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Sufferingsince1967's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Sufferingsince1967's rumours posts
21 Jun 2026 22:46:07
This isn't a blockbuster by any means. But is one that would fill a need on our roster.
Boston gets: Robertson RFA rights.
Toronto gets: Kastelic.
Kastelic is a Piece we need on this team. A player that hits hard and drops the gloves with anyone, and chips in very efficiently on defense either on 4th line or 3rd line when given the chances.
If we pick McKenna we will need someone to kind of be a deterrent on the team. Not to mention a deterrent for any player. We are lacking that right now. It would possibly give Robertson a new lease on life in Boston too. Kastelic is a player Boston could part with as they also have Jeannot in a similar role and we have no-one in that role.
1.) 21 Jun 2026 21:57:05
How bout no more trades with Boston and ship Roberston out west. Like Vancouver or California teams.
2.) 21 Jun 2026 22:26:54
Love it Suffering. Don’t think Boston bites though. He is valuing many areas like PK and he plays C. Love to get that guy but think it costs us more.
3.) 22 Jun 2026 00:15:27
How about Robertson to Anaheim for Ethan Procyszyn.
19 Jun 2026 21:20:09
Well with Knies name being tossed about continuously here is one that could be a interesting one to ponder.
Dallas gets: Knies
Carlo
1st in 2027 (Colorado's)
Toronto gets: Harley
Bourque
Dallas gets a winger to compliment either Robertson's opposite wing or Rantanen's wing and a serviceable d-man on a very deep defense roster.
Toronto gets a elite left handed d-man to put with Raddysh which will help on the power play but also help cover up Raddysh defence shortfalls. Plus we get Bourque who we could slot in at Centre or Wing.
We then draft Stenberg (I know. I know everyone here loves McKenna) because he also can be slotted in on the wing or as he proved at the Worlds he has the makeup to play Centre and many people think he may end up as a centreman.
Depending on Bourque's RFA contract we end up having to pay out maybe $5 million more on the swap. But we end up with a versatile Centre and our Defense has now completely reshaped. Yes Carlo was a right hand d-man but that opens a spot for Danford. Then we address the elephant in the room that needs to get moved. Reilly. We trade him for as high a draft pick as we can get, we get out of that contract. $5 of his 7.5 millions covers the shortfall in this trade and the other $2.5 we sign A. J Greer.
1.) 20 Jun 2026 11:14:41
I love that the Knies’ trades aren’t even getting responses anymore. Maybe people are realizing how dumb it would be. But out of all the Knies trades this one would be the best but Dallas isn’t giving up Harley either. Just getting away from reality here.
2.) 20 Jun 2026 15:47:17
I don't think Dallas does it either.
Clarky, On my prop, you said if trading Knies you definitely want an overpay and a legit power forward coming back. No power forward coming to the Leafs, so how does this become your favourite?
3.) 20 Jun 2026 20:19:44
Bourque may not be 6’4” 220 but he is physical and battles. I’d rather a bigger power forward for sure and attached with Harley but like I said, still wouldn’t do it.
4.) 21 Jun 2026 03:09:33
Would u do it if it was Harley and Robertson rights?
08 Jun 2026 14:23:39
The Dylan Larkin situation is an interesting one as it will somewhat set a standard on what a #1 Centre is worth even with him kind of dictating the teams he will go to. The leading team for various reasons is Dallas out of the 3 teams he reportedly has told Detroit he wants to go to … Minnesota and Tampa being the others.
If the offer is said to be legit it would be a win-win for both teams. The names floated are Harley and Bourque for Larkin and Carter Bear.
Obviously Dallas gets stronger down the middle and also improves an already good defence with an elite defender and Dallas adds a very good prospect in Bear.
Most important on the Dallas end is they save roughly $6.5 million if Bourque signs in the anticipated $4.5 which allows them to keep Robertson. The plan would be to move Wyatt Johnstone to be on Larkin's wing.
If this comes to fruition it would be an interesting one to see if other parts are added. Would Matthews get us similar or less or more? Or would the extra $5m a year he earns deter some teams?
1.) 08 Jun 2026 16:00:07
Minny, Vegas, and Florida were supposedly his list.
2.) 08 Jun 2026 16:38:16
Seravelli says those 3 teams. Friedman on The Fan yesterday said Minny, Tampa, and Dallas. So who knows. But of the 2 I would say Eliot has a way better track record than Seravelli. I find Seravelli, though, is never wrong when he reports a trade after it’s been completed. lol
3.) 08 Jun 2026 22:44:46
I know it’s called guessing. That’s why they use the fancy term speculation or speculating, no fact.
4.) 09 Jun 2026 08:49:05
The rumour from the Detroit Free Press went nuts yesterday so there must be some truth behind it that being said he basically told Detroit to trade him to Minny because the other two don’t have the assets to make it work imo.
5.) 09 Jun 2026 12:28:00
Truth is… what has Minny got to offer up as well? Their prospect pool is ranked in the bottom 3rd of the league and they really don’t want to give up any major substance of their lineup. Anytime a member of the U.S. Olympic team comes up in trade rumours it’s Minny at the top of the list because of Bill Guerin.
Yzerman is going to play hardball and he wants a good return. None of those 3 have the assets. This is going to be fun do see who budges first. Larkin or Yzerman. I think Yzerman will basically tell Larkin to expand the list or report to camp.
24 May 2026 23:53:44
One last push out for the weekend.
