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

[al secord]

I love Willy but Ottawa laughs

When Brady asks to be traded, they won't be getting anyone close to Willy.

 

[Malachi Crunch]

I love Willy but Ottawa laughs

I think it depends. If Ottawa misses the playoffs this year and Brady has had enough and wants a trade, that's not a bad trade coming from a position of weakness on Ottawa's side.

Man, would I love Brady here. I would overpay for him, for sure. He's a rare breed. He's also buddies with Matthews and the type of guy who could help elevate Matthew's game in the playoffs.

 

[SprDaVE]

I think I'd be staying away from Bennett. The cost of outbidding other teams, plus those types of players, tends to age like milk.

They need to find their own player like Bennett at the point he was at in Calgary.

If he is looking for around 7-8M, regardless of the amount of cap space a team has... that's pretty insane to give him that. He's got intangibles and he's physical, cool, but that's a lot of coin for someone that has never scored 50 points in his career (he was close or on pace though).

 

[Rare Jewel]

If he is looking for around 7-8M, regardless of the amount of cap space a team has... that's pretty insane to give him that. He's got intangibles and he's physical, cool, but that's a lot of coin for someone that has never scored 50 points in his career (he was close or on pace though).

Quite so. @ 4m you'd probably love him, @ 7+... you're probably getting close to Clarkson territory .

They need to find their own guy, who's 3-6 years younger.

 

[Skullz]

If he is looking for around 7-8M, regardless of the amount of cap space a team has... that's pretty insane to give him that. He's got intangibles and he's physical, cool, but that's a lot of coin for someone that has never scored 50 points in his career (he was close or on pace though).

Yup I agree. I'd be very interested in Bennett, bring so much of what we need and can also score. But he is turning 29 in June and will likely be overpaid. If it was 6 X 6 or something like that though...

 

[Magic Man]

I can't wrap my head around how awful these new goalie contracts are. There are going to be some regrettable decisions in there.

 

[nuck]

If he is looking for around 7-8M, regardless of the amount of cap space a team has... that's pretty insane to give him that. He's got intangibles and he's physical, cool, but that's a lot of coin for someone that has never scored 50 points in his career (he was close or on pace though).

He is a niche talent. If there are clubs that have well an ample cap $7M is no stretch IMO. If its a year ago does Trotz pay him 7ish or Stamkos 8? There are ten teams with $28M or more in cap space next summer and most aren't spending 20 of it on two guys. and he has his Cup so does he just chase the money? Teams like Chicago or Buffalo who are desperate to change their direction might pay whatever it takes. He is playing 17:00 a night so that doesn't scream #2 C. To me he doesn't fit with any Canadian team except maybe Winny when Ehlers walks. But do players go from Florida to Manitoba?

 

[Fogelhund]

I can't wrap my head around how awful these new goalie contracts are. There are going to be some regrettable decisions in there.

Case and Point.

 

[Zero1]

View attachment 980307

Case and Point.

Wow, that’s a lot…

 

[Zero1]

When Brady asks to be traded, they won't be getting anyone close to Willy.

I would do this without even thinking twice.

I hate that in the NHL everyone gets a NMC. I wish it were more like the NBA.

 

[Fogelhund]

He is a niche talent. If there are clubs that have well an ample cap $7M is no stretch IMO. If its a year ago does Trotz pay him 7ish or Stamkos 8? There are ten teams with $28M or more in cap space next summer and most aren't spending 20 of it on two guys. and he has his Cup so does he just chase the money? Teams like Chicago or Buffalo who are desperate to change their direction might pay whatever it takes. He is playing 17:00 a night so that doesn't scream #2 C. To me he doesn't fit with any Canadian team except maybe Winny when Ehlers walks. But do players go from Florida to Manitoba?

I think Florida likely matches to $7.5 million. With the cap increase, they can easily absorb this. They might even go a little higher. I personally think that is a nutty number for him, but with the cap... I guess he's earned it. He fits in there, and they'd have a hard time replacing him.

