16 Mar 2026 10:58:42
So it looks like the Leafs are gonna do the Leafs thing and not finish bottom 5 so here’s some moves I think help the Leafs retool and help change the out look of this team…
At the draft-
Tor: Reilly
Sjs: 2nd (pick 64) Haultenen
Offseason blockbuster-
Tor: Nylander
Ana: Mctavish Mintyukov
Free agency-
Sign Laughton 3x 4.5
Sign Roslovic 2x5
And sign someone like a Lomberg
No those guys don’t replace Marner Nylander types but it’s about continuing to change this teams identity.
I think San Jose might be the only team willing to take that risk on Reilly and getting at late 2nd and a blue chip prospect I think is fair for both teams.
The Willy trade I’ve put out there before Leafs need to get a 2nd line centre so they can move JT to the wing Mctavish has kinda been overshadowed with the emergence of some of their younger guys I think he brings the puss and vinegar that you want.
And Mintyukov if that offensive dman that the Leafs need plus he’s got good size he’s not just a small speedy guy.
For free agents I think we can agree that Laughton is the player we thought he was but the coach refused to use him like he should’ve bring him back and put him where you we’re supposed to.
Roslovic we should have signed this year he’s not a world beater but he’s a responsible two way player that with put up 20 goals 50 points. And lastly Leafs should go and get that glue/ energy guy for the fourth line which is why I suggested Lomberg but it could be someone else preferably on the cheap.
There are more moves they need to make but these are what I think could/should happen.
1.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 11:54:01
Goat2.0
It seems to me that I should go back to hoping the Leafs win. Why? Because then they disappoint me and lose. I’ve been recently hoping they lose and they win!
So I’m going to now hope they’ll win and disappoint me yet again!
I like the Rielly trade, Kasper Halttunen is a big skilled 21yo winger #34 in 2023.
I do like Laughton’s character but at $4.5m isn’t that too expensive for L4C?
For me I’d take AJ Greer before Lomberg but that’s definitely the type of player we need on L4. Greer is younger and has scored well this year.
Also I’m not keen on paying Roslovic $5m, though I do like his size, skill and speed.
If I spend $5m on a F I’d consider Mantha or Marchment.
Do we need both of them? Groulx, as big C with speed, a solid to great wrist shot, could be our L3C next year.
I’m certainly seeing the need to trade Nylander to get 2 or 3 players that can all contribute in the NHL next year. McTavish and Mintyukov are certainly good targets and save on cap to sign UFAs.
I like the direction and your thinking.
2.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 12:25:07
Rielly won’t get that much. Take the second and run. Or ideally throw in Domi and get a second and a 4th.
3.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 13:29:32
I think we could get more elsewhere for Nylander. And in that trade we don't save money in cap. Willy has $11.5M. McTavich has $7M and Mintyukov is forecasted as a RFA to get between $5.75 to $6.5.
I would like to see a 1st or 2 2nds in there.
I like the Halttunen idea. He had good chemistry with Cowan in London. A young guns line of those two centred by Holinka would be a fun one to watch grow together.
4.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 14:16:43
Bob1965
Which team do you target for the 2nd and 4th? Is it for 2026?
Since we’re giving up two NHL players, maybe we should ask also for a decent D+2 prospect. I think you’re underselling a bit, but it’s addition by subtraction.
Suffering
There are certainly lots of choices to get a great Nylander return.
If not the Ducks there’s SJS and the Kraken that I’d target. I’ll pass SJS for now since I just traded Rielly to them for Halttunen.
In Seattle they have a bevy of talent. As you know I’m focused on good talent already drafted to have a shorter turnaround. Do you think I’m too greedy if I ask for Shane Wright to stick in L3C now, plus 3 of 4 of the following: Carson Rehkopf, Julius Miettinen, Lukas Dragicevic and Blake Fiddler.
Lol okay 2 of the 3 then!
5.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 15:36:18
@Randy As I mentioned for Laughton if they bring him back it can’t be for fourth line duties if that’s what they are thinking then don’t bother. As for Roslovic, maybe 5 mil is rich, but that’s what I think he’s worth at the top end. Mantha has had a great year; I see him staying in Pittsburg and Marchment already expressed that he didn’t want to come to the Leafs.
@sufferingsince I don’t think you can trade a guy like Nylander for futures. Also, he’s got to waive, so keep in mind he dictates where he goes. I think getting two young guys who are already NHL proven and have been solid is what you get back in a Nylander deal. No way you get both players plus high end picks. Willy’s good but he’s not Quinn Hughes.
6.) 16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026 16:48:49
At Goat2.0, I only mention either futures or extra with Willy because if we are trading him we need to either get his production at least back if it is a retool. If it's a rebuid we need to get as many prospects and picks as we can. I also know he has to waive if he is to be traded.
I am also one of the few on here who would rather keep him in either scenario. He is not slowing down but Matthews is. I have said it before and will say it again. Willy's contract in 2 years in this league of salary explosion will look like a bargain.
7.) 17 Mar 2026
17 Mar 2026 00:55:33
@sufferingsince
It’s harder to replace top-end centres. Yes, Matthews has slowed down, but with his two-way play I think there’s still the ability to win with him. Look at Barkov — he’s a Selke, 30-35 goal player with two cups, and Florida has depth under him. Love JT, but he’s too slow to be a top-6 centre.
8.) 17 Mar 2026
17 Mar 2026 12:34:08
I hear you about Barkov and he is a good player. Thing is he earns about right where a Centre with those numbers should be. $10m. We are not paying Matthews $13m and change to put up those numbers. Plus the countdown is on with him only have 2 years on that contract and I guarantee he is not going to want to sign for a pay cut.
I feel once he is healthy from the injury we look hard at a deal with another team for him.
9.) 17 Mar 2026
17 Mar 2026 12:51:20
Plus don't forget that Nylander, if he had not missed the games when he was hurt, would be second in the league in scoring by right wingers behind Kucherov and slightly ahead of Pasternak. High production right wingers are also hard to replace. Mitch Marner, sadly, is tied for 4th in that right winger category and we still did not replace him.
10.) 17 Mar 2026
17 Mar 2026 14:46:24
Suffering in what world is Mintyukov getting $5.75-$6.5m??? They have projected his next contract to be between $3.5-$5.5 depending on his stats this season and pp time. Look at his stats nothing warrants even the $3.5 let alone the numbers you're saying. He will get a bridge deal of maybe in the $3-4m aav over 2/3 years. That's what they r projecting. Only way he gets more is if he signs an offer sheet and I don't see teams giving up a 1st rd and 3rd pick to sign him and paying him $4.7-7m. I would take Mintyukov and not McTavish. Substitute McTavish with Carlsson or Gauthier. With the picks. My opinion
11.) 17 Mar 2026
17 Mar 2026 20:35:53
If they could get Mintyukov for the upcoming season with a 1st and a 3rd from next year I could almost guarantee Calgary would jump all over Mintyukov. Vancouver as well. Although Calgary could do it and still have a 1st round left over.