To Seattle - Nylander, Reilly, our 2nd Round pick this year #60
To Toronto - #7 overall pick this year, Berkly Catton, Julius Miettenen, Jani Nyman
We then draft Stenberg, and with the 7th we draft Rudolph on defense.
If Matthews stays, we draft Stenberg and he goes on his right side with Knies on the left. Miettenen has Catton centreing him with Cowan.
Third Line would be A. J Greer (as a UFA) with Tavares and Nyman.
Then Joshua on the left, Domi in the middle and Holinka on the right on the 4th line and find some power play time for Holinka until he moves up the lineup.
Miettenen follows on the second line with his 6'-4" 220 lb body. That second line would be a very entertaining line. 3 young guys that go hard every shift. Word is Catton has added a couple of lbs again since end of regular season with the goal of him hitting 190 by training camp and not losing any of that speed.
1.) 24 May 2026 23:02:22
This is a solid idea for sure, I’d add another UFA defensemen to eat Reilly’s minutes until we see what we got.
2.) 25 May 2026 00:05:23
The way Chadwick and Danford are playing in the playoffs I think we have Reilly's minute eaters already on board. Marlies won today and are off to the East Finals.
3.) 25 May 2026 00:38:38
Way to go boys Cowen is the man!!!
4.) 25 May 2026 00:40:39
They’ve never played an NHL game that’s a risky ask for the youngsters.
5.) 25 May 2026 00:58:50
Not really. With Tanev back our top 4 were
Tanev OEL
McCabe Carlo
Reilly had turned into a bottom 6, so to have one of the kids step into that spot is a pretty protected spot. Villeneuve is playing well to in the playoffs.
I like the fact that the kids are playing in a huge pressure packed playoff atmosphere. Each of their series has gone the distance. Those are games that build confidence in young D-men that they can excel and it is time for that next step.
6.) 25 May 2026 03:24:13
Hope they punt Matthews as well
San Jose is calling
2nd overall and Misa
Done deal.
24 May 2026 15:44:39
So of course this is again a wish list and not a reality post but it certainly would turn the page and set a different path if we went into full rebuild with a different cast over the next 4 to 5 years as draft picks and prospects develop but we also stay somewhat competitive as well.
First order of Business is to see if Seattle would take Reilly and his $7.5 in return for us of course sending him there along with our 2nd round pick this year #60 in return for Jani Nyman.
Next would be a trading of Matthews to L.A for Byfield, Brzustewicz and L.A's 1st round pick in 2027 (Non Protected).
Next after that would be Nylander to Dallas along with our best 2nd round pick in 2027 in return for Wyatt Johnston, Brett Seguin (If he can't play we get the LTIR and if he can play we have a solid 3rd liner for only one year at his salaary.This helps Dallas a ton with Salary Cap with $18.25 m going out and only $11.5 coming in. We also want their 1st round pick in 2027.
We then See if Philly would trade us back our Original 2027 1st round pick in return for this Dallas Pick and our other 2nd round pick in 2027.or the rights to Nick Robertson. Thier choice. This allows us to retain that 2027 original pick and then we have to give our 20281st pick to Boston unrotected.
Still more trades and transactions to do but overall we accompish the following with these 3 moves.
OUt- Reilly $7.5 Million
Matthews $13.25 "
Nylander $11.5 "
In- Nyman $891,000
Byfield $6.25 Million
Johnston $8.4 Million
Seguin $9.85 Million
Brzustewicz ELC
Then we have traded away OUr @nd from this year and both our 2nds from 2027 and the frist round pick from Dallas to Philly. But we end up with the above players L.A's 1st in 2027, Our !st round own pick back from Philly and now with the Colorado 1st rounder we got for Roy we have 3 first round picks. PLus we have $7 M in Extra Cap space. That is not even counting if Seguin did go on the LTIR.
Again this is just a start. We could look at a Knies deal Say he and Carlo for Frondell and Korchinski. With the 3 2027 picks if these trades happened take the chance to package them all to grab Landon Dupont. He is the reason we need to stock up on 2027 picks for the chance.
I know it is a pipe dream but I would love to see Frondell and Stenberg (If we draft him you defintely do the trade with Chicago to get Frondell) riding shotgun with Johnston and see what damage Ritchie riding shotgun with Byfield and the beast Nyman could do. Then you have J.T on the 3rd line finally possibly with Seguin and Cowan (Maybe easing Cowan into a centreman with the coaching of the 2 veterans. If he was healthy enough. If we did do a Knies deal for Ritchie and Aitcheson then you have Ritchie with Byfield. Either way with Cowan and either McKenna or Stenberg you would have a pretty entertaining team.
Defense gets better by adding Korchinski and Aitcheson then find a spot for Danford or Chadwick.
A team that is younger and faster with Hungry players.
1.) 24 May 2026 15:06:26
Sorry ignore the Ritchie and Aitcheson portion. I was on the phone app and could not find that portion to delete out. The Knies Chicago for Frondell and Korchinski was the final deal. Ritchie and Aitcheson was another option. It would be nice to trade a guy to 2 teams though lol. With Chayka’s checkered background he could try if anyone could lol.
2.) 24 May 2026 15:16:16
Why are you trading for everyone's pick next year. This year we have the deeper draft. So it's a hard no on most of those trades.
3.) 24 May 2026 15:50:18
How much do you know about the 2027 draft, Hrenkin? It is actually considered to be deeper than this year's. DuPont doesn’t turn 17 until the end of this week, and most scouts and GMs would rank him now in this year's top 3, so he will certainly be going #1 next year. That's why you stockpile a year and 2 years ahead, especially when rebuilding.
