09 Mar 2026 15:33:10
I don't know how valid the Nemec are, but if true, the Leafs need to make an offer.

To New Jersey
Knies $7.75M/5 years
Carlo $3.49M/1 year

To Toronto
Nemec RFA (probably $8.5M?)
Mercer $4M/1 year

Nemec, a potential top pairing Dman who will be going into his 4th NHL season (saves time on rebuild).


Mercer is a good 2-way player, who also PK's. He could fill that top 2C position for Leafs, instead of wing.

Jersey gets the top 6 scorer they're looking for. Knies also PK's and can be a Power Forward.
Carlo is a solid 2nd/3rd pairing guy, who is also a good PKer.

Thoughts?

1.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 20:17:59
No thanks still. Need to find that D without giving up Knies. Keep your guys that have heart. We keep lacking heart because we keep trading it away when we get it.

2.) 09 Mar 2026
09 Mar 2026 20:19:56
I think you’re going to catch heck for trading Knies.

I like both Nemec’s upside and Mercer’s play!

But Simon hasn’t reached that upside quite yet so there’s risk and Mercer also hasn’t convinced management that he’s a top C based on last contract negotiation.

I think it’s close but I’d probably look for more somewhere else, however I don’t know where that somewhere else is lol.

3.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 01:16:16
@Randy
Agreed.
Mercer is probably more a 2nd/3rd line winger, but he has played plenty of C in his career. We need to fill that 2C spot and this helps it for now. JT can't do it anymore imo, plus he was really never good defensively. Schmaltz will probably re-sign with Utah, plus he's really not great defensively as well.
Nemec hasn't lived up to his billing as well, but he is getting much better and more reliable. He reads the game well imo and is taking on much more minutes. We need a younger 1D, or at least a top pairing D which I believe Nemec will be.
Definitely a gamble trading Knies, but D and C are much more coveted positions that we need.



This would be something I would do if we win the draft lottery. At that point we take McKenna or Stenberg (either will be ready to play right away). Then maybe Leafs can get Raddysh is FA, sounds like Tampa will have difficulty to re-sign him.

Of course, I would look to make some more trades after this. Maybe target Tippett as Clarky likes.
Stolarz or Woll, plus Maccelli jopefully dors it.

Also, I still like Hayton for 3C. Really good on faceoffs, young and defensively responsible as well.
Maybe Robertson & Benoit, maybe add a pick if need be.

If we lose the pick too Boston, then I'd be more open to a rebuild.

4.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 09:27:25
@tags Nice post man, I like how more and more fans are warming to the idea of rebuild as I think that’s the only option. Now, for the McKenna/Stenberg draft targets. I get the choice kinda not really but imo the number 1 we should target is Keaton Verheof! This kid's more well rounded then Schaefer on NYI and he’s off the chain.

Verheof is extremely physical and at 6’4” 215 he has comparable skills to Victor Hedman as well. He’s the true elite #1 defenceman we’ve coveted for 40yrs this is who we draft with our pick. The Leafs have a plan and it’s tank. We lose every remaining game. Maybe one or two wins here and there but tank 26’ here we go! GLG! Lol

5.) 10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 11:49:19
Henry77, thanks bud.
I don't pretend to know too much about the draft stock. Only from what I read and the highlights I've seen. I haven't watched any of these guys live.
There is lots to love about Verhoeff; size and physicality. But, there are quite a few mixed opinions on whether Verhoeff will be an actual #1 defenceman in the NHL. Personally, my big worry is his skating and decision making. I know he is still young and even young in his draft class (June baby, yeah Gemini), but I have slight concerns myself.

From what I watched, he's not very fast and a bit clumsy on his skates (I get he's 6'4" which makes him a bit more awkward). I just don't see that clear #1D status like I saw with Schaefer (elite skater & hockey IQ).

Again, I know nothing about these guys. But from what I've seen and heard/read Stenberg would be my choice, even though it sounds like McKenna will be the point scoring leader for this draft class.

I would still look to trade Knies in a package to acquire a #1D. Please don't hate me boys!

