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21 Mar 2026 14:59:00
Like everyone methinks, I looked at many things online this morning in hopes that something or an answer might jump out at me!
Sorry the answer is NO.
Instead I had two questions that I’d like to pose and receive feedback if you’re willing.
First is one many have raised so I’ll first give a definition and then pose the question.
A re-build and retool both do the same thing meaning to reconstruct but the difference is one of how long it takes. The rebuild is longer while a retool is much shorter. Without putting a specific time window I’m simply going to cite the Bruins this past year and perhaps the direction NYR are going.
So the question is which strategy are you proposing?
My second question is no doubt linked to this but are you proposing to trade at least one of Matthews or Nylander or both or neither?
No need for details on the trades I’m interested in a “straw poll” on these two issues.
If you’d like to support your vote with rationale that would great but right now I’m more interested in the vote results.
Thank you to all who wish to hear the site’s overall view.
1.) 21 Mar 2026 15:43:46
Rebuild
Trade Nylander
2.) 21 Mar 2026 15:47:07
Thank you Golftown!
Will be interested of course in others.
3.) 21 Mar 2026 16:31:55
Rebuild. Trade Matthews first, but if a crazy offer came in for Nylander then trade both.
Perfect world... Marty McFly and Doc come by and take us "Back to the Future" and we don't have Carlo but we have Minten and our 1st, we never had Laughton but we still have Grebenkin and our 1st.
Then we could rebuild or retool or by having those 2 players we never would be in the position we are in now anyway. One can dream, right Randy??? lol.
4.) 21 Mar 2026 18:31:00
Yes dreaming is allowed and that would be a good one for certain.
And yes, quite possibly, not having to go through this upheaval.
11 Mar 2026 21:55:06
To recap trade and UFA proposals and share what might be my opening day lineup:
L1: M. Mantha #34 A. Holtz
L2: #23 #91 #63
L3: M. Marchment F. Bystedt N. Gaucher
L4: AJ Greer P. Kurashev #18
Extra forwards and AHL prospects: Cowan, Quillan, Haymes, Groulx and Valis plus the new adds John Mustard, Kasper Halttunen, Kai Uchacz, Felix Nilsson and Ryder Ritchie
D1: P. Mintyakov & Raddysh
D2: OEL & Carlo
D3: Stanley & Connor Murphy
Extra D include Benoit, Myers, JB Docker, Thrun, Villeneuve, Chadwick, Danford, B. Smith and Tarin Smith and Webber
G1: J. Woll
G2: D. Hildeby
Stolarz was part of Predator trade with Joshua and Niemela rights to get Felix Nilsson.
Easier exercise on paper than real life of course but it’s a team that I’d like to see.
New adds were selected based on youth, skill, skating speed & agility, physicality, IQ and compete. Not saying that every add has all these but many.
Might be a few deals I modify going forward but ready to share.
10 Mar 2026 21:59:18
Let’s look at our forward, player by player and do first draft of off-season plans.
Perhaps the very first questions deal with Matthews and Nylander. Do we keep both or just one?
I don’t care much whether we call it a retool or rebuild but if we trade both then the debate is clearly settled.
I am choosing to keep Matthews because he’s the more rounded player. So L1C.
We trade Nylander to the Ducks for Mintyukov, Gaucher and Tarim Smith.
Keep Knies for now. L1LW or L2LW.
Keep Tavares as L2C. I think he deserves another year here give his FO ability and offence.
Trade Domi to the Wild for 19yo RW Ryder Ritchie who was drafted #45 in 2024, is 6.2 190.
Resigning Maccelli at a small raise to $4m x 2 yrs. If he wants more I trade his RFA rights. He has shown his skill of late so I think he adds to the team’s ability to score.
I would try and trade Joshua (failing that he would be the L4C) along with Rifai and Niemela’s RFA rights to the Predators for 20yo C Felix Nilsson #43 in 2023 who is 6’ 192 and plays the game right in all three zones.
Obviously Jarnkrok leaves, for me at least.
Robertson is trade due to redundancy with Cowan and Maccelli. Have a new proposal to send him to Vegas for Alexander Holtz and Kai Uchacz. Both these players have had problems so these are risky for sure. But with risk come great upsides.