4.) 24 May 2026 16:04:55
I don’t get the Nylander trade. Wyatt would be awesome, but the second part sounds like a Nathan Horton all over again. I think Nylander is worth more than that. I don’t like the return for Matthews either. No from me as usual.
5.) 24 May 2026 16:46:44
@ Leafs GM78
I know you are not a fan of the rebuild and moving those guys. But if we could these players would change the fibre of this team. This will upset the Matthew fans but truthfully as much as he was a goal scoring machine and who knows maybe rebounds a bit..... If I had to watch another game where I see this 6'-3" 215 lb man who is supposed to be the Captain, skate away from one more scrum without helping his teammate/teammates I swear I will puke. I know people will say that's not his game. He is the Captain....that is part of his game. Maybe not to fire fists but to impose his physicallity and pull guys out of that scrum. The team culture needs to change and it starts with the Captain. OK There I did my Sunday Vent.
What's wrong with the Nathan Horton situation? You are giving up a 2nd round pick to pick up a player you are aware might not play and you gain that LTIR if he doesn't. If he actually does he is a good productive player still when healthy.
They say he is actually progressing great after his surgery. As I said that salary would only be on our books for a year and he knows his next contract would only be a 2 year as a UFA at a range of near Tavares in the $4m range if we kept him. But taking him and that cap hiat to Dallas is the only way we pry Johnston from them In which case the rest of the Deal is Nylander for Johnston and a 1st. That is a pretty fair de
As far as the Matthews deal I feel it's fair. Their top young Forward who is getting better each year and is not afraid to lay the body, their top defensive if not top overall prospect in their organization in Brzustewicz and a 1st round pick. That's pretty much what Matthews is worth in the market right now. Especially with him being non-commital about staying. People keep talking about L. A being a good spot for Matthews but realistically this is the best they could probably offer. They have a very thin prospect depth group in their organization.
6.) 24 May 2026 17:04:05
I'm not against a rebuild. I think it's premature, and I don’t understand what the benefit of an LTIR player would give us after shedding Nylander’s contract. Why not use the 2nd player for someone you know will play? Wyatt and Nylander are very comparable with each other, so it must be a personal preference to do this which is fine, but you ended it with helping Dallas financially, which I give zero you know what’s about.
I just don’t see the gain for name swapping other than preference.
7.) 24 May 2026 17:57:56
Sorry, I guess I am just stupid. Seeing you say I know zero. A team is not prying Johnston or anyone of top talent from Dallas unless they have someone of substance coming and also finding a way for them to lessen their cap.
Just common sense that the whole league knows. Right now their burden is Seguin like ours is Reilly. One question for you though? When is a rebuild going to be not premature? When the value goes down on the players we trade away?
8.) 24 May 2026 20:54:14
I didn’t say that I said I give zero craps about cap space and helping Dallas out cap space doesn’t win you games.
9.) 24 May 2026 20:57:35
Again that’s about preference as far as determining when it’s time to blow up a team for me last year was a one off after 9 years of being successful and I think with the coach change and a Real evaluation and investment in the defence we can be successful still.
10.) 24 May 2026 21:49:14
So you think Nylander is worth more than Johnstone and a 1st round pick?
And you think Matthews is worth more than Byfield, and one of L.A.'s top prospects and a 1st round pick?
Whether you like it or not, cap space is part of doing business in the NHL.
Sometimes to do a deal you need to eat some. But down the road you are going to need a team to do the same for you as well.
When you say investment in the defence, can you elaborate?
11.) 24 May 2026 22:15:18
Right now, yes I do. High draft picks aren’t guarantees. Nylander is better than Johnson
Matthews is better than Byfield right now, today. As for the defensive side, first can we agree the Leafs were and had been labeled an offensive-heavy team, which would suggest that the defence was the weaker side of the puck. So when I say investment I’m saying make it more complete, more skillful, more balanced, defined roles for players. Bottom line for me is blowing up this team the way guys are saying is maybe the team is better in five years.
What I’m saying is I’m not there yet because we haven’t iced the best most balanced team and we have that opportunity for at least next year. I say this because if you look at the fact we got a 1st round pick for Roy I can’t see Matthews or Nylander’s value dropping below that in the next two years even if their production is the same as last year.
12.) 24 May 2026 22:19:43
Sorry, one more question for everyone: I counted 10 top 20 picks in this post. How many of those picks do you foresee being elite NHL players in the next three years?
13.) 25 May 2026 00:50:41
I respectfully disagree with the Nylander being better than Johnston comment. Johnston is a more complete player. He is one of the best 2 way Centres in the league and can play wing when needed to. Willy has never been in many conversations as a 2 way player and can't play Centre. Willy is also going to be 30 next month. And while he can do some highlight things, he has not done what Johnstone has along with only 29 other players in the history of the league.
Exactly 30 players in NHL history have scored 30 goals in three seasons before their 23rd birthday.
When Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston hit the 30-goal mark to achieve this milestone, he joined an elite list of NHL greats that includes active and legendary stars like:
Connor McDavid
Auston Matthews
Alex Ovechkin
Steven Stamkos
Evgeni Malkin
David Pastrnak
Patrik Laine
Ilya Kovalchuk
He also has already matched Willy's career hight of 45 goals in a season.
