Leafs Trade Rumors

12 Mar 2026 01:17:55
Toronto:

Jake O'Brien Centre
Jagger Firkus LW and can play RW
Tyson Jugnauth Defense
1st in 2027 Seattle's lowest one
2nd in 2027 Seattle's lowest one

Seattle:
Matthews and Reilly

This trade allows us to stock the cupboards in a large way with prospects and picks. Also give us $20 Million and Change and a chance to add either through Free agency or by utilizing other Leaf Roster players and Picks to take on a higher end player with larger salary, with the freed up cash from those Contracts.

It allows Seattle to fill 2 of the 3 Roster Spots they need to fill without losing Roster players in the trade and still leaves them $13 million to fill that last roster spot.

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.

11 Mar 2026 09:44:52
Well let’s mix up these teams a bit. Everyone has Willy going to ANH and Matthews to SJ. What if it was the other way around?

To ANH: Matthews, Reilly

To Tor: Sennecke, McTavish, Mintuykov


2nd:
To SJ: Nylander, Domi

To Tor: Misa, Ferraro (resigned 6M X 3)

11 Mar 2026 13:41:30
Clarky, absolute yes to both! If we could actually get that for AM and Nylander make it happen whomever and let’s go! Leafs with the cap space could still add some depth and we’d most likely make the playoffs next year.

Ntm drafting Keaton Verhoeff this year as well! This team would be ridiculous good if not right away but in a couple years look tf out!

11 Mar 2026 14:16:23
Like your enthusiasm, Henry77.

11 Mar 2026 14:27:24
I'd have to think Nylander gets more than an unproven first rounder and a bottom pair Dman alone.

11 Mar 2026 14:34:36
First trade, great for the Leafs.
2nd trade, I would think Nylander can get more than that. I assume you're taking off value for Domi, but Ferraro is a UFA, so I don't think the sign and trade carries a lot of value either as Leafs can just wait to offer that if he is willing to take it.

11 Mar 2026 15:15:18
Here’s why I shoot down this Anaheim trade. Why would the Ducks move cost-controlled young guys currently outplaying Matthews for a quick go-for-it move? Matthews is 28 with only two more years.

The Ducks with their young core could create a dynasty. It’s a great trade for Toronto, but I just don’t see the Ducks selling Senneke after they took so much crap for picking him 3rd overall.

11 Mar 2026 17:50:04
If you could get that haul in the first trade then yes. But realism always has to poke its nasty head up lol. To be honest, performance-wise of Matthews and Reilly of late and between them carrying $20.75 million of salary. That trade stands a lot better chance of flying with the year Nylander is having and with him and Domi bringing $5.5 less salary with them.



That second trade.... I agree with RLF, Nylander gets you way more than that just on his own. Right now he is still producing at 100 point season if he had not been hurt. Matthews value keeps dropping the longer that goal drought continues. 1 in his last 16 is not a real marketable player at the moment.

11 Mar 2026 18:20:50
In fact..... If the Ducks had a momeny of Insanity and did that first trade. Don't do the second trade. Put McTavish in the Middle and Sennecke on the left (He can play both sides) and Willy on the right. Now there is a line I could watch all season.

11 Mar 2026 23:45:09
Wow, this one got a lot of good feedback. Maybe Willy gets more, but I’m also paying to take Domi. I love that Sennecke kid. Plays like Knies did his first year. Seems to never run out of energy. Hits, scores and battles. I don’t think Anh would move him, but if they do, Matthews might be the one to change their mind.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

09 Mar 2026 14:30:45
I think we need a very strong change even if keeping Matthews. The other issue would be, what is Matthews? If going forward he is a 30-40 goal guy playing a strong 2 way game, then Leafs need a young guy that has #1 centre potential, a 1B centre.

If Matthews is staying.

