05 May 2024 19:29:21
So. I think it's fair to say some BIG changes are coming for Toronto this off Season. Shanny could be gone, Keefe should start packing, and any player not named Matthews, Nylander or Knies could be moved.
If John Cooper from TBL is available, the leafs should be on that, goes the same for if Carolina let RBA walk as well. Right now, either Gallant or Berube would be good coaches as well.
Now as for Marner. He has a full NMC, so these ideas of him going to Columbus, Montreal or like Winnipeg or Calgary isn't going to fly I don't think. I've read/ created 3 deals that Marner COULD waive his NMC for. If you move Marner, you need to get back multiple pieces for him. Toronto has a weak prospect pool, no picks, secondary scoring is lacking, defence is poor, they need a 2nd line centre, and cap space for other moves. A trade for Marner needs to touch on 3 of 6 of these areas.
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1- Trade with Toronto's favourite partner, Anaheim
To Toronto- Zegras/ McTavish, Fowler, 2024 2nd (BOS), 2025 3rd (ANA) $12,250,000
To Anaheim- Marner, 2024 1st ($10,900,000)
Anaheim has a lot of centres, and could use an elite winger to get Leo, Strome, Gauthier, the remaining centre going.
Toronto solves their 2nd line centre, Defence problem and kind of helps their draft pick situation. If it's McTavish in the deal, Toronto retains 1.5 M and the 3rd becomes a 2nd and Toronto gives up a 2nd instead of a 1st
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To Toronto- Dawson Mercier, Alexander Holtz, John Marino, 2024 1st pick (#10)
To New Jersey- Mitch Marner (1.5M retained) , 2024 1st pick (#23)
If there was a way for Toronto to get Nico Hischier, I'd be all over this, but he's NYD's Captain. NJD gets some assist power for Jackie Hughes, and a 1st round pick. Marner and Hughes on a line together should propel NJD to the playoffs.
Toronto gets secondary scoring, a high level 1st round pick to either get a blue chip prospect, or to package for a defender. John Marino is criminally underrated and is locked in at a good rate, and Toronto gets more cap control with Holtz and Mercier. Holtz still oozes potential, and being able to learn from Tavares would be ideal.
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To Toronto- McCain, Oleksaik, 2024 2nd (NYR), 2025 3rd (Sea) 2025 4th (Dallas) (possibly Wright)
To Seattle- Marner (1.5 M retained), Nick Robertson
For Seattle, they need a game changer for Matty and their new draft picks. Marner would get to play with other fast, young players, and give Seattle fans a game changer. Seattle also gets Nick Robertson to plug into their lineup as well
Toronto gets a 2nd line centre, top 4 defenceman, ~2.5m in salary cap, prospect Shane Wright and a couple lower picks to restock the cupboards.
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My preferred deal is the Anaheim one. Toronto gets a bonified 2nd line centre in TZ or MM, a top 3 Defender in Cam Fowler and a couple picks.
The NJD deal works if Toronto wants to clear a lot of cap, and get younger. Mercier and Holtz could be the secondary scoring Toronto needs, and Marino would be an ideal defence partner for Morgan. A top 10 first round pick isn't too bad either.
The Seattle deal is a bit of both. McCain and JO are the established pieces, Shane Wright could become a star, 2nd line centre or a middle 6 forward. The picks would help replenish the system as well.
05 May 2024 21:51:42
Toronto would be best to bring back only a small bit of cap space. With Anaheim I'd want them to bring back Gibson and some draft picks. I'm not opposed to zegras coming but I would at least expect any Toronto draft picks Anaheim has to be coming back out way (2025 3rd)
I'm a spiteful man and if the Leafs get their 3rd back I'd love to see them give swayman an offer sheet.
05 May 2024 21:54:24
I have less than zero interest in Zegras.
05 May 2024 23:15:34
Forget trying to convince Marner or Tavares to waive their NTC and NMC they will play out their last season here
If backstabber Mats Sundin never waived neither will these 2.
06 May 2024 01:28:23
I'd look at the Anaheim trade but mctavich over zebras. I think marner is by far the best player and I'd never hive my first as well unless it's a swap with their first.
06 May 2024 02:40:53
Zegras and McTavish are both centers while Marner is a wing.
I doubt very much that Anaheim would give up two centers for Marner.
Zegras appears to be a troubled boy with attitude problems and certainly not the type of problem Leafs want to take on.
Fowler is 32 years of age, 33 in December and we all know what happens to 33 year old defenders.
They regress.
Similarly why would NJ sacrifice so many young, high end pieces and a top ten pick for a right wing that disappears in the playoffs?
Fitzgerald would be/ should be fired for making this proposed trade.
Oleksiak is another 31 year old defenseman who will be 32 in December.
Aging players, especially those who have played a physical brand of hockey throughout their career should be avoided at all cost.
Will Borgen would be a much better option to pair with Morgan Reilly.
Forget the 3rd and 4th round picks which have little value except as window dresssing.
When you say McCain I assume you mean McCann?
McCann, Wright and Borgen for Marner and Liljegren would be a better balanced trade for both teams I believe.