As far as Byfield and Matthews Comparison... Matthews numbers are higher of course. But Byfield brings a whole different style of Play to the table that I think would endear himself to his teammates and the fans. Matthews was never the most willing to go to the physical tough areas in the first place and I am wondering will he be even more reluctant after this surgery? That's another factor to add in fpr his potential future value not only to this team but to other teams.
Lets be honest any of the trades we suggest are trades we look at up and down and we like or dislike but it will all lay in the hands of Chayka. If there were to be any big deals and cleaning of house. The only bigger name going before or during the draft might be Reilly the others would be after the draft. That is another reason in the original post had so many 2027 first round picks being suggested because the 2026 draft would be history. Before any large trades.
Sufferingsince1967's banter posts with other poster's replies to Sufferingsince1967's banter posts
19 Jun 2026 15:46:43
So now Raddysh is signed at reported 8 years and $8.5 Million. Here is the question... He had J.J. Moser as a partner there which really contributed to his big total points. If that was possibly a fluke year... how many points should we realistically expect annually from him that the fans won't turn on him for that $8.5? What would be satisfactory? 40, 50, 60 or will everyone want that 70 points annually.
Just curious on everyone's expectations of a player that signs for that long at that value.
1.) 19 Jun 2026 15:21:13
I'd be happy with 50 to 60 point range TBH.
I think McCabe would be a good partner for him, but I'm still holding out for Ferraro in FA.
Leafs need another PK LHD behind McCabe (dont really want to rely on Rielly or OEL). I definitely see Rielly and/or OEL being traded as well if they can get Ferraro.
2.) 19 Jun 2026 15:27:04
If he QB's the PP like expected. I would think 50ish points on average is reasonable. If he has those kinds of points, moves the puck out of our own end quickly, helps produce offence and is solid enough defensively, then I'm good with it.
3.) 19 Jun 2026 17:09:06
I think this means Rielly is gone 100%. I cannot see a situation where he stays anymore.
I'm seeing around 60pts in a perfect world, 50pts and I'm happy. With the production for the price if he's good defensively.
Big risk here in that it could be dead cap if he regresses as a 30yo who had a breakout year.
Not a huge risk as then it's just a full rebuild afterwards though.
McCabe-Raddysh
Tanev(?)-OEL
?-Erson
Not horrible, but depends on if Tanev comes back.
4.) 19 Jun 2026 19:38:16
I am just more concerned with the lenth of term (A little with the $ as well.) We don't have crystal balls obviously, but if he can consistently put up 55 I think in this salary market that is good value. If he drops to his past numbers that are more 35 point range. The fanbase will turn quickly. McCabe better report in incredible shape, because he is going to be doing a lot of skating, because that is the one huge knock on Raddysh is that is in the bottom half of the league for skating speed and not great in his own end.
If he can put up numbers like last year, people will look the other way on that though. No Pressure eh? LOL LOL LOL.
16 Jun 2026 13:02:53
I get a kick out of the amount of hockey websites out there like Heavy, Editor in Leaf, Pro Hockey Rumours to only name a fraction. I will see headlines from Heavy pop up on my newsfeed even though I have constantly edited out of my feed. To be honest, the crap they write and post is so lame. Amateur freelancers who doctor headlines to look like it’s a big trade or big story and when you read it, it’s literally the writer's opinion if what they think would be a good deal, or a story that has no meat to it other than a story reported by another writer.
We actually have more insightful posters on here than these sites have.
These so called “hockey writers” on those sites get paid based on click view. Heavy for instance $1 per thousand and the others similar sometimes a flat fee of $15 then so much per 1000 clicks.
Keep up the trade posts on here. Whether good or bad suggestions they seem to be more viable than anything I have seen on the other so called professional sites.
1.) 16 Jun 2026 16:32:02
Agreed. I don't really read them often, but it's all opinion pieces that I have seen better on here.
2.) 16 Jun 2026 16:43:46
Other than The Athletic, u don't generally read any of them.
3.) 16 Jun 2026 19:01:47
Maple Leafs Hot Stove - MLHS is my go to site.
4.) 16 Jun 2026 23:55:08
Tags. So that's where you spend your time you traitor. Lol
5.) 18 Jun 2026 09:05:52
Lol
I've just been chilling since the off-season more or less.
I've been away the last little while, enjoying vacationing in Italy. I'll be back in a couple days before the draft.
McKenna #1, make it happen Matts & Stats.
27 May 2026 05:02:00
Had to finish the day off with a Satirical post (Actually most of our posts on here really lol).
Leafs new coach enters the Dressing room at training camp to address the main core that will probably make the team.
"Gentlemen we are employing a new strategy this year. As you know most teams 4th lines get roughly 8 to 12 minutes a game. You will all have to get in great shape because this year our 4th line with only get 20 seconds of 5 on 5 a period. However they will get significant power play time when we are in the other team's zone.
If any of you see one of these 3 players even thinking of going into our defensive zone with the intention of touching a puck, trip them immediately even if we have to take a delay of game penalty to send a message to them to not handle the puck in a zone they are not familiar with. We got these 3 players at a bargain at only $4 Million combined, only for offense on the power play. Give it up for Patrick Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Jeff Skinner"
LOL LOL Oh my god the worst part is if Treliving was still here that could have happened.
1.) 30 May 2026 21:21:30
When Dubas was here, it pretty much did happen.
2.) 31 May 2026 13:51:19
Didn’t know Dubas changed the lines.
And Dubas is ancient history.
