09 Mar 2026 14:30:45
I think we need a very strong change even if keeping Matthews. The other issue would be, what is Matthews? If going forward he is a 30-40 goal guy playing a strong 2 way game, then Leafs need a young guy that has #1 centre potential, a 1B centre.

If Matthews is staying.

Nylander, Carlo and Robertson to Anaheim for Sennecke, Luneau and Gaucher.
This is assuming that they make the playoffs this year, do not re-sign Carlson and look to take the next step. Carlo would be a great fit there. Nylander gives them a true 1st line RW and Robertson some possible 3rd line scoring help. Leafs pick up a future possible 1B centre. Luneau adds a puck moving RD and Gaucher has never really developed as hoped, but Leafs give the big man a shot.

Leafs clear tons of cap.

Domi and Stolarz to LA for Moore, Brzustewicz and Ziemmer. Domi is cheaper an upgrade on Moore who seems to have been on a continuous decline in LA. LA needs a goalie as there two right now are old. They can look to move one. I don't necessarily want Moore, but I do like that he has no trade protection making him moveable to where ever the Leafs choose. I have mentioned Brzustewicz as a D prospect and Ziemmer before.

Rielly to Chicago for John Mustard and a 2027 3rd. Chicago could be a really good situation for Rielly. He would be the vet D-man on the roster and expectations of him would not likely be too high. Leafs get a decent mid 6 prospect and a future 3rd.

1.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 14:25:33
I can totally support these trades.
All have been on my list as well, though not fully shared on the site.

And your Matthews evaluation might be correct and hence not getting $17m or even $14m.

2.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 19:51:53
Confused a bit RLF. Are you saying with Sennecke that the Ducks don't already have a True RW? And who is the 1B centre you are talking about?

3.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 20:19:56
Not getting that package RLF. I’ve become a Dicks fan and watch these guys frequently. Gauthier and Sennecke already have way more positive impact on the game than Willy does. I don’t think you will get any of them for Willy never mind 2 of them.

4.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 20:31:28
It is a big return and you might be right.

That's the challenge on this site versus real-world negotiations where you ask first if you see a need for something, in this case Nylander. Then understand what need it fills and inquire how much it’s worth to them.



The Ducks might say they’d pay Luneau and Gaucher. We’d hum and haw a bit and then ask for 2026R2 and make the deal.

Both sides walk away happy, like in Walt Disney movies.

5.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 20:50:23
Clarky!!!! He is talking Nathan Gaucher not Cutter Gauthier. Plus I don't see even if Anaheim was to part with Sennecke how they fit Willy, Robertson and Carlo in their salary cap in Anaheim. Anaheim has just under $40 million available for next year. But Karlsoon, Gauthier, Mintyukov and Zellweger are all RFA's so pencil in the first 3 for $7.5 to $8 million and Zellweger $4 to $5 and possibly more. So that is $28 roughly gone and then if they re-sign John Carlson at another $8 that is $36 gone.

Then they would have Willy, Robertson and Carlo at $16.7 with Robertson probably getting another $2.5 and maybe more. So roughly $19.2 more that puts Anaheim over their cap by $15 million and even by subtracting Sennecke and adding 3 Leafs they still need to sign another 6 players. I think Anaheim is going to stick with what they have and plug a few of the prospects in. They are on the right track.

6.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 21:20:47
Not speaking for RLF, but I expect the 1B center for the Leafs was in fact Nathan Gaucher, who I like a lot.

His reference to the L1RW, I believe, is Bennett Sennecke, who no doubt will be him one day if not even with adding Nylander.



In any event, we would all love to see that deal happen, but it’s a very big haul and likely not one to expect.

That would be a great place to start though!

7.) 10 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 21:55:00
No, Randy I was saying that Cutter Gauthier is on the first line as RW but Sennecke could be that first line RW as well. They don't really need to swap a RW for a RW. And if you are correct in thinking he was talking at Gaucher as the 1B Centre, I certainly don't see it.