Nylander, Carlo and Robertson to Anaheim for Sennecke, Luneau and Gaucher.
This is assuming that they make the playoffs this year, do not re-sign Carlson and look to take the next step. Carlo would be a great fit there. Nylander gives them a true 1st line RW and Robertson some possible 3rd line scoring help. Leafs pick up a future possible 1B centre. Luneau adds a puck moving RD and Gaucher has never really developed as hoped, but Leafs give the big man a shot.

Leafs clear tons of cap.

Domi and Stolarz to LA for Moore, Brzustewicz and Ziemmer. Domi is cheaper an upgrade on Moore who seems to have been on a continuous decline in LA. LA needs a goalie as there two right now are old. They can look to move one. I don't necessarily want Moore, but I do like that he has no trade protection making him moveable to where ever the Leafs choose. I have mentioned Brzustewicz as a D prospect and Ziemmer before.

Rielly to Chicago for John Mustard and a 2027 3rd. Chicago could be a really good situation for Rielly. He would be the vet D-man on the roster and expectations of him would not likely be too high. Leafs get a decent mid 6 prospect and a future 3rd.

09 Mar 2026 14:25:33
I can totally support these trades.
All have been on my list as well, though not fully shared on the site.

And your Matthews evaluation might be correct and hence not getting $17m or even $14m.

09 Mar 2026 19:51:53
Confused a bit RLF. Are you saying with Sennecke that the Ducks don't already have a True RW? And who is the 1B centre you are talking about?

09 Mar 2026 20:19:56
Not getting that package RLF. I’ve become a Dicks fan and watch these guys frequently. Gauthier and Sennecke already have way more positive impact on the game than Willy does. I don’t think you will get any of them for Willy never mind 2 of them.

09 Mar 2026 20:31:28
It is a big return and you might be right.

That's the challenge on this site versus real-world negotiations where you ask first if you see a need for something, in this case Nylander. Then understand what need it fills and inquire how much it’s worth to them.



The Ducks might say they’d pay Luneau and Gaucher. We’d hum and haw a bit and then ask for 2026R2 and make the deal.

Both sides walk away happy, like in Walt Disney movies.

09 Mar 2026 20:50:23
Clarky!!!! He is talking Nathan Gaucher not Cutter Gauthier. Plus I don't see even if Anaheim was to part with Sennecke how they fit Willy, Robertson and Carlo in their salary cap in Anaheim. Anaheim has just under $40 million available for next year. But Karlsoon, Gauthier, Mintyukov and Zellweger are all RFA's so pencil in the first 3 for $7.5 to $8 million and Zellweger $4 to $5 and possibly more. So that is $28 roughly gone and then if they re-sign John Carlson at another $8 that is $36 gone.

Then they would have Willy, Robertson and Carlo at $16.7 with Robertson probably getting another $2.5 and maybe more. So roughly $19.2 more that puts Anaheim over their cap by $15 million and even by subtracting Sennecke and adding 3 Leafs they still need to sign another 6 players. I think Anaheim is going to stick with what they have and plug a few of the prospects in. They are on the right track.

09 Mar 2026 21:20:47
Not speaking for RLF, but I expect the 1B center for the Leafs was in fact Nathan Gaucher, who I like a lot.

His reference to the L1RW, I believe, is Bennett Sennecke, who no doubt will be him one day if not even with adding Nylander.



In any event, we would all love to see that deal happen, but it’s a very big haul and likely not one to expect.

That would be a great place to start though!

09 Mar 2026 21:55:00
No, Randy I was saying that Cutter Gauthier is on the first line as RW but Sennecke could be that first line RW as well. They don't really need to swap a RW for a RW. And if you are correct in thinking he was talking at Gaucher as the 1B Centre, I certainly don't see it.

He hasn't played a game in the NHL and in San Diego he is putting up 3rd line bordering on 4th line numbers in the AHL. We will let RLF speak for himself though on which player he meant.

