Leafs Trade Rumors

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.

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.

08 Mar 2026 12:47:37
So my post today will focus on a move that I would make to hopefully get us closer to the SC.

I didn’t give the name of my forward in yesterday’s Robertson trade but some of you no doubt guessed it was Jan Chovan.

It follows my post of yesterday and also speaks to LeafsGM78 idea of Rielly buyout.

I want to emphasize he posted the caveat that Rielly must be willing to waive his no trade clause.

The Leafs Must get Rielly to waive for 2 reasons: a buyout while an okay strategy gets us nothing back for the asset and secondly we will carry a $2m cap hit for 8 years!

So the strategy we Must pursue is a trade and methinks our negotiation base is very weak so we will likely be disappointed by our return.

We Must take the attitude of being happy with a cap savings to reinvest in players that will move us forward plus the strong belief that part of our porous defence will be improved.



Several choices exist to me.

First is of course Vancouver, his hometown and a team that might feel the need for offence from their D corps after losing Hughes. In return be very happy with a 2026 R2 plus Aiden Celebrini, a 22yo 6.1 195lb RD who is a plus skater with good physicality and excellent play reading ability.

My second choice is SJS, who desperately need D help in any form for a 2026 R2 plus Egor Afnasayev, a 25yo 6.4 212lb offensive winger with a great shot good speed but not as quick as I’d like.

If neither of these can be done, see if Calgary will give us a R2 & R4 in 2026.

Thanks for reading.

08 Mar 2026 15:02:57
You are getting nothing back for Rielly! No asset, only another bad contract, if you can trade him at all. It may be better to buy him out.

08 Mar 2026 15:52:32
I would not consider a buyout simply because some team will grab him and we will have to absorb $2m for 8 years!

Find the team that will give us something! That can’t be impossible m4l.

SJS have only 6 current NHL Dmen.

08 Mar 2026 17:43:58
The trick, Randy, is finding a place #1 that will take him. #2, that place also has to be a place he will waive his rights to go to. Also, with Tessa Virtue's career it also has to be a fit. She is an Executive Advisor with Deloitte and has been for 5 years. So that narrows it down. Obviously the largest office would be Toronto and that won't work for trading him. Montreal and Vancouver are huge offices as well, both at over 100,000 Sq feet occupying multi floors in Office Buildings.

Vancouver could be the one destination that would be a good fit for them as a couple. Now it would come down to what, if anything, we could pry from them and if they would take the whole salary. It could be possible that we might have to give him away just for the contract and a 2 or 3rd rounder. If we have to retain $2.5 or $3 to get a prospect we might as well just do the buy out and take on the $1.5 or $2 million. Tricky situation.

08 Mar 2026 18:22:24
Yes, those requirements are necessary to move Rielly.

For me, I don’t buy him out if he won’t waive. I can’t see paying someone $2m for 8 years and watching them play on another team.



I’ll keep him and practice every day and hopefully teach him how to improve his defence. Small things like tying up a player’s stick in front of the net and how to block out someone driving to the net.

08 Mar 2026 21:39:23
Here is first of my offseason moves, part reuild and part retool. I am a firm believer that you still need a somewhat competitive Defense Corp to stabilize a youth movement up front.

Pittsburgh gets: Matthews
Carlo
Nick Robertson
Our 2 3rds from 2026

Toronto gets: Karlsoon
Brunicke
Zonnon
Horcoff
1st for 2026

Then we go hard for Rasmus Andersson as Free Agent and try to get him for $8.5.

By the time the deals are done other the Salary is almost a wash other than if we insert the young guys right away we are a extra $ 3 million roughly. Then we have a few new young bodies on the d-line with some experience and a some good puck movers and experienced Power play d-men that could still create offense even with young bodies up front.



We would still try to move Reilly of course. But our D-corp would be.

OEL with Brunicke
Karlsson with Andersson
McCabe with Danford
Benoit and Stecher at reasonable prices as spare d-men

Horcoff is a huge body Centreman and Bill Zonnon is power forward in the Q that can play wing and Centre. He is really strong.

