Leafs Trade Rumors

16 Apr 2026 19:29:54
I know some disagree, but I have been done with Robertson for a while. Never saw him as a 25-30 goal guy and still don't.
I don't want the Leafs to pay this guy like $2M+ to stay. Just move on.

CLB
Robertson RFA

Tor
Ceulemans RFA
McCue $.858M

Columbus picks up an NHL player for 2 project prospects.

Leafs get a good sized, good skating RD that likely needs a change of scenery in Ceulemans. If Leafs can bring him along, he could be a steal. McCue is a gamer. Plays physical. His younger brother Sam, is a Leaf draft pick.

16 Apr 2026 20:39:09
McCue stats look like he can't quite translate his junior game to the pro level. Cuelemon looks interesting, but not quite enough of a player to trade for Robertson. Like you, I feel Robertson should be traded. I'd personally use him to try and upgrade out 5th overall to land Verhoeff.

16 Apr 2026 22:50:36
Robertson is a 25 goal scorer...

For the Ducks


Luneau is the return.

17 Apr 2026 00:58:43
The writings been in the wall for the last two years.

17 Apr 2026 01:32:29
We give Robertson the minimum qualifying offer we need to offer. If he accepts great... then we package him up to somewhere else. If he doesn't accept, then let someone else sign him and we take either the 3rd or 2nd round pick in compensation. But I don't like either player coming back. We have others in our own system that can fill their needs.

You said Ceuleman needs a change of scenery. You know what? If you are picked 25th overall 5 years ago, your change of scenery better have been with the team that drafted you, not 3 years straight with the farm team with not one call up to the NHL. We don't want him.

17 Apr 2026 02:01:50
Just Curious, is your buddy one of the Amateur Scouts, Pro Scouts or one of the Regional Field Scouts?

17 Apr 2026 13:12:35
Sorry that was meant for another poster.

17 Apr 2026 13:28:36
Suffering. Who's giving the Leafs a 2nd for Robertson?
As for Ceulemans not being in the NHL. So, should the Leafs walk away from Akhtyamov (24), Peksa (23), Rafai (28), Hirvonen (24) and Villeneuve (24) as well then? They are all older and most drafted in 2020. You are going to probably split hairs and say you said not one call up even, so it's different. Columbus has had great defensive depth during Ceulemans years. That is relevant.
Ceulemans is just 22 (I know, 23 in May). Spent two years in the NCAA first. The skills are there. He hasn't put it all together. He has the size and skating. McCabe was 22 before he was full time with the Sabres. Tanev 24. Benoit 23. How about from some other teams. Soucy 25. Mayfield 25. Borgen 25. Lauzon 23. Just a small example of guys many have said the Leafs could now use that weren't full time NHLers at 22. Not uncommon for NHL D-men not to be in the NHL in their 22nd year. Should the Ducks, who have great D depth start thinking about walking away from Warren next year if he doesn't make the team? What about Luneau if he isn't a full time NHLer next year? Montreal has tons of D depth, if Reinbacher, former 5th overall pick, who turns 22 in October, isn't fulltime next year, should nobody want him? Engstrom is already 22, should they dump him if he can't carve a fulltime position?
I also did not say Ceulemans would be a top 4 D.

I said if he puts it together, he could be a steal. Meaning I don't think Robertson has much value, so if Ceulemans can become a regular NHL D-man, that's a steal for the Leafs as 6'3" Right shot D are the rarity.
McCue is also only 23. McCue would be great for the Marlies. Plays hard, sticks up for teammates and can play a regular shift. If he can work his way into a 4th line NHLer that hits, fights and plays well defensively, that's a plus.
One of the main reasons for doing it is that the Leafs would also be clearing Robertson's cap hit, whatever that will be. I would wager he wants a raise and I hope the Leafs don't keep him and give him one.

17 Apr 2026 13:29:30
I also have no idea what you are talking about with the scout buddy comment. I've never claimed I have a scout buddy.

17 Apr 2026 13:40:04
I see you have now said your comment about a scout buddy was meant for another poster. That wasn't there when I posted. Thanks for calrifying.

