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22 Jun 2026 17:44:37
TOR: Morgan Reilly, Easton Cowan, Col 1st
CAPS: Cole Hutson, Connor McMichael
Cowan swaps McMichael spot on the wing.
Leafs get McMichael as 2C
Caps get Rielly as PP2 D
Leafs get a promising PP2 D
Leafs add?
22 Jun 2026 16:36:08
Does the Tkatchuk trade change what we think Knies is worth at this point?
3 1sts (one in top 10) and a 2nd for a guy who gave a small list of teams.
Knies gets a similar amount of points, is younger and makes less money.
In that world, what would a Mathews return be if this is another poor year and it's decided he needs to be moved?
22 Jun 2026 16:45:20
My 2026/27 Leafs roster projection
I have been playing around with a possible 2026/27 Leafs roster, and the main idea for me is balance: enough cap flexibility, more energy in the middle six, a real chance for some young players, and not trading away too much of the future.
Based on my projection, the roster would look like this:
Forwards
Knies ($7.75M) – Matthews ($13.25M) – Nylander ($11.5M)
Cowan ($0.9M) – McTavish ($7M) – Bunting (UFA)
Mikheyev (UFA) – Tavares ($4.39M) – McKenna ($1.025M)
Joshua ($3.25M) – Groulx ($0.813M) – Lorentz ($1.35M)
Extras/competition: Quillan (RFA), Tverberg (RFA), Haymes, Sim
LTIR: Domi ($3.5M)
Defence
McCabe ($4.51M) – Raddysh ($8.5M)
Rielly ($7.5M) / OEL ($3.5M) – Tanev ($4.5M)
Ferraro (UFA) – Villeneuve (RFA)
Extras/competition: Andrae (RFA), Thrun (RFA)
Goalies
Stolarz ($3.75M)
Hildeby ($0.842M)
Akhtyamov starts in the AHL, but I would keep the door open depending on how he develops during the season.
Cap situation
With Rielly, this roster comes in at around $79.805M, which would leave about $24.195M in cap space.
With OEL instead of Rielly, the roster comes in at around $75.805M, which would leave about $29.195M in cap space.
That means there is more than enough room to sign the RFAs: Villeneuve, Andrae, Thrun, Quillan and Tverberg. It should also leave plenty of space to sign the UFAs I mentioned: Ferraro, Bunting and Mikheyev.
Roster size would be flexible. I know the projection currently has 2 goalies, 8 defencemen and 16 forwards. After camp, the Leafs could decide whether they want to run 8D/13F or 7D/14F.
Possible moves
I would move out Ersson, OEL/Rielly, Carlo, Myers, Pezzetta, Robertson and Maccelli.
For McTavish, I would look at a package around Carlo, Robertson and an additional prospect or draft pick. I know it may take more, but stylistically McTavish is exactly the type of player I would target: young, skilled, competitive and able to play a heavier playoff style.
Florida might show interest in Ersson. If there is a market there, I would try to turn him into a pick.
For the rest, I would try to get picks if possible and keep as much flexibility as possible.
Defence
The main thing I like about this defence is that every pair has a clearer role.
McCabe – Raddysh could be the top pair. McCabe gives that pair defensive reliability, while Raddysh can drive offence and run PP1.
Rielly/OEL – Tanev would be the second pair. I know many Leafs fans want to move on from Rielly because of the $7.5M cap hit. I understand that. But I also think the discussion around him is sometimes too simple.
Rielly has often been asked to play like a true number one defenceman without consistently having the ideal defensive partner beside him. If Tanev is healthy, that could finally give him a much better fit. Also, if Rielly is no longer forced into 23–25 minutes every night and can instead play closer to 18–20 minutes, I think that could help him a lot.
Raddysh being the main PP1 quarterback would also take pressure away from Rielly. He can still help offensively, but he would not need to carry the blue line in the same way.
