25 Feb 2024 15:42:06
Trying a different target that should be able to play with Rielly.

To SJ
2024 3rd (via NYI)
Timmins $1.1M/ 2yrs RFA
Kressler ELC

To Toronto
Rutta $2.75M/ 2yrs UFA

Leafs get a cheaper, defensive, big bodied RD who can play with Rielly. Plus he has playoffs experience with 2 Stanley Cup rings.

Thoughts?

1.) 25 Feb 2024
25 Feb 2024 17:40:50
Great trades.

2.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 03:42:34
I am curious as to who Kressler (ELC) is.
I have looked through the Marlies roster and can not find that name.
I have looked through the Newfoundland Growlers roster and can not find that name.
Have I missed a new addition to the Leafs extended family?

3.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 03:55:18
I like it.

Simple deal, but effective.

Rutta isn't a game changer, but is better than what's currently on D.

Solid prop.

4.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 12:08:04
Thanks LL, I figured why mess up the team chemistry, which is looking pretty good ATM.
I think this just helps us slot the pairings without spending much draft capital.
WB Kressler was signed by Leafs in October 2021, an undrafted player from the 2021 draft.
He is 21, 5'9" 169lbs RH Center and is currently playing in the OHL. A tier below Voit I guess.

5.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 13:00:08
With Rutta being signed for another season will this be enough or is him at $2.75M too much? He is playing top 4 minutes in SJ, but for his career, he has been a 3rd pair D. He has Cups, but the 1st one he was barely involved in and the 2nd one he played, but averaged only 14 mins a night. I'm always leery about putting guys in positions like a top pair complimentary D when they've never done it.
Rutta is hard ne to value imo. If you are looking for a cheap Rielly partner, maybe. Maybe he can pull it off.

6.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 13:22:12
RLF it's a tough call one way or the other. If we're aiming higher, then our 1st+ is involved. If we're going for a cheaper Schenn type, then we can spend less.
We're all scoping around the league trying to find someone to fill in.
Ideally, since Seattle's falling out of a playoff spot, IMO either Larsson or Borgen would be my top targets. Just have no clue whether they will be shopped around by Seattle.

7.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 13:25:01
I think Rutta would be in the same category as Peeke (excluding age) . Peeke is signed an extra year, so more commitment & he has zero playoff experience.

8.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 13:47:50
Tags. Maybe Peeke and Rutta are basically the same. I see more from Peeke. Peeke's situation is so odd unless there is a behind the scene's issue we don't know about.
In his first full rookie season, he looks good, playing top minutes (21:30 per night) . Second season on a brutal team he has the sophomore slump while playing similar minutes and it seems like the management just give up on him. I don't get it. I've watched the guy play a decent amount and he belongs in the NHL. imo (for what that's worth) .