He hasn't played a game in the NHL and in San Diego he is putting up 3rd line bordering on 4th line numbers in the AHL. We will let RLF speak for himself though on which player he meant.

8.) 10 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 22:13:24
Since the Anaheim deal is the only thing really getting any attention, I will try and clear some things up in my post.
S1967 - Although Sennecke has exceeded expectations in his first season and may end up a true #1 RW, but that is yet to be seen. On top of the points, he also has 73 giveaways. Most amongst their forwards. I also believe even though he played very little centre in junior, he could be a converted to a centre with his size, skill and skating. Sometimes have to get creative to get a 1B centre or 2C. I did also say assuming they don't re-sign Carlson.

The deal is 3 Leaf NHL roster players for 1 Anaheim NHL roster player and 2 AHL players.

It is not Cutter Gauthier, it is Nathan Gaucher, who as I said, has not developed as hoped and is in the AHL at 22.



As for the Cap, part of that includes the up to $4M Sennecke can earn on bonuses. So you can add another $4M to their cap. They would need to sign a vet D and not getting much cheaper than Carlo. Robertson won't be getting any big raise, if one at all. Willy is a controlled asset as he is signed for years. Yes, they have gyus to sign. Zelleweger gets 3rd line minutes, so not sure he gets $4-$5M. Even at S1967 projected 28M left of the $45 they will have, that leaves them $17M to fit Willy, Carlo and Robertson. Definitely doable and if Robertson wants too much, they can flip him.

9.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 00:26:46
Don't want to be Mr. Negative but I just feel we need to be getting a lot more back from Anaheim to do that deal. We are giving them 3 Roster players. For one Roster player. One player of ours who could probably get this return and maybe a better one by himself. The other players we are getting are crapshoots really. Gaucher seems to be really struggling, and not seeing he will be better, but I think we might have a better prospect in Holinka already than Gaucher.

Luneau has had a big dropoff this year, and with Noah Chadwick and Danford again we might have our own better options. There has to be a better pedigree of prospects or a big chunk of draft picks to make this viable, I think, anyway. Just one guys opinion is all.

10.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 00:41:50
I forgot to add that Zellweger is getting 2nd pairing minutes with Gudas, and even at undersized has really brought his defensive game into step sacrificing the offensive side of his game.

But that is not a bad thing when the team is winning. Now if he was added instead of Luneau and a 1st round pick tossed on top of Sennecke, that would make it easier to think about with Gaucher as a project.

11.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 09:33:27
@clarky buddy I’ve become a Ducks fan too and I agree. Question tho would the Ducks do Sennecke for Matthews? Cause I would. That kid's gonna be a problem so would they? Do the Ducks add? Maybe a D prospect like Solberg? Or is it straight one for one?

12.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 11:44:29
Yes, Luneau's points are down this year. Because last year they played him to his strength, offence. This season they are putting him in a more defensive role to work on that side of his game, although his offensive numbers have started to pick up lately.
Zellweger's defensive game is coming along. He has averaged 15-18 mins a night pretty much all year. That is not 2nd pair and Gudas averages the lowest mins a night other than Moore. Zell averages about the same minutes as Helleson. Trouba and LaCombe minute munch big time. Yes, they have a rotation of about 4 guys who play a 2nd/3rd pair depending on the night. But 17+ mins (Some on the PP) a night is not a 2nd pair. They could use Carlo as he can give them true 2nd pair minutes is the point.

Sennecke looks great so far guys. It's not just Nylander for Sennecke. Some of the value of Carlo would be added to that. I think Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now and Carlo should have more value than Luneau.

13.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 18:18:35
Zellweger is 4th in TOI average for their Defence. But he has not really been playing the power play; they have been putting Mintyukov on the PP and using Zellweger a lot on the penalty kill. They are finding, even though he is smaller, his anticipation and skating has transitioned a lot better to the penalty kill than Mintyukov, plus they already know he is pretty good on the PP so he is a good option in that regard too. I'd love to have him in Toronto.