6.) 11 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 22:21:29
You need to watch a lot more footage on Verhoeff, Tags. He is certainly a lot clumsy, and his ceiling is off the charts. The kid really only stopped playing as a Goalie when he was almost 13.

It's a little unfair to compare him to Schaeffer as it's almost to compare anyone at any position to Schaeffer. The kid is a freak. If we tank enough to get a shot at Verhoeff I would take him for sure.

7.) 11 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 22:29:07
My choice would be that if Toronto doesn’t get the number 1 pick but still ends up in the top 5, and he’s available, then I’d take Chase Reid. Overall he’s probably the best defenseman in the draft. He can both attack and defend, has great hockey IQ, skates well, and is physical enough. He could become Toronto’s long-term number one defenseman, and on top of that he shoots right. I’d even consider taking him at number 2.

I’ve watched about half of Verhoeff’s games, maybe around 10–15 of Carson Carels’ games, about 20 of Reid’s games, and several of Ryan Lin’s games as well. I’ve been focusing on defensemen, and out of those players Chase Reid looks the most NHL-ready to me. Clear number-one defenseman potential.

The next pick, if he’s available, would be Layne Gallacher, a left-shot center. He has good hockey sense and could be a long-term, pure third-line center for Toronto. He plays a solid two-way game and has a great work ethic. He already plays a pretty mistake-free game, though he still needs to add some weight and strength. With his passing ability he could lead the third line really well.

Time to go into full tank mode… or maybe it’s already started. I’m looking forward to the draft more than Toronto’s games right now, though I do watch some junior games from time to time.

8.) 11 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 22:29:44
I meant he is certainly not clumsy!

9.) 11 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026 23:39:48
OK In response to Thisisit. You have watched half of North Dakota's games this year, 20 of the Soo Greyhounds games, 10 to 15 of Prince Georges games, and several of Vancouver Giants games, as well as some Brantford and Guelph games.
That is impressive, I have to say. The trick in that top ten of the draft isn't who is the most NHL ready now, but identifying who will be the most ready 3 years and 13 years from now.


I have heard Reid compared to Werenski, and have heard Verhoeff compared to Ekblad and She Weber. To be honest, I would prefer the latter type of defenseman to build around. Verhoeff is still relatively new to the position, but is still playing at a great level against players 3 and 4 years older in many cases than him at the moment.

10.) 11 Mar 2026
11 Mar 2026 13:27:32
Yeah, I’ve been watching a lot more OHL, WHL, and college games, scouting potential picks that could fit Toronto. Clearly, a right-shot defenseman who isn’t just a shutdown type is ideal. Between Reid and Verhoeff, on-ice performance definitely leans toward Reid. I also see Ekblad-style traits in Verhoeff, as well as a bit of Evan Bouchard. Reid reminds me of Luke Hughes, and his skating is a big advantage compared to Verhoeff.

Both defensemen would work, but I’m leaning toward Reid, and hopefully Toronto picks him. Often, drafted defensemen step into NHL roles in their first or second seasons, so it’s not always necessary to wait 10 years for their career to start.

The future superstar is Chase, assuming injuries don’t slow his development. He already has elite-level skating and edge work. His hockey IQ is clearly better than Verhoeff’s, though Verhoeff is more physical.

Yeah, those two defensemen would be the top pair. The next pick should ideally be a center.

11.) 11 Mar 2026
11 Mar 2026 14:10:09
@S1967
My comment made towards Schaefer was more in response to Henry77. Not meant to be disingenuous.
Anyways, I just don't see Verhoeff as a #1D. He would be an amazing #2 IMO.
I do like Reid's play style more, but I do agree Verhoeff would be the better choice.

12.) 11 Mar 2026
11 Mar 2026 16:00:20
Tags. You're not the only one that found Verhoeff's skating looking a little "awkward" at times. It's not all the time, but I think it is a work in progress and will improve to be more a fluent first steps and edge work.

That said, for sure I would consider him as the 1st overall. He has the size, frame, skills and drive from what I have seen.