Trades & Free Agency Thread: 2024-2025 - Trade Deadline Approaches

[Damisoph]

Rielly isn't going anywhere and nor should he. Only one to take less than he could have got on the open market. Didn't talk about percentage of cap bullshit. One of the only guys that actually comes through in the playoffs.

 

[ToneDog]

Tavares $11mm comes off the books.

There's your money.

I doubt they are dumping Tavares and if they do they will still need somebody to replace him. That will not come cheap.

 

[sxvnert]

Minten really isn't ready for full time 3C minutes.

No better or worse than any other centers they've put there. This is who Minten is and no amount of development will turn him into a two way center.

All assets are better spent on solidifying the D.

 

[Fogelhund]

No better or worse than any other centers they've put there. This is who Minten is and no amount of development will turn him into a two way center.

All assets are better spent on solidifying the D.

Our problem every playoffs has been depth scoring, not the D. It's the same issue we've had through much of this season. How does solidifying the D help with depth scoring from the forwards?

 

[Americanadian]

I don't agree with you very often, but I'd love Jack McBain, and have been talking about him for two years. I just don't see Utah moving him now. He just turned 25, is cost controlled, and well liked there... What would we have that would entice them to move him?

Man though... has McBain been on a cold streak offensively... 2 points in his last 19 games.

I also think picking up a guy like Krebs could be a big win... Buffalo is in all kinds of a mess, and I think he's got much more upside. He's playing with crap linemates, but had more "potential" at one point.

edit - noting Paul is getting to play with some pretty good players... Point, Hagel, Guentzel for most of this points... it's improbable a player like McBain, or Krebs added to the Leafs, is going to be put in a position to play with such linemates.

McBain has strong underlying numbers (xWAR) similar to Paul in Ottawa, Krebs does not.

There is no reason the Leafs shouldn’t be able to spread the wealth and give their 3C one of Nylander or Marner. I’d fully expect that to happen if they acquired a 3C.

 

[Fogelhund]

There is no reason the Leafs shouldn’t be able to spread the wealth and give their 3C one of Nylander or Marner. I’d fully expect that to happen if they acquired a 3C.

People have talked about this for years. It's never (rarely?) happened, doubt it does.

 

[Fogelhund]

McBain has strong underlying numbers (xWAR) similar to Paul in Ottawa, Krebs does not.

McBain has primarily played with Guenther and Cooley, guys with 42 and 34 points. McBain has 15 playing with them.

Krebs with Lafferty, Malenstyn, NAK, Benson and Kulich... These are guys with 9, 9 4, 2 and 16 points. Krebs has 16 points playing with them....

Do you suppose maybe those strong underlying numbers, might have something to do who he plays with... while he still has less points than Krebs, who is playing with garbage?

Context is important. McBain is a really nice third/fourth liner, he won't ever be more, unlike your Paul example. Krebs might have more in him, if he actually plays with better players, on a better team.

 

[Madap]

Our problem every playoffs has been depth scoring, not the D. It's the same issue we've had through much of this season. How does solidifying the D help with depth scoring from the forwards?

The problem isn’t depth scoring, it’s scoring in general. We have enough firepower up front to do damage if the big guns actually played well.

I might still lean towards getting a Center because if Tavares or Matthews go down then we’re screwed, but I also get wanting to shore up D. Take care of the D and Goaltending and hope the stars can play to their potential - if they don’t then we aren’t winning regardless of a new C or D.

 

[Fogelhund]

The problem isn’t depth scoring, it’s scoring in general. We have enough firepower up front to do damage if the big guns actually played well.

I might still lean towards getting a Center because if Tavares or Matthews go down then we’re screwed, but I also get wanting to shore up D. Take care of the D and Goaltending and hope the stars can play to their potential - if they don’t then we aren’t winning regardless of a new C or D.

This is 100% true.

The reality is we could use a 3C, RD, and LW in that order... we don't have enough assets or cap space to really acquire them all, so it's about priorities.

 

[Americanadian]

McBain has primarily played with Guenther and Cooley, guys with 42 and 34 points. McBain has 15 playing with them.