I think we'd be better off working out a deal with Buffalo. Both Cozens and Krebs can play a bit of a physical game, and both will be better players outside of Buffalo. Obviously Cozens has shown he can play at a high level, but has a higher cap hit, and would be quite costly to obtain. Krebs is a bit of a gamble, as he hasn't thrived... but then how many players get far better once they leave Buffalo. Krebs wouldn't cost too much, and his cap hit will be modest... and we could extend him for a few years, to keep that cost under control. Cozens is bigger than Bennett, Krebs a little smaller. Krebs Hits/60 rate is actually higher than Bennett's. These guys are 23 and 24... so they aren't guys in their 30's, or heading there shortly.

 

[MarMarSab3]

I think it depends. If Ottawa misses the playoffs this year and Brady has had enough and wants a trade, that's not a bad trade coming from a position of weakness on Ottawa's side.

Man, would I love Brady here. I would overpay for him, for sure. He's a rare breed. He's also buddies with Matthews and the type of guy who could help elevate Matthew's game in the playoffs.

Brady will definitely follow his brother stateside I think. But I agree I would love Brady.

 

[Leafs87]

Teams needs a functional big D man to ware off the bigger forwards forechecking. Evidenced by this tournament being able to handle forecheck will be key. Leafs have really had a hard time with that consistently during the Matthews era. Luke Schenn and Muzzin were the only two real standouts. Someone like Oleksiak would be key

 

[thewave]

When Brady asks to be traded, they won't be getting anyone close to Willy.

Ottawa should trade him right now if they have brains. They could get a stash

 

[Fogelhund]

Teams needs a functional big D man to ware off the bigger forwards forechecking. Evidenced by this tournament being able to handle forecheck will be key. Leafs have really had a hard time with that consistently during the Matthews era. Luke Schenn and Muzzin were the only two real standouts. Someone like Oleksiak would be key

IMO, the Leafs need a RHD, and one that can handle the puck would be preferable. A partner for Rielly, who could push all of the D down a little would be best.

To me, if we are going to go big, make it a Parayko, a Gudas, or someone who can play at that level. Parayko would cost a ton, but he ticks all three boxes. Gudas two of the three. Oleksiak is none of those things.

 

[thewave]

IMO, the Leafs need a RHD, and one that can handle the puck would be preferable. A partner for Rielly, who could push all of the D down a little would be best.

To me, if we are going to go big, make it a Parayko, a Gudas, or someone who can play at that level. Parayko would cost a ton, but he ticks all three boxes. Gudas two of the three. Oleksiak is none of those things.

We don't have assets to get anything unless we mortgage the future. They are going to get something cheap that won't impact much.

Tre is not a deal maker, no big deals that go well for him

 

[Skullz]

IMO, the Leafs need a RHD, and one that can handle the puck would be preferable. A partner for Rielly, who could push all of the D down a little would be best.

To me, if we are going to go big, make it a Parayko, a Gudas, or someone who can play at that level. Parayko would cost a ton, but he ticks all three boxes. Gudas two of the three. Oleksiak is none of those things.

I'd rather pay a higher price for someone good with term. Parayko is interesting.

 

[Fogelhund]

Brady will definitely follow his brother stateside I think. But I agree I would love Brady.

Ya, he's going to the States at the end of his contract... or sooner.

 

[thusk]

I think Florida likely matches to $7.5 million. With the cap increase, they can easily absorb this. They might even go a little higher. I personally think that is a nutty number for him, but with the cap... I guess he's earned it. He fits in there, and they'd have a hard time replacing him.

I think we'd be better off working out a deal with Buffalo. Both Cozens and Krebs can play a bit of a physical game, and both will be better players outside of Buffalo. Obviously Cozens has shown he can play at a high level, but has a higher cap hit, and would be quite costly to obtain. Krebs is a bit of a gamble, as he hasn't thrived... but then how many players get far better once they leave Buffalo. Krebs wouldn't cost too much, and his cap hit will be modest... and we could extend him for a few years, to keep that cost under control. Cozens is bigger than Bennett, Krebs a little smaller. Krebs Hits/60 rate is actually higher than Bennett's. These guys are 23 and 24... so they aren't guys in their 30's, or heading there shortly.