My first of a few possible Matthews deals. He would like to play with Sid and it gives them another option if they don't sign Malkin.

08 Mar 2026 21:44:03
Or we find a mysterious injury to put Reilly on LTIR and dress Tessa in his place at league minimum. Hey!!!! In her prime she was a faster skater than him anyway lol.

08 Mar 2026 22:24:10
I’ve seen and do like everything about Zonnon.

I’d love to have Horcoff, a huge player with speed, skill and IQ.

Brunicke is also very good prospect.

The 1st is obvious.

Karlsson is to balance salary.

I feel like it’s one piece short.

I’m having real trouble understanding trade values after the TDL, to me there’s little to zero consistency.

08 Mar 2026 23:43:09
Karlsson is not just a Salary Balance but he still puts up good points and has really tightened up his defensive side of the game. Plus if we keep OEL and at Karlsson our chances of wooing Andersson increase. Those 3 guys are one half of the Starting d on the Swedish Olympic team.

I figure that Carlo, Robertson and the 2 3rds are the Karlsson trade off and Zonnon, Horcoff, Brunicke and the 1st are Matthews Trade. The way he has not produced of late that is a good deal. Zonnon and Horcoff were 1sts that have have some development time, Brunicke slipped through but should have been a 1st and without a doubt was our best d man at the WJC and didn't look bad in his NHL audition.

and of course the actual 1st round pick. That is basically 3 1sts and a very early 2nd pick that should have been a 1st. It's a good start. We would still be rebuilding but at least it won't be massice blowouts with that Defense.

Was thinking too RandySears that Seattle with that short bunny hop plane flight to Vancouver for Work purposes for Reilly's wife would also be a attractive option for a trade he might accept. 2 fold actually. It works for her career and by going to Seattle he takes a pay hike with Washington being a tax free state. He would be taking home anywhere from $1.1 to $1.5 million a year extra. We could pry away a prospect or 2 there?

09 Mar 2026 14:48:13
Let’s try and pry two Canadian prospects from Seattle.

21yo Carson Rehkopf is a future C2 or C3 with good wheels, grit and 2-way skill set.

I’d slo like Lukas Dragicevic but probably expecting too much.

Then I’ll take their 20yo undersized RD Ty Nelson who has outstanding speed and ability, always wanting to join the rush.

He also has great gap control and is surprisingly physical at 5.10” but packing 198lbs.

These trades and your post gets us going in the right direction.

07 Mar 2026 16:18:09
While the Leafs did pick up some assets, a bit underwhelming overall. Thought they got higher value on Roy, but slightly lower value on McMann.

That being said, off-season and draft day is what to look forward to.

Draft day trade

To SEA: D - M. Rielly

To TOR: 2026 1st + 2027 3rd

Looked at both the Carlson and Faulk trades, both went for a 1st and 3rd. So comparable.

Re-sign Stecker

Leafs D for next year

OEL Carlo
McCabe Tanev
Benoit Stecker
Myers

With the 1st draft best available Defenseman, preferably LHD.

07 Mar 2026 16:15:40
Don't ever put Reilly and Carlson in the same conversation. Carlson is in a different league.

07 Mar 2026 16:31:30
Reilly is the worst defenseman on a non playoff team. I would be happy for a 5th round pick and save his cap space. The Leafs cannot win with Reilly playing more than 00.0 minutes.

07 Mar 2026 23:47:49
Rielly comparable to Carlson and Faulk?
Are you sure you’re following the same Leaf team as the rest of us?
Rielly is more comparable to Benoit and Myers than Carlson or Faulk.

08 Mar 2026 03:29:30
I’m not sure we will ever see Tanev again; if true it’s too bad. A true warrior.

We need to make big changes to our D corps; it’s bad, so we will need to change it up significantly.

I see zero need to resign Stecher. He’s been fine, but remember we are not making the playoffs, so why on earth would we keep a 32 yo 5.10 184lb defenceman who has played for 6 different teams!

Yes, he’s paid only $787k, but I’d rather use that amount as part of the increase in salary that behemoth Logan Stanley will demand as a UFA.


And that’s if the Sabres don’t resign him!