09 Mar 2026 22:13:24
Since the Anaheim deal is the only thing really getting any attention, I will try and clear some things up in my post.
S1967 - Although Sennecke has exceeded expectations in his first season and may end up a true #1 RW, but that is yet to be seen. On top of the points, he also has 73 giveaways. Most amongst their forwards. I also believe even though he played very little centre in junior, he could be a converted to a centre with his size, skill and skating. Sometimes have to get creative to get a 1B centre or 2C. I did also say assuming they don't re-sign Carlson.

The deal is 3 Leaf NHL roster players for 1 Anaheim NHL roster player and 2 AHL players.

It is not Cutter Gauthier, it is Nathan Gaucher, who as I said, has not developed as hoped and is in the AHL at 22.



As for the Cap, part of that includes the up to $4M Sennecke can earn on bonuses. So you can add another $4M to their cap. They would need to sign a vet D and not getting much cheaper than Carlo. Robertson won't be getting any big raise, if one at all. Willy is a controlled asset as he is signed for years. Yes, they have gyus to sign. Zelleweger gets 3rd line minutes, so not sure he gets $4-$5M. Even at S1967 projected 28M left of the $45 they will have, that leaves them $17M to fit Willy, Carlo and Robertson. Definitely doable and if Robertson wants too much, they can flip him.

10 Mar 2026 00:26:46
Don't want to be Mr. Negative but I just feel we need to be getting a lot more back from Anaheim to do that deal. We are giving them 3 Roster players. For one Roster player. One player of ours who could probably get this return and maybe a better one by himself. The other players we are getting are crapshoots really. Gaucher seems to be really struggling, and not seeing he will be better, but I think we might have a better prospect in Holinka already than Gaucher.

Luneau has had a big dropoff this year, and with Noah Chadwick and Danford again we might have our own better options. There has to be a better pedigree of prospects or a big chunk of draft picks to make this viable, I think, anyway. Just one guys opinion is all.

10 Mar 2026 00:41:50
I forgot to add that Zellweger is getting 2nd pairing minutes with Gudas, and even at undersized has really brought his defensive game into step sacrificing the offensive side of his game.

But that is not a bad thing when the team is winning. Now if he was added instead of Luneau and a 1st round pick tossed on top of Sennecke, that would make it easier to think about with Gaucher as a project.

10 Mar 2026 09:33:27
@clarky buddy I’ve become a Ducks fan too and I agree. Question tho would the Ducks do Sennecke for Matthews? Cause I would. That kid's gonna be a problem so would they? Do the Ducks add? Maybe a D prospect like Solberg? Or is it straight one for one?

10 Mar 2026 11:44:29
Yes, Luneau's points are down this year. Because last year they played him to his strength, offence. This season they are putting him in a more defensive role to work on that side of his game, although his offensive numbers have started to pick up lately.
Zellweger's defensive game is coming along. He has averaged 15-18 mins a night pretty much all year. That is not 2nd pair and Gudas averages the lowest mins a night other than Moore. Zell averages about the same minutes as Helleson. Trouba and LaCombe minute munch big time. Yes, they have a rotation of about 4 guys who play a 2nd/3rd pair depending on the night. But 17+ mins (Some on the PP) a night is not a 2nd pair. They could use Carlo as he can give them true 2nd pair minutes is the point.

Sennecke looks great so far guys. It's not just Nylander for Sennecke. Some of the value of Carlo would be added to that. I think Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now and Carlo should have more value than Luneau.

10 Mar 2026 18:18:35
Zellweger is 4th in TOI average for their Defence. But he has not really been playing the power play; they have been putting Mintyukov on the PP and using Zellweger a lot on the penalty kill. They are finding, even though he is smaller, his anticipation and skating has transitioned a lot better to the penalty kill than Mintyukov, plus they already know he is pretty good on the PP so he is a good option in that regard too. I'd love to have him in Toronto.