Holtz is a 24yo RW 6’ 198 and a #7 pickin 2021. A speedster who can score with opportunity and the right linemates. Uchacz is a 22yo C who is 6.1 209; he was undrafted not because of ability but racial comments made to a teammate. He is took time away from hockey and racial education. I’d be willing to trade for him IF the interview went well.
Lorentz I’m keeping as L4RW.
Depending on training camp Cowan may start at L3 RW or get plenty of ice in critical moments in AHL.
Quillan is resigned along with Haymes and Groulx and at camp.
Each gets a good look.
Keep Valis and invite to camp as well. Holinka gets an invite as well.
I try to sign the following UFAs. Again I’m looking for players that have skill but on reasonable contracts thereby yielding multiple signings and forward depth.
I want to sign Anthony Mantha ($4m x 3), Mason Marchment ($5m x 3), AJ Greer ($1.3m x 2) and Phillipp Kurashev ($1.2m x 2).
That’s it for today.
1.) 11 Mar 2026 04:28:08
You lost my vote (??) when you resigned Maccelli.
He has scored some points but is completely a non impact player who you don’t know is on the ice unless he gets a point.
I don’t think any team in the league is taking Domi and sending back an asset.
Trade Matthews and Nylander for the most young assets we can get.
Signing UFAs over 30 years old for 3 year terms is not how to rebuild a team.
2.) 11 Mar 2026 11:38:22
Thanks for the response, WB.
I was certainly not a fan of Maccelli early on but his recent play has IMO shown his value.
At $4m he would be a decent value; I think he can be close to a 50 point puck carrier and playmaker for us.
I’m open however to hearing a proposal. Where would you trade him and for what?
You’re a bit harsh on Domi methinks; I’m pretty certain some team could use him; he’ll reach 40pts, is a good skater with toughness.
Lol, retool! Three years is enough time for our newly traded-in players plus several kids in the pipeline (Holinka, Danford, Chadwick, Valis and a couple of others) to make the jump.
But thanks for input; the Matthews/Nylaner situation will be much talked about for awhile yet.
09 Mar 2026 17:39:03
Okay, today I’m going to focus on our Defence and propose two trades and some UFA signings.
As you know we have 8 D on the NHL roster.
First up of course is Rielly. I am okay with RLFs Chicago Black Hawk proposal for Dman John Mustard, a real speedster, who offers tenacious play and strong offence plus a 2027R3. I’d like more but Rielly’s savings gives us other opportunity.
I’m not unhappy to keep OEL and hope his return to form can continue. I think it can given his strong skating ability and IQ, plus his tenacity is good.
Tanev is next and I’m expecting him to retire or continue on LTIR.
McCabe is next and I’m trading him to SJS. At 33yo and $4.51m x 4 he’s easily replaced based on what he offers.
I will target Logan Stanley, a 28yo LD who is 6.7 230 who can fight and play hard D and who found scoring this year. He’s a very good skater and can do everything McCabe did. Pay Stanley $4m x 4 years if still available. Second choice is Mario Ferraro, smaller but very feisty at similar terms.
I propose to keep Benoit (and hope he returns to last year’s playoff performance) as well as Carlo who might finally settle in as a Leaf and also P.
Myers.
Myers has little value but can be a serviceable 7th Dman or be waived at a later date.
UFA Troy Stecher is allowed to go elsewhere. While he filled a role there is a season 6 teams have let him go.
I also have interest in Jacob Bernard-Docker in Detroit. He’s a 25yo 6.1 196 RD and is a solid skater, good defender and plays hard. He needs confidence and once found can possibly finally be what his junior years promised.
I’m also inclined to sign RD Connor Murphy at $3m x 3 years. He’s tough to play against, blocks shots is strong on PK and has good mobility. We need to keep the puck out of the net and he can help.
And finally I propose one of either Rasmus Andersson or Darren Raddysh. Both are 30yo and both are 6.1 202lbs. Both have two-way skill sets.
I pick the Canadian lol perhaps because he will cost less at $4.5m to $5.5m versus $6-8m.
This savings can be used up front where need also exists.
Think that’s it for today.
1.) 09 Mar 2026 18:59:30
Like Stanley as a target and Raddysh, I'd part with Benoit, Reilly and Carlo. Keep Stecher as a 3rd pairing guy.