Krebs with Lafferty, Malenstyn, NAK, Benson and Kulich... These are guys with 9, 9 4, 2 and 16 points. Krebs has 16 points playing with them....

Do you suppose maybe those strong underlying numbers, might have something to do who he plays with... while he still has less points than Krebs, who is playing with garbage?

Context is important. McBain is a really nice third/fourth liner, he won't ever be more, unlike your Paul example. Krebs might have more in him, if he actually plays with better players, on a better team.

Underlying numbers are supposed to account for teammates and McBain actually had better numbers last gears playing with Carcone and O’Brien.

Krebs has consistently been below replacement. I’m not saying he will be that forever - I’m just looking at players with a similar profile to Nick Paul who had good xWAR with Ottawa.

 

[ULF_55]

I doubt they are dumping Tavares and if they do they will still need somebody to replace him. That will not come cheap.

They don't even have to play hardball with him (Tavares).

Just take care of business, including trying to land a 2nd. line (even potential) center, and dream of getting a 1st. pairing defender (settle for 2nd. pairing).

Don't hold anything back for the future, so prospects/players/picks all in play.

Empty the cartridge and hope you're the last one standing, cuz there's no future savior in the pipeline.

EDIT:
The get a "he could be good if all the stars align" option should be a last resort, and be cheap. Don't pay for fantasies buy realities.

 

[thusk]

Our problem every playoffs has been depth scoring, not the D. It's the same issue we've had through much of this season. How does solidifying the D help with depth scoring from the forwards?

Be better to defend = less time defending so more time with the luck to attack = more opportunity to score = Raise offensive for everyone

 

[Fogelhund]

Be better to defend = less time defending so more time with the luck to attack = more opportunity to score = Raise offensive for everyone

I don't disagree, but we are talking about a Defensive D man, to partner with Rielly, to help him be more reliable in his own zone. Is Connor Murphy for example going to do that for us?

Or is a more reliable 3C, who is better defensively than Domi going to do that for us?

I mean ideally, both right?

 

[SprDaVE]

Be better to defend = less time defending so more time with the luck to attack = more opportunity to score = Raise offensive for everyone

less than 5% on the PP = less goals = averaging 2 and less goals a game

Being better defensively helps win hockey games. Generating chances and scorings goals also helps. It's a balance. We need to generate more offensively right now and it's been the main issue in the playoffs where the stars disappear and our depth scoring is non existant. I don't think our issue has been defending.

You could have 6 Tanev back there and I don't think that helps our issue.

 

[Stephen]

If Domi's last name was Dolmberg, or Dompf, he would be number 1 on everyones ejection seat list.
Nostalgia aside, the fit was not there for the need this off season, he proved last year he cant play up the middle, his money should have went to a C or more D, or banked to add that player now.

I dont see Tre moving him mid season, but hopefully the sentiment fades and he goes in the summer. It was a nice story, but that's enough.

I think we might have to eject him anyway. There’s just something about his approach where he quickly wears out his welcome and the pattern is repeating.

 

[sxvnert]

2026 1st + Domi (3yrs @ $3,750,000) + Timmins ($1,100,000) = $4,850,000
for
Murphy ($2,200,000 - 50%) + Hall ($3,000,000) = $5,200,000
--------------------------------
Knies Matthews Marner
McMann Tavares Nylander
Hall Minten Pac
Lorentz Kampf Dewar

McCabe Tanev
OEL Murphy
Rielly Benoit
-------------------------------------

Bertuzzi Bedard Domi

 

[Menzinger]

Minten really isn't ready for full time 3C minutes. It's the C position that needs filling, not Tanev, though at the right price, I don't mind him either.

Yep. I'm high on Minten especially longer term but I'm wary leaning on him to drive a top 9 line in the playoffs.

They really need to get a centre first, and then see what else they can get with the assets/cap space left

less than 5% on the PP = less goals = averaging 2 and less goals a game

Being better defensively helps win hockey games. Generating chances and scorings goals also helps. It's a balance. We need to generate more offensively right now and it's been the main issue in the playoffs where the stars disappear and our depth scoring is non existant. I don't think our issue has been defending.