That said, I also understand the OEL argument. At $3.5M, he is much cheaper. The question is whether he can repeat his previous season and whether the age difference matters more than the cap savings. For me, keeping Rielly is still defensible if his role is adjusted properly.
On the third pair, I would like to see Villeneuve get a real chance. He has worked his way up over the last few years and should finally get rewarded. If it works, great. If not, Ferraro could easily move to 3RD and Thrun or Andrae could slide into 3LD.
Ferraro would make sense as a third-pair defenceman who can play hard minutes and help on the penalty kill. I also think he was asked to do too much in San Jose. In Toronto, in a more limited role, he could be more effective.
Forwards
I would bring back Bunting and Mikheyev because both know Toronto and both bring energy.
The idea would be to have one strong workhorse type on each of the first three lines, together with more skilled players.
The fourth line should be decided mostly in camp. Joshua, Groulx, Lorentz, Quillan, Tverberg, Haymes and Sim could all compete for those spots. I would not lock that line in too early.
Prospects
I would not trade Danford at all. For me, he is a future Tanev replacement and exactly the type of defenceman the Leafs should keep and develop properly. I would start him in the AHL and let him grow into that role.
I would also keep an eye on Akhtyamov, Peksa, Rifai, Webber, Chadwick, Smith, Borgesi, Hundley, Djurasevic, Haymes, Sim, Holinka, Valis and Buhr as future depth options.
Koblar will play in the SHL, and I would sign Johansson (also plays SHL).
Overall idea
My goal would be:
• keep Matthews, Nylander and Knies as the offensive core
• add McTavish as a young, heavy, skilled top- six/middle-six piece
• keep Rielly only if his role is reduced and better supported
• give Villeneuve a real NHL chance
• keep Danford as a future Tanev replacement
• add Ferraro, Bunting and Mikheyev as useful role players
• move out extra pieces for picks where possible
• keep enough cap space for RFAs, UFAs and in-season flexibility
It is not a perfect roster, it is a start and I think it gives the Leafs more balance, more internal competition and a better long-term structure.
22 Jun 2026 16:08:58
STL
Rielly $7.5M
Tor
Toropchenko $2.5M
If STL wants to stay competitive instead of a complete retool, a change of scenery Rielly may find his game again and should be a good vet add.
Toronto picks up a physical 4th liner with the ability to score 10-15 goals and PK. They save $5M on the cap.
Then
Utah
Stolarz $3.75M
Robertson RFA
Tor
Vajmelka $4.75M
McBain $4.25M
I think Stolarz is an upgrade on Vejmelka which Utah could use of he can stay healthy.
A bit of a gamble on Utah's part, but they need a goalie upgrade and the extra cap space to add a tandem goalie would help. Yamamoto is UFA, so Robertson would take his spot.
Leafs take on a more durable vet goalie in Vejmelka and add more grit that can PK etc in McBain. With the cap space saved on the Rielly deal, they can do this one and still have the about $18M left in cap space.
22 Jun 2026 15:28:04
They are in a. Retool. Not looking to get older.
22 Jun 2026 16:34:34
Hrenklin. Stl is a fairly young team as it is. They only have 3 players 32 or older (+ Binnington) and none over 35 atm. Most of their forwards are under 30, so adding a 32 year old d-man who is slightly younger than Fowler and Parayko doesn't seem unrealistic. A good balance with the 24 year old Broberg and 23 year old Mailloux. Allows them to keep Tucker (26) on the 3rd pair where he belongs and Rielly is an upgrade on last year's carousel of Holl, Kessel and Lindstein. Plus, Toropchenko is a 4th liner. It's not like they are giving up a top 6 forward for their retool.
22 Jun 2026 15:04:13
I definitely hope the Leafs don't trade for Bobrovski from Florida, he is way to old at 37 years old. Hopefully they go after a way younger starting goalie which they need badly or bring up both gollies from the Marlies, give them some mentoring and good coaching throughout the summer and give them a shot next year.