2.) 09 Mar 2026 20:08:11
Okay, Johnny, can you elaborate on keeping Stecher and what’s your contract?
And who would you want for Carlo and Benoit?
I’m assuming the Rielly deal is ok.
3.) 09 Mar 2026 20:16:08
Nice post Randy. Reilly has to go like it’s a must or he may start getting the Marner treatment. I’m ok with moving on from McCabe as long as we get some toughness back. It’s been his worst year as a Leaf. I’d keep Carlo, Tanev and Steetcher as 7-8 Dman. Danford will be the other RHD.
Keep OEL and I’d like to see all the Marlies battle for 1 LHD position. My pick is Rifai. Then we have to go out and get a puck moving 2 way D-man. I’d be happy if they got Stanley as the LHD and Rifai is 7-8 with Stetcher.
Would be awesome to get Raddysh or Andersson but it’s gonna be a battle.
4.) 09 Mar 2026 20:26:09
You’re the second to state the desire to keep Stecher.
I just can’t see it, sorry.
I’d rather, as I said, sign JB Docker who at 25yo has upside.
But I respect your view on him; he did contribute!
5.) 09 Mar 2026 22:21:17
Randy, I'd be happy with a 2nd round pick and prospect for Carlo. Just about any pick for Benoit, same with Reilly to be rid of contract. Stecher 2 yrs 1.1 per yr.
6.) 10 Mar 2026 03:36:05
Stetcher is a third pairing D who should realistically be a 7th D for me.
Nice post, like the targets. I'd only keep McCabe and Tanev in a perfect world, but I fear we may be stuck with Mo and Carlo.
7.) 11 Mar 2026 04:36:13
Considering he is top 10 among defenseman in scoring, Darren Raddysh will likely want at least $7 x 5 which I would not want to see the
Leafs give him.
I would keep Stecher’s and let Myers walk.
I like the young targets like Bernard Docker and Mustard.
I was surprised Treliving didn’t trade for Stanley at the deadline.
But that’s Treliving.
Nó plan!
08 Mar 2026 12:47:37
So my post today will focus on a move that I would make to hopefully get us closer to the SC.
I didn’t give the name of my forward in yesterday’s Robertson trade but some of you no doubt guessed it was Jan Chovan.
It follows my post of yesterday and also speaks to LeafsGM78 idea of Rielly buyout.
I want to emphasize he posted the caveat that Rielly must be willing to waive his no trade clause.
The Leafs Must get Rielly to waive for 2 reasons: a buyout while an okay strategy gets us nothing back for the asset and secondly we will carry a $2m cap hit for 8 years!
So the strategy we Must pursue is a trade and methinks our negotiation base is very weak so we will likely be disappointed by our return.
We Must take the attitude of being happy with a cap savings to reinvest in players that will move us forward plus the strong belief that part of our porous defence will be improved.
Several choices exist to me.
First is of course Vancouver, his hometown and a team that might feel the need for offence from their D corps after losing Hughes. In return be very happy with a 2026 R2 plus Aiden Celebrini, a 22yo 6.1 195lb RD who is a plus skater with good physicality and excellent play reading ability.
My second choice is SJS, who desperately need D help in any form for a 2026 R2 plus Egor Afnasayev, a 25yo 6.4 212lb offensive winger with a great shot good speed but not as quick as I’d like.
If neither of these can be done, see if Calgary will give us a R2 & R4 in 2026.
Thanks for reading.
1.) 08 Mar 2026 15:02:57
You are getting nothing back for Rielly! No asset, only another bad contract, if you can trade him at all. It may be better to buy him out.
2.) 08 Mar 2026 15:52:32
I would not consider a buyout simply because some team will grab him and we will have to absorb $2m for 8 years!
Find the team that will give us something! That can’t be impossible m4l.
SJS have only 6 current NHL Dmen.
3.) 08 Mar 2026 17:43:58
The trick, Randy, is finding a place #1 that will take him. #2, that place also has to be a place he will waive his rights to go to. Also, with Tessa Virtue's career it also has to be a fit. She is an Executive Advisor with Deloitte and has been for 5 years. So that narrows it down. Obviously the largest office would be Toronto and that won't work for trading him. Montreal and Vancouver are huge offices as well, both at over 100,000 Sq feet occupying multi floors in Office Buildings.