3.) 31 May 2026 20:22:58
Neither did Treliving. What's your point?
4.) 01 Jun 2026 12:55:50
That you’re still crapping on Dubas and applauding Treliving!
Water under the bridge.
5.) 01 Jun 2026 15:59:06
Lol. I didn't even mention Treliving in my original post. If what I wrote says I was praising Treliving (whom I didn't even mention), then I you're obviously still praising Dubas. Besides, even if I do crap on Dubas, why do you feel the need to come to his rescue?
The point was that Suffering said if Treliving was still here he could see it happen, yet It kind of did under Dubas. He was famous for dumpster diving and/or trying to find cheap guys to play with his stars that were past their prime and they were typically put in offensive positions.
Malgin, Thornton, Simmonds, Jarnkrok, Ennis, Petan. Short stints of guys like Barabanov he hoped would bring offence because he put himself in a position with no cap room. You guys may not like the fact that Suffering actually described Dubas more than he did Treliving, but he did.
6.) 01 Jun 2026 17:47:01
RLF,
We all read your posts so while you may not have mentioned him in that narrative there is a strong inference.
All blog contributors know you didn’t like Dubas and praised Treliving.
And because you continuously bring up Dubas, as shown yet again in your last post, I said he’s ancient history.
7.) 01 Jun 2026 19:49:27
Then you would have also read that I said I expect Treliving to be fired. We read yours and Suffering's posts as well and both of you have defended Dubas many times. Let's be fair, Rsears, first you mentioned you didn't realize Dubas changed the lines. You made sure you got a little shot in to defend him and take a jab at me because you didn't like Treliving and you liked Dubas.
You could have let it go and not commented at all as it wasn't even your post I commented on. But you felt you needed to because I took a shot at Dubas. And how from my post you concluded I am applauding Treliving is beyond me. The simple fact is, what Suffering wrote, actually reminded me of Dubas's early years with Toronto.
8.) 02 Jun 2026 02:45:16
Typical. Now you go to being condescending and insulting when you don't want to acknowledge your part. I hope you feel better now.
9.) 02 Jun 2026 12:36:02
Good response RLF, it's always everyone else, never you!
See you in the corner!
10.) 02 Jun 2026 16:10:41
What? See you in the corner? lol So trying for intimidation now. Looking for me after school I guess, lol. They removed your original response Rsears I assume because you were being condescending and insulting as my response says, and is still up. Then you say it's me who blames everyone else and not myself. If you are referring to being insulting, none of my posts have been removed.
I have admitted on here when I am wrong. You can easily find some I am sure. Don't think I could find any where you have. Current conversation included. Considering after your post was removed, you still needed to come back with another shot at me and ramp it up to a physical challenge. But yes, I am the one with the issues and always blames others. Wow.
11.) 02 Jun 2026 20:12:01
Wrong again RLF, it was my original post.
Glad you agree with my assessment.
I don’t think I used the word ‘blame’, so you’re once again inventing things.
My post were accurate about leaving Dubas in the past. It was you who took them as insulting and condescending.
12.) 02 Jun 2026 21:51:14
There was a post of yours between my two in a row which I was referring to you reverting to insults. It's been removed which is why my two posts now are in a row. I have no idea of what asseesment of yours I apparently agree with and I really don't care about your insults.
It's a weak and disingenuous way to debate. It's a poor attempt to try and paint the other as inferior and oneself as superior. I don't need to do that, but it seems important to you, so you be you. Go ahead and have the last word too, as I'm pretty sure it would bother you not to.
13.) 03 Jun 2026 13:13:03
Since you invited me, I will!
If you had two in a row how could I post in between?
It seems you feel I am condescending toward you. I think you’re simply sensitive when I submit a contrary position to yours.
And to say you don’t care about my ‘insults’ is yet another silly retort, why else would you go on and on and on about my statement that Dubas is ancient history?
14.) 04 Jun 2026 00:08:50
So how in the world, RLF, did you turn what was a total in jest post into this?
14 May 2026 13:22:27
So with Charlie Coyle at his age signing the 6 x $6m, does this throw a wrench into Pittsburgh's plans? Word is he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh and they were playing a bit of a waiting game and hoped to keep him but at a hometown discount for a couple years $4.5m up to $5m was bandied about. He also expressed interest in playing somewhere else depending how negotiations went.
With Coyle scoring 58 points in 82 games and Malkin scoring 61 points in only 56 games, if Pittsburgh doesn’t sign him, I would offer 2 years @ $6.75 per year. Then we have Matthew’s, Malkin and Tavares down the middle while we groom a few Centremen. Couldn’t hurt to have that experience and skillset.
1.) 14 May 2026 14:10:47
???? How would Pitt want to keep Coyle when he never played for them and how did he want to stay on a team he never played for? And how does him re-signing with CLB put a wrench in Pitts' plans?
2.) 14 May 2026 14:46:03
I had typed Malkin and the system changed it to “he” which obviously makes no sense. I had also posted it to rumours side but it ended up here. It says the site has the right to alter text and this has happened in the past a few times. I wish they would allow to do editing.
3.) 14 May 2026 14:47:38
Basically, with Coyle signing higher end, if Pittsburgh wants Malkin at the discount, I think it messed up Pittsburgh's plans.
4.) 14 May 2026 15:57:33
Got it, that makes more sense. With all Pitts cap space and so many players already signed, I think they can pay Malkin even $7M per for 2 years and still do whatever they want otherwise. They have $42M this year and a projected $87M the next year.