22 Jun 2026 15:21:15
Who better to tutor A.A than an older Russian goaltending Top goalie. The most I would do though for term is 3 years.
22 Jun 2026 16:04:30
He had a 3.07 GAA and .877 save percentage. He’s washed up and will cost way to much money ffs.
22 Jun 2026 16:32:25
He did in fairness have the majority of his defensive forwards out for the vast majority of the season. I think he has maybe 2 years Leafs at “I'll show everyone I still have it” so the most I would go is 3 and as I said if he starts to lose the reins on the starting job you have a great mentor for A.A. and any other young they obtain. But to go 6 years at $7 that is a for sure no go. Only team that desperate to do that might be Edmonton.
22 Jun 2026 16:38:26
I agree. No to Bobrovsky. Apparently he wants big money and term, which is why no deal has been done. I don't think there is a need to trade for him anyway with the addition of Tkachuk and his contract. They need 2 goalies signed and probably a 7th D. Unless they are moving out some money to bring him back, I think that ship has sailed anyway.
22 Jun 2026 14:05:23
So apparently, the Rangers really wanted Brady and missed out. They want a power forward bad and would probably overpay for one.
Tor - Knies, Col 1st, Robertson, Carlo
NYR - Lafreniere, Schneider, 5th overall
The Rangers are not a well run organization. I do think a player like Laf leaving NY would be good for him.
I know the Rangers are severely overpaying here for Knies but it's the player they want and they keep running their players out of town.
Tor gets a winger to replace Knies, a solid defenceman in Schneider, and the 5th overall pick which they would use on Verhoeff or Carels.
22 Jun 2026 14:05:30
I don't know.
They don't seem to believe in Lafreniere anymore so he may not be the best chip.
What about the fifth Schneider and Fox?
22 Jun 2026 14:25:55
Why would you say they don’t believe in Lafreniere? They actually aren't shopping him but if the offer is right I am sure with their state of their team they would listen. Every team, if the Rangers comes up in conversation on trade sites, mentions him. It isn’t because they don’t want him it’s just he is the player fans want from the Rangers.
22 Jun 2026 14:55:27
@CreamD Not unless Cuylle is coming back too. Plus 5oa and Laf and or Schneider. We need someone who will be a problem. Cuylle is that guy.
22 Jun 2026 09:37:29
Tor: Carlo 1st (Col pick) Holinka
Ana: McTavish
Can the Leafs take advantage of the fact that none of the Ducks UFA D are sticking around…. I think McTavish is a good fit; he adds that youth movement. Danford I think can move into the bottom pair.
22 Jun 2026 14:33:42
If none of their d sticks around that makes Carlo attractive and I would add a 2nd at not the 1st. Certainly not Holinka, I want to see how he blossoms with a year in the AHL.
To good of a prospect to give up this soon. I would try McTavish at Centre but his slow skating might have him as a better fit on the wing.
22 Jun 2026 14:53:18
@suffering The Ducks are not giving McTavish away, gonna have to pay to play. The 1st is bottom half next year so not worried about moving it, and as for Holinka, he seems like a decent pick, especially as a 5th rounder, but again if the Leafs use all their picks this year they will have some decent prospects to replace Holinka.
22 Jun 2026 15:11:28
I agree that Anaheim is not just going to give away a 23 year old 40-60 point player because he hasn't reach expectations yet. Seems like a reasonable package.
22 Jun 2026 04:55:12
If Morgan Rielly were traded to Vancouver, and Toronto received a 2026 second-round pick and Linus Karlsson in return, would that be a fair deal for both teams?
Vancouver will probably trade the expensive forward Elias Pettersson, so they should have enough cap space to make a deal like this.
I don't think Rielly's trade value is still worth a first-round pick, so Linus Karlsson would be a nice addition for Toronto.
I'm not sure whether the trade would really benefit Vancouver, though. The big question is whether Rielly would actually be an upgrade for them.