17 Apr 2026 14:31:19
To address the Robertson thing first. He is earning $1.825 million if we don't offer him anything he walks and we get nothing at all. If we qualify him at that price and he decides to go as a RFA and gets minimum that same price (And he will as other teams need guys who can score 15 to 20 a year) we get a 3rd round pick in return for them signing him. If he has multiple teams bidding and he gets $2.3 - to $4.6 (I think he gets $2.5 from the right team looking to add scoring on their 3rd line or possibly the 2nd with the right linemates. Then we get a 2nd as compensation.

As far a Ceulemans.... No we should not give up on some of our later drafted guys or Undrafted guys.

I am not doing the full deep dive into every name but I can almost guarantee most of them at least got call ups from the minors a few times before they cracked the lineup full time.

The thing that stands out with Ceuleman is this stat. In his draft year that he was a first round pick. Of the top 10 defensemen taken from #1 to #35 in that draft. He is the only single one to have not played a game in the NHL at all. Carson Lambos from Minnesota has only played 1 but the other 8 have all at least had call ups or found a regular spot in the line-up.

I'm Curious on How much you would offer Ceulemans as a RFA?

17 Apr 2026 16:32:58
I already noted that you would likely say, not one call up makes a difference. Neither has Warren in Anaheim. You wouldn't take him? Soucy had none by 22 either. 3 NHL games at 23 and then the next full year back in the A. Mayfield had 5 games as a 21 year old and 6 as a 23 year old. Then 25 as a 24 year old. The rest of his time spent in the A. Borgen had 4 as a 22 year old, 10 as a 24 year old. These are the closest comparables of guys I mentioned, and I only really looked at guys that come up on this site or with the Leafs.
So Soucy's 0 games by 22, Mayfield's 5 and Borgen's 4 somehow make them more valuable than Ceulemans? Pretty sure I could come up with more if I actually tried. To me, and no offense, it seems kind of a short sighted thing to say about a 22 year old D "he hasn't ever been called up, so don't want him."
As for the draft. Ceulemans at 25th and 0 games. Lambos 26th, 1 game. Mailoux 31st. Only 8 games before this season and the only reason is because he was traded to STL and got an opportunity (Like I am saying for Ceulemans).

Allan 32nd. 43 with the Hawks last season when they stunk and nothing this year and they still stink. Buium the 11th d-man taken at 36th. 0 games. Chayka the 12th taken at 38th. 0 games. All these D were taken within 13 picks of Ceulemans. I would offer the minimum to retain his rights.

As for Robertson. I am not sure what you are talking about as far as how his RFA status goes and the Leafs qualifying him. IIRC, if they qualify him, they retain his rights. If he turns it down, he can elect to go to arbitration. Only the team can walk away under certain circumstances, the player can't. If the team walks away he becomes a UFA. What do you mean if he decides to go RFA and gets the same price we get a 3rd and if it's more we get a 2nd? He can't negotiate with other teams. Are you talking about an offer sheet? Are you suggesting teams will offer sheet Robertson?
Anyhow. I don't really agree, but Good convo.

17 Apr 2026 19:40:06
I personally think that Robertson and the Leafs will part ways. I think they will qualify him at the minimum they have too. Then I think they will actually not request Arbitration because it could backfire on them. If a trade is not done with another team for his rights that is. Keep your eye on Pittsburgh. They want Jason Robertson and he and Nick together switched agents this year. Dubas wanted to try and trade for Jason Robertson but also didn't want to give up the package Dallas wanted. There have been very few offer sheets done of late. A lot was due to teams Salary restrictions and their inability to have the necessary picks to give the required compensation.

Dubas has the Highest available Salary Cap for nexct year of all the teams $46,7 million and only has to fill 6 spots. He also has the draft compensation available to go after both Robertsons at $12.5 and $2.5 and still have 2nd and multiple 3rds next year. They would still have almost $32 miillion left to fill 4 roster spots.

If anyone could pull off 2 offer sheets it would be Dubas.

Re: Defenceman stuff. I'm not going to keep a back and forth going here. It's not about age. It's more about how quickly the team acknowledges giving you a look, Especially if you are a 1st overall pick. I appreciate the research you did on these players you listed on ages etc. There are obviously as you pointed out some factors in cases with teams depths on why players don't get the call. For instance the reason Soucy had 0 games at 22 is because he was in University and Still did one more year after that so he could get his Business Management Degree. Another for instance was Chayka, he was just a terrible draft Pick by Vegas. They saw him play when he was 17 in Guelph then during his draft year which was Covid he went back to play in Russia and regressed and they never got to see him much so Vegas rolled the dice. They rolled Craps. Anyway have a great weekend and yes....good convo.