5.) 14 May 2026 23:47:42
It sounds though from Dubas end of the season conference the other day he is keeping spending of that cap tight.
He said: utilizing massive space simply because it is available is a "false flag" that can hinder long-term flexibility.
Cap Strategy: Dubas suggested he is cautious of overspending in a thin free-agent market and aims to avoid long-term deals for players in their 30s.
Focus on Youth/Assets: He plans to use cap space to acquire young players or take on contracts in exchange for assets.
Future Focus: The team is prioritizing accumulating draft capital and young talent to improve from the current roster.
Word is he wants Mantha back so he will be upping the salary there, he Defintely is going to re-sign Chinakov and he wants to Keep Ryan Shea so will have to up the ante there too.
None will be mind blowing contracts but could hit the $10,000,000 increase between the 3 of them. He also has no goalies under contract and wants to address that as well which depending on how he does it via trade or Possibly wooing Bobrovsky the budget is going to be in the $9 to $10 million range for a Tandem if not a little more.
Im not saying that saving Money on Malkin for hometown discount would be complete disaster if it didn't happen. But I think Dubas is trying to save every penny he can because I get the feeling he is loading up for a trade that will be a big one, and he might need the extra money for whoever he will be bringing in. The Coyle signing did though set a bit of a level on the Salary Barometer. I'm sure Tuch's agent is rubbing his hands in glee.
6.) 15 May 2026 13:45:27
I am trying to grasp what apparently Dubas plan is, on one hand;
"Cap Strategy: Dubas suggested he is cautious of overspending in a thin free-agent market and aims to avoid long-term deals for players in their 30s.
Focus on Youth/Assets: He plans to use cap space to acquire young players or take on contracts in exchange for assets."
Taking on contracts to get assets would typically be taking on contracts of players who aren't young or worth their money.
On the other hand, he also wants to re-sign Shea who is 29, Mantha 31 and possibly Bobrovsky at 37? Only younger player mentioned was definitely re-signing the 25 year old Chinakhov. That would fill up most of the roster spots they currently have available. Seems like a contradiction to what he said. Then again, it is Dubas, and he likes to say a lot of things.
7.) 15 May 2026 15:21:50
I will add, apparently he also wanted the 37 year old Malkin back on a home town discount.
8.) 15 May 2026 21:40:08
Yeah I think Dubas is throwing up a bit of a smoke screen on a few things. He is very sly.... I expect him to drop a bombshell trade if not just before the Draft on the actually Draft day.
They have a ton of top prospects in their system. So they could go that route. They also have all their draft picks in order should Dubas pull the trigger on a Jason Robertson Offer Sheet.
9.) 17 May 2026 18:55:27
Dubas being Dubas.
Still trying to prove to the world that he is the smartest executive in all of sports, not just hockey…
Still glad he’s gone…
Just sayin’.
07 May 2026 15:02:30
So I had a interesting conversation last night with a group of buddies regarding if you had the choice of McKenna and Stenberg. It isn't that I hate McKenna... there is just something there that doesn't totally grab me. Anyway that always has been my opinion and doesn't match everyones of course. The other 4 guys it was interesting. 3 of them said McKenna and One used the word that has been used on here a few times on both sides of the site "Stud" and one used the words "Generational Player". None of the 3 really had major compelling things other than look at his numbers. The last buddy that spoke was interesting and had quite the argument in favour of Stenberg. First thing he said was To use numbers as a true comparison. Frondell played in the Swedish Hockey League like Stenberg and is a year older and was 4 points behind Stenberg 33 to 29 so both did very well and Frondell stepped into Chicagos lineup and was dynamite. So that was his first argument then he gave us numbers I had not delved deep into but were interesting.
He said with College players NHL teams look most specifically how the player fared against the best teams in their specific Conferences. He said McKenna's total numbers in his Conference were 38 points in 24 games. Which was impressive when he said it. However he said 25 of those points were in 12 games against 3 teams not ranked in the top 20 and 13 of the points were in 12 games against the 3 teams in the Top 20. All other 3 guys all left really and thinking hard and I left totally convinced. I drove him home and he said "OH don't forget...his penalty cost us in a huge game at the WJC and in his final College game the biggest game of the year for them.... he was a-3 with 2 shots and his giveaway was the game turning play. " I thought I did research but my buddy puts me to shame. If we keep the 1st bring on Either Stenberg or Verhoeff.
1.) 07 May 2026 15:54:52
Truthfully, if Matthews is here, I think McKenna make sense he’s Marner 2.0 with maybe more upside… The things I worry about with his are not his play, but it’s things like the lack of winning he’s done. It’s about adding another star player that lacks jam. Do the Leafs want to fall into that trap again?
2.) 07 May 2026 18:15:36
I honestly don't get the McKenna criticism, especially the reference to a lack of aggression or willingness to engage physically. He just turned 18 in late December. Instead of playing another year of junior where he would dominate (129 pts in 56 games as a 16/17 year old), he decided to go play against men in the NCAA. For one, let's not pretend the SHL is as physical as the NCAA Division 1 hockey. No one points that out when comparing him with Stenberg.
He was only 17 start of the year. His physical game picked up dramatically as the season progressed. We saw at the World Juniors he has a bit of an edge to him. He also had to put up with other Uni's crowds constantly taunting him about being overrated etc. Including a ton of stuff on Social Media. Instead of whining about the constant criticism about his game, he sought help on how to improve those areas and got better. I severely doubt that Stenberg was constantly taunted by fans or had anywhere the scrutiny of his game in the SHL as McKenna has had to put up with. Pointing out which teams he scored the most against in the NCAA is interesting if the same scrutiny was applied to Stenberg, in which Stenberg picked up many of his points against the bottom half teams in the SHL.