I have to kind of grin at your comment about Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now. Let's see. One has scored 8 goals last year in the minors, and another 8 this year, and never played a game in the NHL. The other scored 15 goals in the NHL last year, has 13 goals in the NHL this year and, hopefully, if he is utilized better will get more ice time down the stretch. That is not a wash.

This deal needs a way better return from Anaheim.

14.) 11 Mar 2026
11 Mar 2026 12:53:30
Wow suffering, you're an expert on everything aren't you. You're well informed on every team, prospect, player, contract negotiations, trade evaluation, player evaluation, what coaches and GM's are thinking. It's remarkable really.

For one, I never said Zellweger is not 4th in TOI. I said 15-18 mins a game is not 2nd pair minutes and he gets about the same minutes as Helleson. Which he gets 11 seconds more a game on average. Most people would say that is about the same. Helleson is a 3rd pair D. I also said they have 4 guys that depending on the night, get 2nd or 3rd pair minutes behind the two minute munchers on the D. What about that isn't true?

It's you that claimed Zell is playing 2nd pair with Gudas, not me. Gudas is 5th in D TOI and averages under 17 mins a night, about 15 mins EV, which is 3rd pair minutes. Both things can't be true. Plus Zell has played only 45 mins all season on the PK and 56 on the PP. HIs zone starts are also weighted in the O-Zones favour. You say Minty is now the PP guy and Zell is the PK guy. Then why does Zell have more PP minutes and 3 times less PK minutes than Minty? Why are Minty's zone starts also slightly weight on the D-Zone side if Zell is the guy they lean on Defensively.

How do they know Zell can PP. Is it the 3 PP points he has all season that tells them that. Of course, I forgot you know what the coach and GM are thinking and all of their player strategies.

As for your little shot at me with the "kind of grin at my comment". I am sure with your superior hockey knowledge it did make you grin and chuckle, but insults, which you tend to default to, don't win debates.
So Robertson is worth a lot more than Gaucher huh?

For one, have to look at age. Robertson 24, 25 this year. Gaucher 22, 23 this year. Robertson was just getting his feet wet in the NHL at 22 and was often scratched. He is actually on a worse pace this year, two seasons later, than he was his first partial year, even though he is playing every night. He hasn't actually showed any real improvement points wise in 3 seasons. He has also doubled his giveaways this year in less games than last season. 2 of his 13 goals have come on the PP. He doesn't PK. He is not trusted in tight games to help close it out. He is also one of the worst puck possession players of all Leaf regular forwards.

People have been claiming his whole time in Toronto, "if he is utilized better and gets more ice then watch what he can do." He's 3 seasons in. At this point he is an approx 15 goal scorer, 30 point bottom winger who doesn't PK and needs some PP time to produce. Not great for a guy who needs to produce to be effective. He is also small and easily knocked off the puck even though he is willing to battle. He is not a fighter, never will be. You know who has had a very similar career to Robertson so far? Jarnkrok. Very similar stats. Similar type of player. But Jarnkrok is better defensively, can PK and doesn't give the puck away like Robertson.
Right now, Robertson may be worth a 2nd round pick, most likely a 3rd is what I would think reasonable.

Gaucher, as I said, hasn't developed as hoped, but big power forwards can take longer, so he isn't a bust yet. Teams are willing to pay for 6'3" 225lb forwards who play centre and a two way game. For one, centres are worth more than wingers. He brings size and a physical element. He can fight and sticks up for teammates. Pretty good speed for a big man. He PK's. He is a defensive centre with physicality, the opposite of Robertson. He has typically played 3rd line C in the AHL, not what you would call a point producing position. He is more like Nic Roy, but more physical and willing to drop the mitts. 8 fights in the last 2 seasons.
Is he still worth the 22nd overall pick where he was taken. No. Most likely going to cost a 2nd or 3rd round pick to get him though. Or equivalent player or prospect.
Seems like a wash to me.

Of course this is just my opinion and I don't posses your hockey knowledge obviously, so who knows. Funny how all of a sudden you're not getting all those likes on your posts you claim were from others liking your posts. lol