 games.

So, yes as a 3rd. liner he's okay, but $3.75mm for 9 goals is kind of high.

Last 5 seasons, plus this year:
Games - 377
Goals - 66
Points - 216

47 point player
14 goal player

He doesn't PK, but does get PP time.

Money is part of it but if Tavares with 65 points and 29 goals isn't a 1st. liner then Domi with 47 points and 9 goals isn't a 2nd. liner regardless of money.

 

[Fogelhund]

I stand correct. I am wrong about Domi.


I thought he was a top 6 forward. Not sure why people keep pushing him to play with Matthews.

He has a career 16 goals per 82 games.
Career average 51 points per 82 games.

So, yes as a 3rd. liner he's okay, but $3.75mm for 9 goals is kind of high.

Last 5 seasons, plus this year:
Games - 377
Goals - 66
Points - 216

47 point player
14 goal player

He doesn't PK, but does get PP time.

Money is part of it but if Tavares with 65 points and 29 goals isn't a 1st. liner then Domi with 47 points in 9 goals isn't a 2nd. liner regardless of money.

I'm not suggesting that Domi is a second line player.. but keep in mind, that the 5th highest scoring Panther last year had 41 points. The 5th highest scoring Oiler forward had 44 points. I'd agree that he needs to shoot more, and score more. But he also shouldn't be higher than our 7th highest scorer this year for forwards, so the expectation of what you get for that in production, should be kept in check. The reality is, his production last year was clearly in line with what most teams are getting out of their second liners.

 

[ULF_55]

I'm not suggesting that Domi is a second line player.. but keep in mind, that the 5th highest scoring Panther last year had 41 points. The 5th highest scoring Oiler forward had 44 points. I'd agree that he needs to shoot more, and score more. But he also shouldn't be higher than our 7th highest scorer this year for forwards, so the expectation of what you get for that in production, should be kept in check. The reality is, his production last year was clearly in line with what most teams are getting out of their second liners.

His goal scoring is more like a defenseman would get.

9 goals last year would be tied for 36th. amongst defenders, including Ekman-Larsson.

And, yes UFA are overpaid.

 

[SprDaVE]

Mermis was claimed by Utah ???? Alright then

 

[Namikaze Minato]

Mermis was claimed by Utah ???? Alright then

They still have 4 dmen on IR I think, its not the craziest move for extra depth.



But at least they nobody split up the Nylander brothers!

 

[Kiwi]

Who is getting healthy scratched? Schenn’s played every game this season.

He's bad, old and making 2.75M

Forgive me if I'm not exactly thrilled at giving up anything for that combination of attributes

 

[SprDaVE]

They still have 4 dmen on IR I think, its not the craziest move for extra depth.



But at least they nobody split up the Nylander brothers!

They probably could have done better than someone injured most of the season so far, but I guess it's a cheap veteran to pick up.

Dermott is on waivers today too.

 

[WTFMAN99]

They probably could have done better than someone injured most of the season so far, but I guess it's a cheap veteran to pick up.

Dermott is on waivers today too.

Benning would probably have been the smarter grab even with the difference in salary and extra year, you always need more defenseman.

We probably have too many depth defenseman anyway right now.

 

[SprDaVE]

Benning would probably have been the smarter grab even with the difference in salary and extra year, you always need more defenseman.

We probably have too many depth defenseman anyway right now.

I'm more than fine with him getting a shot somewhere else. Opens a contract and Marlies roster spot.

 

[Fogelhund]

He's bad, old and making 2.75M

Forgive me if I'm not exactly thrilled at giving up anything for that combination of attributes

I can appreciate your viewpoint. At 50%, maybe.. certainly not full hit. Even then, it's if they are basically giving him away. The only attractive thought to obtain him, is that he's a player who worked VERY well with Rielly last time. We thought he was tool old and toast last time too.. but then they just really worked well together. He's been much better this year, than last... actually I'd say fairly decent. His on ice expected goals is 47.5%, just slightly below team average, while starting over 60% of the time in the Dzone... second heaviest defensive assignment on the team... that's not bad, considering how bad they've been.

Or, maybe as a package deal with RoR... if we decide that we needed a C upgrade, and he was the guy, and wanted to come back.... He did have success with Berube in the past, so you never know.

People were talking originally about needing someone to work well with Rielly, so it was a thought... who knows if that's what we end up needing....

 

[LeafSteel]

I was underwhelmed when we originally got Schenn, and was happy to eat crow on him,

You can’t discount or dismiss that he worked well with Rielly and played well for us.

Chemistry is a hard thing to predict, so when you know it’s already there, you can’t overlook it.

We already know that our top pairing will be McCabe and Tanev.

The question to be answered is if Rielly-Schenn can handle 2nd pairing playoff minutes. The history says they can. Add to it the expectation that the cost to acquire Schenn should be low, and I think it’s something you have to think long and hard about.

 

[Leaffan1991]

Is there a move to be made for O'Reilly and Schenn? I know they are older and slower but they have a ton of experience and played really well on our team before.

Knies Matthews Domi
Pacioretty Tavares Marner
McMann O'Reilly Nylander
Lorentz Minten Dewar
Reeves

McCabe Tanev
Rielly Schenn(1 mill retained)
Benoit OEL

Robertson Timmins Kampf plus a first going the other way?