He had 21 against teams that finished 8th to 14th and only 12 against the other top 6 teams (Frolunda being in 2nd). McKenna put up 51 in 35 games as a 17/18 year old, which is very impressive. He finished 2nd in points per game in the Division 1. Stenberg was tied for 4th on his team. McKenna had 14 points in 7 games at the World Juniors. Stenberg 10 in 7.
McKenna's vision and hockey IQ is off the charts. He will push back physically, unlike Marner. He works hard to improve himself and his game. There shouldn't be a lot of entitlement in him since he grew up in Whitehorse and had to move away from home (BC iirc) at a young age to get better competition. This kid had to work hard to get where he is. Stenberg, to my knowledge, has been within 40 minutes of his parents throughout his whole playing time in Sweden.
One of the two has sacrificed a lot more to get where he is than the other has. I want that kid.
3.) 07 May 2026 18:37:24
Very nice write up RLF.
No doubt in my mind McKenna goes #1OA.
4.) 07 May 2026 20:12:15
No argument in regards to the physical nature of the NCAA to the SHL but it is hard to compare the two because the overall caliber of the SHL is much higher in skill than the NCAA. I won't do a long pos but saying because Stenberg has been within 40 minutes of his parents doesn't mean he has not had to work as hard to get to this point of being a top rated player. While Stenberg didn't get subjected to razzing he was subjected to being somewhat ostracized by his teammates for the first part of the season.
Apparently this is common over there as older players resent young guys taking a friend's spot and possibly their spot on the team. So there you have to prove yourself in a hurry or you find yourself on the outside all year in the dressing room. All these kids have different routes to where they are. I respect you have the passion to stick up for McKenna and we all will have our opinions of each player.
5.) 07 May 2026 20:52:20
I didn't say work as hard, I said one sacrificed more. I believe McKenna moved away at 12. Then moved even farther this year by going to the States play NCAA. That is a bigger personal sacrifice than joining a team with your brother and staying within a short drive of your parents if you need them. Point was, Stenberg has always had family support close at hand. McKenna was on his own a lot and didn't let any of that stop him.
My post was more about the scrutiny he is getting compared to Stenberg. McKenna has to constantly prove he deserves to continue to be the number 1 pick. Stenberg doesn't have that pressure. Plus he lives and plays in Sweden, away from the North American market. You have pumped Stenberg's tires for a while. It was time someone pumped McKenna's tires and remind us all why this guy is so highly touted. I respect your passion for Stenberg as well.
6.) 07 May 2026 20:59:58
I will add though. That decision to go play against men instead of dominating in Junior had nothing to do with earning $700,000 right? :o)
7.) 07 May 2026 21:46:57
Always good and cordial debates either RLF. I like that. Stenberg had a different pressure in that, that same brother was a 1st round draft pick so he has always been that guy at every level of hockey “Oh you are Otto’s brother”. That is not an easy spot to be. Sometimes even more pressure to perform.
8.) 09 May 2026 01:14:58
Craig Button said McKenna is clear cut number 1
So I’ll go with that over 4 buddies hashing it out.
9.) 09 May 2026 01:32:14
Craig Button the worst general manager in Flames history. Lol.
10.) 09 May 2026 15:10:00
I wasn't going to comment on the Otto Stenberg brother pressure, but in the end, I can't help it. Lol
Being Otto Stenberg's brother is a lot of pressure and can be even more to perform than what McKenna had. Seriously? Let's not act like Otto is some highly touted prospect like Ivar. He was the 25th overall pick. He's showed no real point production improvement this year in the A.
He projects as a 2nd/3rd line winger. Are you honestly trying to say that being Otto's brother was more pressure on Ivar growing up than McKenna being a phenom in Canada? C'mon man, I know you are doing your best to prove Stenberg is the better pick, but this is a massive reach.
11.) 09 May 2026 15:45:05
Did you grown up with successful brothers and everyone assumed you were going to be like them. I did. Two different fields of life. I can speak from experience it is no picnic. I am not saying any of this to prove Stenberg is the better pick. I am just saying on your part don't make him out to be some oh poor poor me scenario. He was paid very well to play there this year and was he away from his family? Sure he was but they made it to quite a few games.
There were also quite a few other players on that team from far away places. As well as literally every university team that had players that were far away from their homes. It is a sacrifice they give willingly, not forcefully. They all make sacrifices to get to this level.
12.) 09 May 2026 17:08:05
Suffering. We aren't comparing NCAA players to each other. We are comparing Stenberg and McKenna. No need to dirty the water saying most NCAA players are away from home. Most are, yet most aren't 17 though. Yes, I have an older brother I was compared to. And? Ivar is considered better than his brother. I can relate to that. I got to higher levels in hockey than my brother, even though he did well. You know who it was hard on more than me? My brother. We are 4 years apart and he was always getting teased about his little brother is/or going to be better.
It wasn't that difficult for me except to reach the expectations people had on me.
Yes, McKenna got paid. Rumour is $700K. Guesstimates on Stenberg was over $400K US this year in the SHL. How come you don't mention him getting paid as part of the reason he went to the SHL, yet say money motivated McKenna. Pretty sure a chance to get paid to play had something to do with Ivar going to the SHL.