15 Apr 2026 21:47:00
With the Leafs now getting that 2nd round pick, if Adam Nemec is still available, that is someone I think the Leafs should be looking hard at.

15 Apr 2026 21:36:22
What?

15 Apr 2026 23:29:23
I agree, RLF. I mentioned him a little while ago. The kid looked great at the World Juniors and then stepped right from there right in the OHL and adapted great.

16 Apr 2026 02:12:29
Leafsgm. The pick they got for Laughton is now a 2nd because LA has made the playoffs.
Suffering. Didn't realize you had. But I obviously agree. He is quick, skilled, great vision, goes to the net and pretty good shot with decent size.

16 Apr 2026 20:48:43
I know. Sorry, I thought you were talking about another player.

15 Apr 2026 14:27:54
A draft day hypothetical I’ve been mulling over this morning is how can the Leafs rebuild the system in one draft.... Here's what I came up with

First the Leafs have to land the top 5 pick then,

Tor: 5th overall 2nd 2026( LA pick) one of Robertson/Maccelli both (RFA)

Stl: picks 9th 15th (Det)

With those picks Toronto selects @ 9th
Daxon Rudolph 6’2 203lbs RHD 28g 50a 78p 68gp

Then @15
Ryan Rooboreck 6’4 216lbs LHC 30g 28a 58pts
49gp

Then with their 3rd pick
Ethan Mackenzie 6’0 174lbs LHD 22g 36a 58pts 59gp

So my deep dive here I’ll start with why St. Louis makes this trade and my simple answer is a new GM looking to make a swing. The Blues have a decent prospect pool and some quality young guns, they also have 3 first this year so they need quality over quantity.

Daxon Rudolph is 3rd in the WHL in scoring, projected at 13 on Tankathon. From what I have read he is one of the most complete players in this draft; he is a great skater, can clearly put up numbers offensively and is solid defensively.

If I’m Toronto, a lot of the D men in the top 5 have good qualities but no great qualities. Daxon is more of a safe, sure pick imo.

Ryan Rooboreck the more I read about him the more I like him, coming into the year he was projected as a top 5 pick coming off a 45g 87pts season he’s your prototypical power forward and from what I read his offensive IQ is off the charts.

Ethan Mackenzie I seen someone else here mention this player and upon further review they were right passed over the last two drafts. The reports on him are although he’s smaller he’s a dog willing to sacrifice anything to make a play or get a stop, superb skater who is an almost automatic zone exit. Again I like what I’ve heard

So that’s my thinking on how the farm gets rebuilt 3 top end prospects with room to grow into quality NHLers and with no first the next 2 years now the time to buy

15 Apr 2026 20:47:21
The 1 issue is. How does this help us now?

Your deal is more rebuild style vs retool. I'd much rather offer the 5th ova and Robertson to get to 3rd and draft Verhoeff. Which is the dman we need to be serious about targetting to make the retool work.

15 Apr 2026 21:38:41
Where’s the third pick coming from?

15 Apr 2026 23:32:56
Rudolph will be a good one.However I think this draft has one of the best list of D-men in a long time. I would hang onto the Pick (Hopefully it is even higher than 5th in the lottery. But if it is 5th I would probably take Malholtra if Verhoeff is gone. However.... I would also have conversations with Seattle if they stay in the 6th spot and see who they really, really want with their pick and then say we will swap positions so they can grab their playe and in return we get one one of those great prospects they have in the system already and then we do our Pick.

Second Round I pick Adam Nemec and then Eth.an McKenzie in the 3rd riound.

15 Apr 2026 23:57:51
Rooberoeck is kind of a crapshoot with scouts having him ranked mid first round to late 2nd round. Biggest knock that seems to be a consistent is he can be very passive and at times lazy. That is why he has dropped in many scouts assessments.

16 Apr 2026 02:17:49
I think if you look at the reports guys like Verhoff and Reid are not slam dunk prospects which is why I opted to maybe try and go for multiple players this either way, no player drafted this year helps the Leafs next year that’s will need to be done via trade or.

16 Apr 2026 09:10:57
@Goat2.0 Not sure what you mean by slam dunk? There’s never truly a sure thing until they’ve played in the NHL and succeeded. Now, by slam dunk if u mean NHL ready for next season? U may be right but….. They’re both looking like franchise cornerstone players off initial scouting projections.