Vancouver could be the one destination that would be a good fit for them as a couple. Now it would come down to what, if anything, we could pry from them and if they would take the whole salary. It could be possible that we might have to give him away just for the contract and a 2 or 3rd rounder. If we have to retain $2.5 or $3 to get a prospect we might as well just do the buy out and take on the $1.5 or $2 million. Tricky situation.
4.) 08 Mar 2026 18:22:24
Yes, those requirements are necessary to move Rielly.
For me, I don’t buy him out if he won’t waive. I can’t see paying someone $2m for 8 years and watching them play on another team.
I’ll keep him and practice every day and hopefully teach him how to improve his defence. Small things like tying up a player’s stick in front of the net and how to block out someone driving to the net.
5.) 08 Mar 2026 21:39:23
Here is first of my offseason moves, part reuild and part retool. I am a firm believer that you still need a somewhat competitive Defense Corp to stabilize a youth movement up front.
Pittsburgh gets: Matthews
Carlo
Nick Robertson
Our 2 3rds from 2026
Toronto gets: Karlsoon
Brunicke
Zonnon
Horcoff
1st for 2026
Then we go hard for Rasmus Andersson as Free Agent and try to get him for $8.5.
By the time the deals are done other the Salary is almost a wash other than if we insert the young guys right away we are a extra $ 3 million roughly. Then we have a few new young bodies on the d-line with some experience and a some good puck movers and experienced Power play d-men that could still create offense even with young bodies up front.
We would still try to move Reilly of course. But our D-corp would be.
OEL with Brunicke
Karlsson with Andersson
McCabe with Danford
Benoit and Stecher at reasonable prices as spare d-men
Horcoff is a huge body Centreman and Bill Zonnon is power forward in the Q that can play wing and Centre. He is really strong.
My first of a few possible Matthews deals. He would like to play with Sid and it gives them another option if they don't sign Malkin.
6.) 08 Mar 2026 21:44:03
Or we find a mysterious injury to put Reilly on LTIR and dress Tessa in his place at league minimum. Hey!!!! In her prime she was a faster skater than him anyway lol.
7.) 08 Mar 2026 22:24:10
I’ve seen and do like everything about Zonnon.
I’d love to have Horcoff, a huge player with speed, skill and IQ.
Brunicke is also very good prospect.
The 1st is obvious.
Karlsson is to balance salary.
I feel like it’s one piece short.
I’m having real trouble understanding trade values after the TDL, to me there’s little to zero consistency.
8.) 08 Mar 2026 23:43:09
Karlsson is not just a Salary Balance but he still puts up good points and has really tightened up his defensive side of the game. Plus if we keep OEL and at Karlsson our chances of wooing Andersson increase. Those 3 guys are one half of the Starting d on the Swedish Olympic team.
I figure that Carlo, Robertson and the 2 3rds are the Karlsson trade off and Zonnon, Horcoff, Brunicke and the 1st are Matthews Trade. The way he has not produced of late that is a good deal. Zonnon and Horcoff were 1sts that have have some development time, Brunicke slipped through but should have been a 1st and without a doubt was our best d man at the WJC and didn't look bad in his NHL audition.
and of course the actual 1st round pick. That is basically 3 1sts and a very early 2nd pick that should have been a 1st. It's a good start. We would still be rebuilding but at least it won't be massice blowouts with that Defense.
Was thinking too RandySears that Seattle with that short bunny hop plane flight to Vancouver for Work purposes for Reilly's wife would also be a attractive option for a trade he might accept. 2 fold actually. It works for her career and by going to Seattle he takes a pay hike with Washington being a tax free state. He would be taking home anywhere from $1.1 to $1.5 million a year extra. We could pry away a prospect or 2 there?
9.) 09 Mar 2026 14:48:13
Let’s try and pry two Canadian prospects from Seattle.
21yo Carson Rehkopf is a future C2 or C3 with good wheels, grit and 2-way skill set.
I’d slo like Lukas Dragicevic but probably expecting too much.
Then I’ll take their 20yo undersized RD Ty Nelson who has outstanding speed and ability, always wanting to join the rush.