22 Jun 2026 08:51:01
I’m pretty positive that Reilly has already said no to Vancouver. It doesn’t make sense for either Vancouver or Reilly. The Nucks are rebuilding and already have a handful or vet D and Reilly I would imagine wants to go somewhere he can try and win.
22 Jun 2026 02:57:52
Here’s my final Post for the summer.
(You all yell Thank goodness!!!!!)
SanJose
Rielly
Robertson
Gets them an experienced dman and a potential 20 goal scorer to add to their forward core
Leafs
27th overall draft Dagenais just to tick off the Habs 😏
Which is my only motivation here…just kidding…well sort of… like the kid saw him play a handful of games who I think would be a steal at 27th
Or Roobroeck a power forward who is inconsistent but hopefully the lure of the NHL will motivate him as he can easily be top 6 even 1st line LW
Saw him play 5 times
2 times dominant
1 time ok. Just ok 😏
2 times where have you gone Joe DiMaggio??
July 1
Sign Roslevic
Sign Tolvanen who I think can pot 15-20 goals from the third line and penalty kill
Sign our old friend Mikheyev can still fly solid on the pk will score 15-20 goals 😎
Third Line
Mikheyev Roslevic Tolvanen
Knies Matthews Cowan
McKenna Tavares Nylander
4th Line… a work in progress…
Not a fan of this combo but what does one do with the contracts of Lorentz and Joshua??
Lorentz Quillan Joshua
I would like to see
Sim Quillan Tverberg
I’m assuming Domi is out for the year and on LTIR?
Top 6 Defence
Andrae McCabe OEL
Raddysh Tanev Carlo
7th dman Mermis or Rifai
Danford can percolate in the AHL
But is next on my depth chart for a call up…
I’m assuming Tanev will be ready come training camp?
Goalies
Stolarz.
Aka Yikes (that’s my name for him)
Hildeby I’m not sold on.
Akhtyamov may be number one by Christmas 🎅
Maybe sign another goalie and hope he clears waivers
Tarasov or Miftakhov or Khakonen
Have a good summer everyone 👍
Be well and stay safe.
22 Jun 2026 02:21:02
U could have just left for the summer b4 this post. 🙏🏻🤣
22 Jun 2026 02:22:37
Just kidding have a good summer W17. 👍🏻
22 Jun 2026 00:15:17
So it’s been interesting so far, likely with much more to come.
Like most I love the Raddysh acquisition but do think a bit too long and a bit too much.
Like most I’m uncertain about Hiller; I hope he has learned from his past.
Like most, I’m glad our crease has been addressed but why Ersson and a small Dman. Is Andrae the LD replacement for Reilly?
I’ve read Chayka’s rationale on each and can’t fault his logic.
Now I’m hoping he deals both Carlo and Reilly. Hope he’s right!
It’s addition by subtraction with Reilly.
Send him to SJS and get R3 2026 plus F. Bystedt and I’ll be more than happy.
Carlo’s skill set is easily replaced in the UFA market. Can’t worry about what we lost to get him, just send him packing. Maybe we can scoop Ethan Procysyzn and a R3 2026 from the Ducks.
Sign a few UFAs (Ferraro, Greer and either Roslovic or Jenner).
See if Villeneuve can stick and go with Groulx and Quillan.
Getting crowded up front with Lorentz, Joshua, Maccelli and Robertson and no doubt what will soon be McKenna.
Something here has to be done.
22 Jun 2026 01:02:56
So I’ve been told no one wants Elias as a 2c for the Leafs. So bout this trade instead with the Canucks.
To Tor
Boeser
To Van
Reilly
Roberston
2nd 2026 (Philly)
To Tor
4th rd 2026
To Sea
Rights to Maccelli
McKenna Matthews Boeser
Knies Tavares Nylander
22 Jun 2026 00:40:52
Sounds good to me …. Do it.
22 Jun 2026 01:00:53
Yes, nice post Champ 👏.
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