 

[Fogelhund]

Is there a move to be made for O'Reilly and Schenn? I know they are older and slower but they have a ton of experience and played really well on our team before.

Knies Matthews Domi
Pacioretty Tavares Marner
McMann O'Reilly Nylander
Lorentz Minten Dewar
Reeves

McCabe Tanev
Rielly Schenn(1 mill retained)
Benoit OEL

Robertson Timmins Kampf plus a first going the other way?

Interesting enough... even if it's only Robertson, and some picks going the other way... there is cap room if RoR was 50% retained, Schenn at full. Reaves sent down, Minten sent down...

 

[barilko05]

Interesting enough... even if it's only Robertson, and some picks going the other way... there is cap room if RoR was 50% retained, Schenn at full. Reaves sent down, Minten sent down...

I'd do Robertson, Kampf/Jarnkrok (for cap purposes) and any prospect outside of Cowan, Minten, Grebs, AA or Hildeby, for ROR (some retention) and Schenn (50 per cent). Reeves down, Holmberg down.

 

[Menzinger]

We don't know if Minten is ready, unless we give him a run, particularly with healthy and steady linemates. It's premature to say he's not 100% ready, or to crown him the 3C. Domi has done reasonably well as a top 6C, in spots.... I mean in all seriousness, name a team with a top 6C, playing as a 3C, excepting developing players? What's the most points a Stanley Cup finalist, has got out of their 3C in a regular season that last couple of years? I think it's Lundell, with 35 points last year.

Florida had 80, 41, 35 and 15 points out of their C's. Nobody has a potential 50-60 point C, as their 3C, it's just not a norm, nor a reasonable expectation.

The most recent example of someone trying to get a 2C, and putting them with 3C minutes is Edmonton Oilers, with Henrique, who really looked like a good pickup for them, and a guy people around here talked about. With the reduced minutes as a 3C, he's on 9 points, after 28 games. His points per 60 is 1.05. Minten's points per 60 is 1.76. You reduce players TOI, and they typically become less effective.

We need to be patient on Minten, and see what he's capable of. I'm not saying he's the guy, but we have plenty of time to make changes, 16 games between now and Jan 14th.... so I'd give him that run, give teams time to fall out of the playoffs, and make a decision then... no rush. See if he's good enough, make the calls to see who is available, and what the cost to obtain them is. It also gives time to see if that's is indeed our biggest need... we don't know if a Goalie, a Winger, or a top D has a season ending injury... and if we make that trade now, and don't have the assets left... we won't be able to fix that hole.


You've edited some...

Kampf is fine for a 4C... he's just overpaid... there really aren't too many better 4C's... just more appropriately paid.

16 games is a decent stretch, BUT the only thing that matters is the playoffs. Are we comfortable with him as a rookie stepping up into an even bigger role if injuries strike in round one?

Personally I'm more inclined to grab a vet for insurance purposes. You will always find a use for another centre, including having them play the wing if need be

 

[Americanadian]

I wonder if there's a deal to be made with CBJ - Woll for Sillinger. CBJ has a plethora of C's (young and old). They need a G. Toronto needs young C's. This deal would in theory improve the playoff roster because Woll shouldn't be playing in the playoffs.

 

[ULF_55]

I wonder if there's a deal to be made with CBJ - Woll for Sillinger. CBJ has a plethora of C's (young and old). They need a G. Toronto needs young C's. This deal would in theory improve the playoff roster because Woll shouldn't be playing in the playoffs.

Are they going to trade for a goalie that has played in the playoffs?

 

[SprDaVE]

16 games is a decent stretch, BUT the only thing that matters is the playoffs. Are we comfortable with him as a rookie stepping up into an even bigger role if injuries strike in round one?

Personally I'm more inclined to grab a vet for insurance purposes. You will always find a use for another centre, including having them play the wing if need be

To me this is the lineup going into the playoffs. You can alternate wingers and shift them around or whatever but depth wise, that's how I see it.

Knies - Matthews - Marner
McMann - JT - Nylander
Pacioretty - XXX - Domi
Lorentz - Kampf - Dewar
Holmberg - Reaves

 

[Americanadian]

Are they going to trade for a goalie that has played in the playoffs?

If you’re so concerned with playoff experience they have a 2-time cup winner in the minors.

Or maybe they have an Adin Hill caliber goalie in Stolarz.

 

[Fogelhund]

I wonder if there's a deal to be made with CBJ - Woll for Sillinger. CBJ has a plethora of C's (young and old). They need a G. Toronto needs young C's. This deal would in theory improve the playoff roster because Woll shouldn't be playing in the playoffs.

We aren't going to be trading Woll, that would be beyond silly.

 

[Americanadian]

We aren't going to be trading Woll, that would be beyond silly.

He’s realistically the best trade chip to make an impactful change to the playoff roster and future roster.

There’s only 1 goalie in the net at any given moment. A good 3C is more impactful than a backup G in the playoffs.

The only reason I’d move Woll before Stolarz is because of his significant injury history (ironically Stolarz goes out as I type this).