He also has great gap control and is surprisingly physical at 5.10” but packing 198lbs.
These trades and your post gets us going in the right direction.
RandySears's banter posts with other poster's replies to RandySears's banter posts
15 Mar 2026 20:05:57
So I’ve been looking the bargain basement bin of this year’s UFA list looking a lustre-less “gem” to polish up.
Could we find a surprise or two?
Thinking about several actually.
Not in any specific order so what about Matej Blume?
He’s a 26yo left shooting RW with explosive speed, hi-energy with a great wrist shot. At 6’ 205 he plays in a pest-like manner & described as a “compact power forward”. He’s played 17 NHL games over three seasons.
Or Riley Tufte, a 6.6’ 233 28yo LW, who was drafted #28 in 2017 and has been a very good AHL scorer who plays a strong physical game. He’s also a decent fighter.
And finally on RD how about Jacob Bernard-Docker, 6.1’ 196 26yo in April and drafted #26 in 2018. A very good skater who plays on 3rd pairing with DRW.
I’d give them all a 1-year contract at $.85m. If they don’t work this year they go the Marlies or put on waivers.
Why not?
1.) 15 Mar 2026 20:30:05
I like Bernard Docker more than most. I'm surprised he didn't end up better.
2.) 16 Mar 2026 00:35:12
I would go after Ryan Suzuki as a low end Free Agent. He isn't his Brother for sure, but.... he is not a bad hockey player and is buried in Carolina's deep system and had some injuries in first few season that slowed down his development. He is on a $1m two way contract and could maybe get him for not much more than that maybe if he was going to a team he had a chance to crack the lineup on.
Nice part is he can play Centre and Left WIng. So he could be a 3rd line left winger that could bounce to Centre if Tavares slows down another gear.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 00:39:22
Sorry Suzuki is only earning $775,000 so for sure he would be interested in a team than he truly had a shot with. For a rasie.
4.) 16 Mar 2026 12:01:50
I'd add Cole Schwindt to the list. Only 24. Big body, right shot. Never given much of a real opportunity at the NHL level but has produced decently at the AHL level.
Ville Heinola could be worth a gamble on D if looking for an Offensive D-man possibility. Only 25.
I'm just looking at young guys who may still have potential.
5.) 16 Mar 2026 12:05:28
Yes, Suzuki could be another player to sign as well. I’m in.
He will be 25 in April, is 6.1’ 190 C, drafted #28 in 2019, and has been a very solid AHL scorer.
Very smart, mobile player who has 2-way skill like his brother, but needs to be stronger on the puck.
6.) 16 Mar 2026 14:43:40
I also like Cole Schwindt for sure.
Heinola has had difficulty breaking the Jets lineup and is a good Dman but is an RFA.
7.) 16 Mar 2026 16:36:31
Another Free Agent to target that isn't a pro player is T. J. Hughes. Could be a bit of a diamond in the rough and has got better every year at Michigan. Thing I like about him as well as his point production is his commitment.
It takes a lot to do the full 4 years at College when you see people around you turning pro for the $$$ every year.
8.) 16 Mar 2026 16:57:09
Good stuff guys, turn over every rock.
Just looked at the KHL.
How about Vitali Pinchuk, a 6.3 190 24yo C who is strong KHL scorer. This year in 63gp he has 31g & 33a.
Another possible gem!
9.) 16 Mar 2026 18:49:21
Pretty sure Heinola is going to be UFA. I could be wrong.
10.) 16 Mar 2026 21:25:45
Here is my out of left field free agent signing suggestion. He is making roughly $1.5 U.S. in the KHL once bonuses are added in. Josh Leivo.... He can flat out put the puck in the net. The poor guy got messed around with the Leafs during the Babcock years, then had Travis Green and Darryl Sutter that thought they would turn him into a Two way 3rd or 4th line winger.
Sorry but this guy can bang with the best of them but he is a goal scorer. I would take a flyer on him and bring him back to finish out his days in North America with the Babcok less Leafs. It might be the KHL but the fact you hold the season record for goals in it speaks for something.
11.) 16 Mar 2026 22:51:44
You know, I always liked Leivo and felt he never got a fair chance.