Cozens for what? Knies? I don't think Buffalonwould have any interest to move Cozens for pick and prospect as primary asset

 

[Fogelhund]

We don't have assets to get anything unless we mortgage the future. They are going to get something cheap that won't impact much.

Tre is not a deal maker, no big deals that go well for him

We all have our opinions on what we SHOULD do, but it's hard to disagree, Tre has rarely made a big splash. My thought all along has been go cheaper for 3C, and get a young guy like Krebs, and spend those mortgaged assets on a good player with term. Parayko has five years on his contract after this year..... He'll have a big impact, and he's signed for years to come... he'll impact us far more than most of our futures will.

 

[The Iceman]

Was impressed with Parayko during the tourney, would love the Leafs to get him.

Will his contract age well?
32 years old in 2 months and signed for 5 more years @ $6.5

 

[Fogelhund]

Cozens for what? Knies? I don't think Buffalonwould have any interest to move Cozens for pick and prospect as primary asset

I really don't know honestly... my preference is Krebs to be honest, but plenty here have talked about Cozens, who has been rumoured to be on the block. Krebs plus an impact D.

 

[thewave]

We all have our opinions on what we SHOULD do, but it's hard to disagree, Tre has rarely made a big splash. My thought all along has been go cheaper for 3C, and get a young guy like Krebs, and spend those mortgaged assets on a good player with term. Parayko has five years on his contract after this year..... He'll have a big impact, and he's signed for years to come... he'll impact us far more than most of our futures will.

Sometimes it's good to inject a Marlie or two. They are pretty excited and can help a team if ready. You're right though, probably a 3c or some Dman

 

[Fogelhund]

Will his contract age well?
32 years old in 2 months and signed for 5 more years @ $6.5

That depends. He had a back injury a few years ago that impacted his play. He seems to be fully recovered since then. He is a very good skater, and that likely will be fine for years to come, which is in his favour. He isn't incredibly physical... which is kind of a mixed thing right... but it normally means your decline isn't happening as quick. As long as he avoids injury, I think he'll be good for a number of years. At $6.5, with the cap going up, that's a bargain of a contract. Certainly it's going to make us much better for three, maybe four years, and then the cap has gone up enough it won't matter... but also our whole core will be getting older by then, so we really need to be all in for the next three years or so.... Especially given Matthews chronic issues... I doubt that gets better once he hits his thirties in 2.5 years.

Sometimes it's good to inject a Marlie or two. They are pretty excited and can help a team if ready. You're right though, probably a 3c or some Dman

I'd like to give Steeves an extended run. I've always been a big Robertson fan, but it's just not happening at a high enough level for him, particularly given his size. He isn't great at receiving passes, and can't seem to get his shot off fast enough most of the time. Steeves has had an excellent season, and deserves a shot to be the guy you speak of. At 6' and nearly 200lbs, if he isn't scoring, he's better than Robertson when he isn't scoring.

 

[weems]

IMO, the Leafs need a RHD, and one that can handle the puck would be preferable. A partner for Rielly, who could push all of the D down a little would be best.

To me, if we are going to go big, make it a Parayko, a Gudas, or someone who can play at that level. Parayko would cost a ton, but he ticks all three boxes. Gudas two of the three. Oleksiak is none of those things.

A quality RHD would do so much for this current roster.
I've said this a few times but this current setup really makes me nervous and I think it especially exposes OEL too much for a team that has championship asperations. He has clear skills like puck moving and offensive mindset but his footspeed isn't amazing and he hasn't looked strong on his weak side. On a third pairing and getting somewhat sheltered, he can be pretty effective but I'm just not sold he's a top #4 guy on our team, especially when you force the McCabe-Tanev pairing, which I understand.

I also hope it's someone that actually shoots right. I know theres studies or math that will show over the course of 82, it's either break even or just slightly minus EV having someone play their weakside but there are cold hard facts about playing your weak side in that there are plays/sequences that are much more difficult to execute on your weak side regardless of how good that player actually is in playing their weak side. I'd rather not have to deal with this or worry about something like this in some huge game 7, next mistake could cost your season.