Wherever u read/heard this, I hope they’re wrong, man. We need this! This could potentially give us something we haven’t had in decades, a true number 1 D. Cross your fingers, boys, this could be it.

16 Apr 2026 12:22:40
I have heard and read that Chase Reid has fallen off during the last month. But is still considered a Top 4 D-man in the NHL. Verhoeff is still looked at Top 3 pick maybe 4 depending on a team's needs, But is considered a Top 2 D-man in the NHL eventually on the majority of teams. His ceiling is huge. He is one of the youngest in the Draft still adjusting in that massive frame.

Is not blazing on his initial steps on a rush but has good top end speed (Don't forget he was a Goalie until 5 years ago and is still working on his Skating) but has extremely agile feet for defending and very quick hands for his playmaking, and a cannon of a shot. I'd take him if he is available. I don't think he will be if we pick 5 or 4 though.

16 Apr 2026 14:57:35
When I look at Verhoeff he reminds me a lot of Owen Power. Now Power is a solid player but isn’t a standout. I guess tbh is I had to choose between him and Reid. I’m taking Reid.

17 Apr 2026 01:22:27
Not trying to start an argument here. But I watched a lot of Verhoeff on FLo Hockey this year. Never compare him to Owen Power. Owen Power is a huge body who does not use his body or size. Verhoeff physically dominates battles for the puck on the boards or the corners and moves his men from the front of the net like they were boys.

Reid also does not do that. He plays more of an Owen Power, avoiding the physicality game as well. Reid is behind not just Verhoeff in the true physical game as a D-Man but also Carels, Smits, and Rudolph.

14 Apr 2026 21:22:47
Trade Proposal

To Toronto Maple Leafs:

Jared McCann
Brandon Montour
Ryker Evans
Lukas Dragicevic
2026 1st-round pick

To the Seattle Kraken:

William Nylander
Maby some b prospect like Quillan.

15 Apr 2026 08:37:49
You would be a fool to make this trade and not target one of their top prospects.

14 Apr 2026 00:16:06
So someone needs to tell Pelley that this foundation of players that he thinks Toronto has, doesn't include Matthews, Nylander or Rielly.

The foundation is Knies, Cowen, Danforth, Villeneuve

Toronto's new President of hockey operations needs to tell Matthews and the Band of bandits that they need to give the new GM a list of at least 3 times that they will consider going too.

By trading these players Toronto can get back good players and prospects.
Also Toronto needs to stop trading away picks and trade players that are not playing up to the level that is expected.


Rielly spends his entire summer out West so send him to Seattle or Vancouver.

Matthews will probably entertain a trade to Utah to play with his buddy, or Anaheim to be back in the sun.

Nylander will probably entertain a trade to New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils.

I can suggest some trades for players but let's see if the new Management group can convince this idiot Pelley first to accept this move.

14 Apr 2026 00:15:52
Reilly is from B.C. but he and his wife live in Rosedale year round.

14 Apr 2026 10:07:38
@ParkG I couldn’t agree more!! In every way you’ve taken the words out of my mouth aha, those so-called core players have done zero for long enough. Not sure about Danford or Villeneuve yet, but they look excellent in junior, Knies tho is the real deal, guys a stud, and we build around him, and please for the love of god, Verheoff or Chase Reid, bottom line a true #1 defender as well as, Danford, Cowboy etc; build a real team where you get paid when you produce.

Period!

14 Apr 2026 15:22:19
Rielly yes. Matthews and Nylander you r whack.

18 Apr 2026 03:16:01
Finally someone who views the Leafs as I do.
The Core 4 1/2 era is over.
Time to rebuild the team for the future.
Matthews, Nylander and Rielly must go.
Nylander to the Rangers reunites him with his best friend Mika Zibanijad.
Dolan has supposedly instructed Drury to “get a star”.
Would Rangers send their Top 5 pick to the Leafs along with Bradon Schneider and a future 2nd?
Matthews to LA Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke and a 1st?
Or Matthews to Utah to join his buddy Keller.
Mammoth have a nice prospect pool.
Reilly to Seattle or Vancouver might work for Ttessa Virtue who likely wears the pants on that family.
The company Virtue works for has its head office in Toronto but their 2nd largest office is in Vancouver.