13 Oct 2026 10:39:07
Tor: Wood 2nd and maybe toss in Rafi
Cgf: Middleton

Everyone wants the big shinny toy, the big name, when the Leafs need a McCabe.

Middleton is a shutdown player, big plays physical, eats pucks, and can log minutes.

He also is signed for another couple years at 4.3.

Left side becomes McCabe Middleton Reilly.

1.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 13:02:44
I dont think his analytics fit the Leafs build. Hes also a lefty on the older side. And has near identical stats to Troy Stecher. Hard no on this guy.

2.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 13:21:49
Middleton imo is the last type of player the Leafs need. Their main problem on defense is their ability with the puck. The turnovers and the missed passes and just being useless at the point has deterred this offense.

3.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 13:34:33
Sure they need better passing and exits from their Dmen but they have zero physically from them as well. So Middleton would help that.

4.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 13:58:16
Whitecloud replaces Tanev perfectly. Only 29 yrs old and signed to a very reasonable $2.75m for another few seasons. It’s a no brainer and won’t cost u a lot in terms of assets and picks.

5.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 14:02:24
From what is being written in the news it’s getting close to a deal. Especially now that Tanev is pretty much going to LTIR.

6.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 16:32:42
I’m kinda taken back at the takes on Middleton, he’s old? He’s 30, 6’3, 220, who has averaged 17+ minutes a game for the past 6 seasons, also averages 150 blks and 100+ hits a year for a team that struggles to find a shutdown guy after Tanev gets hurt.

This is exactly the type of player the Leafs need, not to mention he’s on a McCabe like deal. We don’t need offence from the blueline, that’s what they pay Raddysh and Reilly for.

7.) 13 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 20:15:15
I personally like it Goat. I keep saying we need a sheriff on the back end and he would fit the bill. Plus, like you said, help out the physical side, block shots, PK, sticks up for teammates and especially the goalies.

Whitecloud is another good option, tough to say who would fit better on the Leafs but Whitecloud is cheaper. Depends on asking prices, I guess.

8.) 14 Oct 2026
13 Oct 2026 23:51:01
I disagree. You have Middleton who’s a 3rd paring LD at $4.35m compared to Whitecloud who is playing a 2nd pairing at RD at $2.75. A year younger, half the salary, and replacing exactly the guy u just lost on your roster, it’s a no brainer, Goat. Middleton doesn’t fit that, and I'm sorry at almost 1.5 times the cap hit, no thank you.

9.) 14 Oct 2026
14 Oct 2026 07:20:11
@champ Am I missing something here...? The numbers don’t support what you’re saying. I’ll grant you he’s on a cheap contract but his numbers show he isn't a Tanev replacement.

10.) 14 Oct 2026
14 Oct 2026 11:52:31
Champ... No one has reported that a deal is close.

11.) 16 Oct 2026
16 Oct 2026 08:56:10
Goat, this season they r identical players, same hits, shot blocks. Only difference is Whitecloud plays 21 mins and Mid plays 17 mins. Ones a 2nd pairing the other a 3rd pairing. Like I said one is RD, one is LD. Plus one is younger and cheaper so don’t challenge me about the numbers don’t support that. Nice try.

12.) 16 Oct 2026
16 Oct 2026 14:52:59
Neither can replace Tanev. It would be hard to find anyone that can replace all that he does.