01 Feb 2026 13:40:59
I really think it’s time to give up on this year.

Sorry in advance for this epistle!

The Leafs need to surpass several more teams to capture a wildcat position than the number of teams they need to fall below to be in 28th position or lower.

And we all know with this Leaf team it’s easier to lose than win.

That of course retains a R1 in 2026. By doing so Philly gets their 1st in 2027 and Boston, our nemesis, waits til 2028.

I like the idea of getting their 1st earlier to accelerate our rebuild or retool, call it what you want.

So plan to tank and trade off as many unneeded players as possible for maximum return if possible but an ok return is also okay.

Try to sign 2, 3 or 4 UFAs. Would love Makar but the Avs will empty their coffers to retain him.

Sabres might do the same thing with Tuck but I’d go after him first.

I like Logan Stanley for several reasons and he’d be an inexpensive D who seems to have found his NHL footing. And he is willing and more than capable pugilist.

I also like Marchment, Roslovic, Mantha and Shmaltz at forward and Connor Murphy and Darren Raddysh on D.

I’d give PTOs to Brett Leason, Philip Tomasino and Riley Tufte.

I’d try to trade McMann for a 20+yo A prospect (target Isaac Howard in Edmonton) and a 2nd and then make every effort to re-sign him for 2 or 3 years at between $3-4m.

I trade Stolarz to Carolina for 6.3’ RD Dominik Badinka (mobile, poise and IQ) plus 2027 R3.

I’d offload Rielly for unneeded Brock Boeser and then trade him elsewhere for something. Didn’t look for a team as yet.

Might be dreaming but I’d trade Benoit and Domi to SJS for 20yo 6.2’ power forward who has great skill namely Igor Chernyshov.

Another trade is Laughton and McCabe to DRW for R2 2026, Nate Danielson (21yo 2-way speedster with some grit) and Anton Johansson (6.4’ RD very mobile with oodles of physicality) .

I trade Carlo to Dallas for Emil Hemming and R3 2026.

I will resign Quillan, am inclined to resign Robertson and at the moment uncertain on Maccelli.

For the 2026 draft at number 5, i like many but realistically would be very happy with Ethan Belchetz. I prefer Keaton Verhoeff and Chase Reid if available. Obviously McKenna, Stenberg and a few others won’t be available.

Any old how thanks to those who read it all.

I’m more than interested in how you see things both going forward this year and on what I have shared.

1.) 01 Feb 2026
01 Feb 2026 18:28:15
McMann should get a first + a prospect (Thinking 1st + Vojtech Cihar from LA)

Regarding Stolarz - I would probably say a package like
Filip Ekberg
3rd Round Draft Pick

San Jose will not give away a young up-and-coming guy for 2 old guys who are on the decline. I agree we need to offload those contracts but SJ would not agree.

I feel the top 3 guys in the draft will be Stenberg, Verhoef, f and McKenna. If we are in the top 5, I would probably target Caleb Malhorta or Chase Reid.

2.) 01 Feb 2026
01 Feb 2026 19:12:14
TY, good stuff!

I’m okay with McMann suggestion. Key for me is resigning him. I asked the other day on the site if it was legal to have an undisclosed letter of intent from McMann to resign with Leafs. OR something similar.

Don’t mind Ekberg, was trying to build strong D.

Agree your point about SJS. What would you do with Benoit and Domi?

And your draft picks are also good; I was focusing on size; Belchetz is a behemoth!

3.) 01 Feb 2026
01 Feb 2026 22:10:12
Rsears. No, I do not believe you can have a side deal to re-sign a player when trading him. That deal would significantly affect the buying price if the deal was known to the buyer.

4.) 02 Feb 2026
01 Feb 2026 23:24:37
I’m not thinking of something overt but rather only between McMann and TML.

Perhaps an agreement that McMann will always give the Leafs a chance to resign him if the new team tries to extend him after the trade takes place.

I don’t think there is anything unlawful but the NHL disapprove.

You ere right though that it would affect the buy price.

5.) 02 Feb 2026
02 Feb 2026 02:15:19
I am in agreement. Juet bottom out.

Send Stolarz and Mcmann in a package to EDM if they still want a goalie since Jarry doesn't look great.

I would also put OEL on the block as he should be worth a first if not more at the TDL.

Carlo and Laughton probably don't get back what was paid, but that's alright. Still need to shop them.

6.) 02 Feb 2026
02 Feb 2026 03:44:46
Rsears. I am pretty sure it would fall under collusion and be illegal.

7.) 02 Feb 2026
02 Feb 2026 12:00:01
RLF
Didn’t think about collusion which is illegal.
I guess all I can hope for is giving TML a chance just like we gave him.

LL
You’re right unfortunately that neither Carlo or Laughton would get back close to what was given.

OEL has been our best defender but I’m also okay with shopping him.

Like McMann, I’d reconsider getting Laughton back at the right price. He’s been solid this year.

8.) 02 Feb 2026
02 Feb 2026 15:48:16
Why in the world would San Jose trade chernyshov for Benoit and domi ???.

9.) 03 Feb 2026
03 Feb 2026 00:17:58
Mattboy21
I was simply hoping and wishing.
If you packaged them which team would target and who would you ask for.
Give me something to think about.