Why not offer a PTO if the Leafs don’t want to sign a contract?
12.) 16 Mar 2026 22:57:39
RLF
You’re right about Heinola.
He will likely become a Group6 UFA because he’s 25yo and has played less than 80 NHL games.
Good catch; I looked at only PuckPedia.
13.) 17 Mar 2026 01:05:19
@Randy What about just using the guys you drafted and developed… isn’t this the reason why the Leafs always end up with bad contracts? Let’s use Quillan, Haymes, Valis, etc.
14.) 17 Mar 2026 13:08:47
@ Goat2.0, I think you just highlighted Randy's point of this post. He is saying we should look for some diamonds in the rough. The three players you mentioned are a perfect example. None of the 3 were ever drafted. The Leafs signed them as undrafted players. We are not saying to not use those guys, some might stick with the team and some won't. But it is worth beathing the bushes looking for similar types of players that might pan out.
The farm team still needs to be restocked every year and right now we don't have high end draft picks to do so, so adding guys on affordable 2 way contracts might be the way to find one or two that can crack the lineup and 2 or 3 serviceable to call up to fill in for injuries.
15.) 17 Mar 2026 13:26:45
Well put suffering. That's how I feel about it as well.
16.) 19 Mar 2026 19:30:51
Restocking is exactly what we need to do and that’s why I was looking for lustre-less gems aka diamonds-in-the-rough.
Inexpensive UFAs is a great way to possibly add an unexpected talent to the Leaf lineup.
As is giving Haymes and Valis a camp invite.
When we lack draft picks signing NCAA players like Borgesi and Buhr makes good sense. Maybe find another McMann which people are already saying Buhr is.
Big body, explosive speed with physicality! Difference is Buhr scored much more frequently in the same college league than McMann.
Here’s to hoping we find a surprise!
13 Mar 2026 14:01:08
Sorry in advance for this epistle.
But I’m quite pissed that we won last night!
In life, as in business, it’s important to have goals or objectives.
Otherwise how do you measure success?
In planning a trip you have a destination; without a destination any road will get you there.
The Leafs objective SHOULD now be to finish the year no better than 28th. PLAIN & SIMPLE.
Now the question becomes what do we do and how do we get there?
And the answers should center around strategies and tactics that support or are connected to that objective, like resting the injured & weary plus giving AHLers a chance to prove their worth.
I am okay with rotating Woll and Stolarz to see who we keep/ trade. We know Hildeby will be our backup next year.
Groulx and Quillan are two solid prospects that should be given every chance, if only to give them experience for this year’s playoff run by the Marlies.
Why are we playing Jarnkrok, Benoit, Carlo, Rielly, McCabe every game?
Give them some starts but let’s see if Valis and Haymes can give us a hint of what to expect as forwards.
Let’s see what Villeneuve and Thrun can do and maybe even see if Webber’s stellar defence is real.
What about giving Chadwick a game or three? Or, if available, Danford!
Aren’t all these moves helping the team achieve our “new” objective for this year?
Will it not help to assess key prospects?
Honestly I’d send Cowan down to the Marlies for two reasons! His personal confidence will get a needed boost and he will not watch his teammates give up in the face of adversity.
And bless Cowan’s soul for fighting Lacombe! Funny but very telling about his willingness to be a good teammate, unlike others when Gudas purposely kneed Matthews.
And speaking about Matthews, I think he’s facing a HUGE let-down that is likely very difficult for him.
He just left the Olympics with a Gold medal and “on-top-of-the-worl” and is now trying to contribute on a failing team. After each season in his career, he was competing in the playoffs and now this reality.
Please don’t forget, Matthews is only human and still young; I hope he will learn from this harsh reality and, through it, become a better player.
I personally think he has the right character but time will tell.
Thanks for reading and allowing me to vent.
1.) 13 Mar 2026 20:00:06
Loved the way Groulx played. Which shows that we need to start bringing up more Marlies. They have a positive impact in this team. Would love to see Haymes this year too along with Marlies tough guys and some D. This should be a tryout the rest of the year but also try not to win.
2.) 13 Mar 2026 21:17:59
Agree with most of this and good writeup.