I have to kind of grin at your comment about Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now. Let's see. One has scored 8 goals last year in the minors, and another 8 this year, and never played a game in the NHL. The other scored 15 goals in the NHL last year, has 13 goals in the NHL this year and, hopefully, if he is utilized better will get more ice time down the stretch. That is not a wash.

This deal needs a way better return from Anaheim.

11 Mar 2026 12:53:30
Wow suffering, you're an expert on everything aren't you. You're well informed on every team, prospect, player, contract negotiations, trade evaluation, player evaluation, what coaches and GM's are thinking. It's remarkable really.

For one, I never said Zellweger is not 4th in TOI. I said 15-18 mins a game is not 2nd pair minutes and he gets about the same minutes as Helleson. Which he gets 11 seconds more a game on average. Most people would say that is about the same. Helleson is a 3rd pair D. I also said they have 4 guys that depending on the night, get 2nd or 3rd pair minutes behind the two minute munchers on the D. What about that isn't true?

It's you that claimed Zell is playing 2nd pair with Gudas, not me. Gudas is 5th in D TOI and averages under 17 mins a night, about 15 mins EV, which is 3rd pair minutes. Both things can't be true. Plus Zell has played only 45 mins all season on the PK and 56 on the PP. HIs zone starts are also weighted in the O-Zones favour. You say Minty is now the PP guy and Zell is the PK guy. Then why does Zell have more PP minutes and 3 times less PK minutes than Minty? Why are Minty's zone starts also slightly weight on the D-Zone side if Zell is the guy they lean on Defensively.

How do they know Zell can PP. Is it the 3 PP points he has all season that tells them that. Of course, I forgot you know what the coach and GM are thinking and all of their player strategies.

As for your little shot at me with the "kind of grin at my comment". I am sure with your superior hockey knowledge it did make you grin and chuckle, but insults, which you tend to default to, don't win debates.
So Robertson is worth a lot more than Gaucher huh?

For one, have to look at age. Robertson 24, 25 this year. Gaucher 22, 23 this year. Robertson was just getting his feet wet in the NHL at 22 and was often scratched. He is actually on a worse pace this year, two seasons later, than he was his first partial year, even though he is playing every night. He hasn't actually showed any real improvement points wise in 3 seasons. He has also doubled his giveaways this year in less games than last season. 2 of his 13 goals have come on the PP. He doesn't PK. He is not trusted in tight games to help close it out. He is also one of the worst puck possession players of all Leaf regular forwards.

People have been claiming his whole time in Toronto, "if he is utilized better and gets more ice then watch what he can do." He's 3 seasons in. At this point he is an approx 15 goal scorer, 30 point bottom winger who doesn't PK and needs some PP time to produce. Not great for a guy who needs to produce to be effective. He is also small and easily knocked off the puck even though he is willing to battle. He is not a fighter, never will be. You know who has had a very similar career to Robertson so far? Jarnkrok. Very similar stats. Similar type of player. But Jarnkrok is better defensively, can PK and doesn't give the puck away like Robertson.
Right now, Robertson may be worth a 2nd round pick, most likely a 3rd is what I would think reasonable.

Gaucher, as I said, hasn't developed as hoped, but big power forwards can take longer, so he isn't a bust yet. Teams are willing to pay for 6'3" 225lb forwards who play centre and a two way game. For one, centres are worth more than wingers. He brings size and a physical element. He can fight and sticks up for teammates. Pretty good speed for a big man. He PK's. He is a defensive centre with physicality, the opposite of Robertson. He has typically played 3rd line C in the AHL, not what you would call a point producing position. He is more like Nic Roy, but more physical and willing to drop the mitts. 8 fights in the last 2 seasons.
Is he still worth the 22nd overall pick where he was taken. No. Most likely going to cost a 2nd or 3rd round pick to get him though. Or equivalent player or prospect.
Seems like a wash to me.

Of course this is just my opinion and I don't posses your hockey knowledge obviously, so who knows. Funny how all of a sudden you're not getting all those likes on your posts you claim were from others liking your posts. lol