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.

1.) 09 Mar 2026
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.

2.) 09 Mar 2026
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.

3.) 09 Mar 2026
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.

4.) 09 Mar 2026
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!

5.) 10 Mar 2026
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.

6.) 10 Mar 2026
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.

7.) 11 Mar 2026
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!