You could have 6 Tanev back there and I don't think that helps our issue.

Yep. Depth scoring has been THE consistent issue the last several post seasons. Imo It needs to be fixed directly, not hoping the core manages to score a few extra.

Not to turn this into yet another referendum on the top few forwards, but if a 2nd and a B prospect or two is enough to get someone to turn the third line into a legit scoring threat, then it's something that should be easily paid

 

[thusk]

I don't disagree, but we are talking about a Defensive D man, to partner with Rielly, to help him be more reliable in his own zone. Is Connor Murphy for example going to do that for us?

Or is a more reliable 3C, who is better defensively than Domi going to do that for us?

I mean ideally, both right?

Just Yesterday, Rielly played with Mccabe and it was his best game since a while. He was all over the ice

So yeah maybe someone to give more freedom to rielly can help him... But not sure if Murphy is the right target for the simple reason than im not that sure if Chicago really want to move him. They are not in the same spot than when they moved mccabe, they want to make a step next year. Whats you want and whats available, its not always the same thing. David Savard would be a more realistic option.

less than 5% on the PP = less goals = averaging 2 and less goals a game

Being better defensively helps win hockey games. Generating chances and scorings goals also helps. It's a balance. We need to generate more offensively right now and it's been the main issue in the playoffs where the stars disappear and our depth scoring is non existant. I don't think our issue has been defending.

You could have 6 Tanev back there and I don't think that helps our issue.

Washington didn't had better scoring depht last year... They're biggest changed was to increase their D and now scoring one more goal/gm

exemple if you keep mccabe tanev, get a better partner for rielly help him to play free and be more dangerous and exemple get OEL without Rielly with an opportunity to get a more offensive freedom, Yes that can raise scoring from depht. Be better in D just help to increase game of everybody... not just 3,4th line but also helping top 6 to get even more offensive opportunity especially come playoff time

 

[Skullz]

Would you prioritize centre or D?

I would love a centre, but think a good RHD would move the needle more.

 

[conFABulator]

When considering the Leafs' needs, acquisition costs, and lineup fit, I’ve zeroed in on two prime targets to address our biggest gaps at center and defense:

Centre: Mikael Granlund

Acquisition Cost: Robertson, Niemelä, and a 4th (to a third team for 50% retention).

Why Granlund?

He’s a veteran and a UFA, meaning his acquisition cost is reasonable.

Versatile—he can play C or W, contribute on the PP and PK, and bring depth scoring beyond the core four.

If he clicks, he could even be a re-sign candidate.

Defense: Luke Schenn

Acquisition Cost: Kampf and a B prospect (or one of Benoit, Myers, or Timmins; possibly with a minor return to even it out).

Why Schenn?

A known commodity, proven playoff performer, and the kind of player Berube and Treliving value.

Fits well with Rielly, can PK, hit, block shots, and stick up for teammates.

His cap hit is a bit high, but so is Kampf’s, and Schenn’s deal is one year shorter.

Proposed Lineup

Forwards:
Knies - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Marner
Järnkrok - Granlund - Nylander
Pacioretty - Dewar - Lorentz
Extras: Holmberg, Reaves, Minten

Defense:
McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Schenn
OEL - Hakanpää
Extras: Benoit, Timmins, Myers

Goalies:
Woll
Stolarz
Extrs: Murray

I’d aim to make these moves soon to give the new guys time to gel and become a real part of the team—not just rentals. Thoughts?

 

[Kiwi]

Would you prioritize centre or D?

I would love a centre, but think a good RHD would move the needle more.

A center

If you get a good 2-way center he can help your bottom 6 scoring issues and free up Tavares and Matthew's from taking DZ draws so it frees those lines for more offensive deployment as well

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Would you prioritize centre or D?

I would love a centre, but think a good RHD would move the needle more.

Totally agree.

I think we should run with Minten the next few weeks and see how he does. If he exceeds expectations than I’d prioritize a RHD first.