Anyhow, I'm not going back and forth on this. Logically speaking, I can't see how one can compare the two paths and say Stenberg has had a tougher go. You do. All good.
13.) 09 May 2026 17:19:57
Please provide your source on Stenberg Salary.
14.) 09 May 2026 17:38:17
My mistake. That was his performance value I read and not his actual salary. His real pay is estimated closer to $50K. I was wrong on his pay.
15.) 09 May 2026 18:00:11
Acknowleged.
Sufferingsince1967's rumour replies
22 Jun 2026 03:21:44
Of course Knies straight up for Byram is not an even deal. But if a way of getting Byram was doable, go for it. He was good enough to play second pairing on his off side all year and was second in ice time in the playoffs on d behind Dahlin.
The reason Power played left side and Byram played right side is because he is more versatile than Power. He is also more physical. Power for his big size is not that physical at clearing the front of the net.
21 Jun 2026 02:02:11
I still disagree. Matheson is a guy that leads that defense group in minutes played per night. Carlo is defintely not a trade off there. Matheson is very sound both ways, defensively and offensively, and Carlo doesn't bring that two-way game.
As far as Evans being a solid 3rd centre, yes he is and he showed up large in the playoffs.
Even a 2nd is not enough to balance the Lorentz trade-off out for me, because Montreal really doesn't need any 4th liners. They are deep in the organization and can fill from within.
20 Jun 2026 16:22:48
To win cups you need players that play both ends of the ice and you can match up against any line. Robert Thomas might be a pass-first centre but he is also among the elite in the league as 2-way centres. To me that outweighs what Knies brings. That is why to get him from St. Louis will be hard for any team.
To be honest if you look at St. Louis depth chart they are not in as desperate a situation as some might think. They actually have a lot of good pieces there. Their issue last year could be zeroed in on one player to be honest.
Binnington.
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, and the very few games in Feb. They were 21 wins 29 losses and 9 overtime losses and were a -52 in the goal difference. In March and April they went 16 wins 4 losses and 3 overtime losses and a +28 in goal difference.
It's time for them to make a shift in the goal and a good draft this year along with maybe one good free agent signing and the Blues are right back there again without trading Kyrou or Thomas or the like.
20 Jun 2026 15:48:05
So what is Montreal's motivation to do this deal. To give up a D-man like Matheson, who you can flip a coin from game to game if you want to use him in top or number 2 pairing, he is that good and steady. For Carlo? Jake Evans, a very good number 3 centre who stepped up into the number 2 role for the playoffs seamlessly, for 4th liner Lorentz? Quillan might have a future somewhere in the NHL but not in Montreal.
They have one of the deepest prospect pools in the league.
This would benefit us for sure but Montreal will say no.
20 Jun 2026 13:46:14
Way too much of a overpay for Zacha. That package might actually get your Thomas if you of the 3rds was the 1st from Colorado. But frankly I don't want to give up Cowan or Koblar.
The second one trade falls apart with Ekblad. He is not waiving his no movement. Firstly he took a hometown discount to stay in Florida to allow them to keep the cap down to allow room to keep other players, secondly he took that hometown discount and to be traded to Toronto into that higher tax bracket would certainly not be a smart financial decision on his behalf.
We don't need the rights to Bob as he is a UFA anyway.
Sufferingsince1967's banter replies
19 Jun 2026 19:38:16
I am just more concerned with the lenth of term (A little with the $ as well.) We don't have crystal balls obviously, but if he can consistently put up 55 I think in this salary market that is good value. If he drops to his past numbers that are more 35 point range. The fanbase will turn quickly. McCabe better report in incredible shape, because he is going to be doing a lot of skating, because that is the one huge knock on Raddysh is that is in the bottom half of the league for skating speed and not great in his own end.
If he can put up numbers like last year, people will look the other way on that though. No Pressure eh? LOL LOL LOL.
17 Jun 2026 22:28:46
I know he has Head Coaching experience and he had Assistant Coaching past experience with the Leafs..... but I feel so bad for John Gruden. He deserves a Head Coaching job with someone and this would have been a good fit. Who knows..... maybe Edmonton comes to their senses and gives him a shot. Gruden's only sin this year was taking the Marlies so deep into the playoffs all the other teams were hiring Head Coaches because he was still tied up and occupied by winning games so he could not interview elsewhere.
My gut feeling is Steve Staios gets him into the Ottawa Organization to have handy in case they get off to a rough start and Travis Green needs to be replaced. He and Staios have a history together. If he leaves the Leafs Organization there will be some sad players who love this guy to death.
14 Jun 2026 11:57:13
No Guarentee with any coach, but Gruden certainly is getting the most out of the crew on the Marlies and has great compliments from players who played for him in the past in other organizations. I think he deserves a head coach shot.
13 Jun 2026 18:10:47
Yeah Clarky, that would be a good combo. Pavelski can certainly relate to later round draft picks is an example of what hard work can do. Gruden I have always respected since he got fired for not dressing the owner's son when told to do so in Filin in their first year in the OHL, the players all walked out in support.
That showed his character right then and there.
12 Jun 2026 18:26:46
I would do that Reilly for 20th all day long.
Regarding the coach. I know they have not interviewed him and maybe Chayka doesn’t want anyone from the previous regime…. But I thing John Gruden would be a great hire. He is very familiar with the players we have to work with and has done a great job during the season and playoffs with the Marlies. The players speak very highly of him.