Matthews is the one exception for me. He has not looked right in 2 years now regardless of linemates. I am leaning towards chronic injury.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 11:37:21
Be careful what you wish for if you want to tank. Playing Marlies are playing guys that have something to play for. They want an NHL job and NHL pay. They will be working their a** off to prove they belong.
06 Mar 2026 21:49:54
I was out all day and just got back.
Went to Trade Tracker and felt some excitement to read what we’d added only to be utterly shocked.
Really a tough pill to swallow. Glad the MLB will be starting soon; hopefully the Jays will help me forget this pathetic result.
Give us back Dubas and Keefe please!
1.) 06 Mar 2026 22:32:25
At least Dubas knows how to sell off players.
2.) 07 Mar 2026 14:31:05
Dubas and Keefe? Lol. Geez.
23 Feb 2026 23:24:31
I completed a fun exercise today. Played GM of our next Olympic hockey team.
Took the position of only bringing back Celebrini because of his age.
I’m sure there would be several back in 2030 but I chose to do it that way.
I won’t bore you with my choices now but I’m concerned the cupboards are getting empty versus the USA.
And I don’t like it!
1.) 24 Feb 2026 13:26:40
Actually I’m going to rescind my statement that the cupboards are empty.
Yesterday I primarily used Puckpedia but today went to the last two NHL drafts.
The numbers look much better; in 2025 Canadians drafted were 20/ 32 in R1 while projections for 2026 show 13/ 31 in R1. Only 32 picks this year in R1 because Ottawa forfeits the 15th pick.
I can sleep now!
2.) 24 Feb 2026 15:34:13
NO need to Panic just yet Randy. We did outplay the U. S they just got a incridible goaltending performance that won the game. We just got caught sleeping badly on the one 3 on shift but we did outplay them. We have some great up and coming pieces to plug in there in 4 years. I would still keep Seth Jarvis on the team with Celebrini as the youngsters from this team and a few select vets. But don't forget we have guys like Bedard, Fantilli, Wyatt Johnston (Who I thought should have been on the team this year) Shaeffer, Senecke, Ben Kindel, Fraser Minten (Leaf fans will be upset he is not still here. He could be that shutdown 3rd or 4th line centre. just to name a few. We need though to get some young blood in net soon.
3.) 24 Feb 2026 16:41:07
Agreed! I was a little too quick in my assessment.
I did include 6 players from this year but not Seth Jarvis.
McD, McKinnon, Harley and Makar should be still great players plus Celebrini. I kept Marner for now.
I did also consider Minten and I might still.
Of course agreed with the others you mention but didn’t select Kindel.
Thought McKenna would be ready (but still concerned about the recent charges) . Also like Guenther a lot.
Will Misa be ready? What about Parekh and Yaremchuk?
Bouchard instead of Doughty should have been on the ‘26 team.
I’m hoping Owen Power develops as well.
And who else will surprise us in the interim.
I’m okay now. We are still safe for awhile.
Might need to learn from Norway, making it easier for those without the means for young athletes to have the opportunity to play and enjoy this great sport.
4.) 24 Feb 2026 18:25:33
How did I forget about Guenther. OMG Love that kid. I Think in 4 yearsBrunicke and Verhoeff will be talked about a lot as a D men too. As far as next young Canadian Goalie keep your eye on Josh Ravensbergen. I was disappointed he didn't get any ice time with Canada at the WJC. It is kind of a old boys club in that way with the team. They went with Carter George and Jack Ivancovic. But Ravensbergen I think is the one we will be talking about. The kid is Huge at 6-4" and change and he moves very smoothly. And as it turns out from a week ago, the baby face assassin can throw some good punches too. San Jose has a good one in him once he leaves Junior. All he does is Win. 83-29-5 so far in Prince George. Can't see him staying in the minors more than a year. Then San Jose might have the same quandry as Minnesota with Askarov and Him.
5.) 24 Feb 2026 23:46:48
minten wont be anywhere near an olympics imo. hes good but i think he tops out at 60-65 points max.
6.) 25 Feb 2026 13:03:39
Points are only one measure of a player’s contribution.
Jarvis, Bennett and Horvat are all tracking to around 60 points this year but made the team.
But you’re right Minten MIGHT not be considered but in four years anything can happen.
7.) 25 Feb 2026 18:12:46
NO guarantee for sure with Minten, but even if he does max out at a 60 point guy he is the type of player we need on a 3rd or 4th line on a olympic team (Whether him or someone else. As a Rookie he is 5th on Boston with hits this season with some hard hitting Vets on that team. The impressive part is with those hit and a lot of them have been massive, he only sports 14 minutes in Penalties which is the type of player you need in playoffs and Olympics etc. Another crazy impressive stat for a anyone let alone a rookie is how defensively responsible he is. He has the 3rd best plus minus on the team at +18.
04 Feb 2026 13:29:17
Sadly the Leafs show enthusiasm, commitment to battle, teamwork and attention to the little things that make a difference in this road trip.
Stolarz had a great game so perhaps we can take advantage of this positive and get a solid return.
I think he’s our best trade chip at TDL and perhaps the only move we should make. That is if we are destined to make the playoffs.
Keep the others and re-huddle in the off-season. Tre MUST decide his direction during the Olympic break and has to pick one course.
21 Mar 2026 19:25:06
Stolarz is one trade the Leafs definitely should make, at least for me. Woll is younger and a bit less money.
Florida would no doubt be very interested; they know his history and need a dependable goalie even if Bobrovsky doesn’t go elsewhere or resigns.
Unfortunately Florida has little with which to barter.
They have 2 R2 picks in 2026 so that should be a very decent pick given their overall position this year.
I’d want the earlier pick plus two of the following:
Gracyn Sawchyn, a 21 yo C #63 in ‘23 and can fly and score but is only 5.11 and 165 but is a battler,
Jack Devine, a 22yo RW #221 in ‘22 and has a hi-end motor,
Sandis Vilmanis, a 22yo LW #157 in ‘22, solid skater with a great wrist shot or
Simon Zether, a 20yo 2-way C # 129 in ‘24, solid skater with surprising offensive skills.
21 Mar 2026 18:31:00
Yes dreaming is allowed and that would be a good one for certain.
And yes, quite possibly, not having to go through this upheaval.
21 Mar 2026 15:47:07
Thank you Golftown!
Will be interested of course in others.
21 Mar 2026 13:07:11
For sure he has to sign this summer.
I’m just not convinced the Ducks won’t do that, simply because he’s done very well in the OHL and has yet to play in the AHL.
Having said that I’d definitely do the deal probably because I don’t see Villeneuve playing in the NHL. He might be a 7th in my eyes.
20 Mar 2026 22:05:09
Would love to have Nadeau, a good NB boy.
Great skater and scorer but small.
He will need to be smart as a smaller player looking for open spaces and lanes.
He’s not afraid so that’s good as well.
21 Mar 2026 15:23:28
Agree to the Rielly trial; as you both say “why not”.
I have less interest in a Stecher experiment; I’d prefer a look-see with Haymes and Valis, maybe even Tverberg.
Why are we playing Jarnkrok? He’s as good as gone without any return so just waive him and let him help the Marlies when no team claims him.
The Marlies are making the playoffs anyway.
19 Mar 2026 19:30:51
Restocking is exactly what we need to do and that’s why I was looking for lustre-less gems aka diamonds-in-the-rough.
Inexpensive UFAs is a great way to possibly add an unexpected talent to the Leaf lineup.
As is giving Haymes and Valis a camp invite.
When we lack draft picks signing NCAA players like Borgesi and Buhr makes good sense. Maybe find another McMann which people are already saying Buhr is.
Big body, explosive speed with physicality! Difference is Buhr scored much more frequently in the same college league than McMann.
Here’s to hoping we find a surprise!
16 Mar 2026 22:57:39
RLF
You’re right about Heinola.
He will likely become a Group6 UFA because he’s 25yo and has played less than 80 NHL games.
Good catch; I looked at only PuckPedia.
16 Mar 2026 22:51:44
You know, I always liked Leivo and felt he never got a fair chance.
Why not offer a PTO if the Leafs don’t want to sign a contract?
16 Mar 2026 16:57:09
Good stuff guys, turn over every rock.
Just looked at the KHL.
How about Vitali Pinchuk, a 6.3 190 24yo C who is strong KHL scorer. This year in 63gp he has 31g & 33a.
Another possible gem!