Leafs talk 2

28 Feb 2026 16:49:04
SO I know leaf fans get sick of hearing and reading Mangianpane and his contract for cap relief for Edmonton. Hey it isn't just the Leafs. every team linked to Edmonton it is his contract that is included in every deal. They are so far against the cap that truthfully it is at the point he actually might a trade deadline day deal to a team just to take his contract from them and they will be desperate enough to do that with a 1st in 2027 just so they have room for salary to actually do a deal with another team.

02 Mar 2026 21:56:58
The one issue I see with a lot of trades out there is assets. Teams like the Oilers are basically as dry as the Leafs are because they've been going all in for years now.

If the Oilers get cap relief is shipping out Mangiapane for a 1st, what assets do they have to acquire a player to use the cap space?

02 Mar 2026 22:11:22
Agreed LL. If Edm attach a 1st to move Mangi, then they lose the biggest trade asset to add a player. Have to move him in a deal they give the 1st+ likely as well to get something they want.

03 Mar 2026 14:18:15
@ LeafsLife. Did you think I meant trading Mangianpane for a 1st? I was saying that for a team to take him so they have cap room to sign a player they are aquiring from that team they need to attach a 1st round pick.

04 Mar 2026 04:35:42
@1967, No I understand and would actually go for that, but the Oilers have very few assets. If they send a 1st+mangy for cap space, it won't be easy to add.

26 Feb 2026 18:39:25
We keep talking about the possibilty of a rebuild. To be honest if that is to happen then Rogers needs to give Keith Pelley the green light to Pull the plug on Treliving and Berube sooner than later. I really don't think Treliving has what it takes to do a proper rebuild, and Berube is totally retarding the growth of a good young player in Easton Cowan and it is very hard to watch. His comments yesterday were ludicrous when asked if Cowan would play against Tampa. “I’m not sure he is going to start in Tampa yet or not, ” Berube said. “But he’s definitely an important part of the team and we’ll see how it goes. I can’t really determine that right now. ”

Complete B. S He knew he was not dressing him and to say he is definitely an important part of the team? To not play one shift in a professional game Leafs or Marlies in a month is stupidity. Any player will tell you that practice has it's benefits, but actually playing in a game and getting your feel for passing and shooting and hitting in a much more intense environment is way better for development. Either start sitting other players on a rotational basis and let him make mistakes and learn in game situations on a nightly routine with the Leafs or let him do the same with the Marlies. Don't play games with the kid.

Oh yeah. He can't be making as many mistakes as Berube lets on. He is after all is said and done a +2 which of the 20 players that have dressed for 30 or more games is better than 12 of them.

27 Feb 2026 23:55:20
Agreed on Cowan. Just send the kid down. This is ridiculous.

Rebuild won't happen until mandatory. I think it will be a Canucks situation where they refuse to pull the chute for years.

28 Feb 2026 10:35:05
Truthfully it’s too late to move Treliving. Wait till the summer, and I think with Berube same thing. I’d be worried about getting that new coach bump lol… I’ll say this: if this continues into next year the rebuild conversation gets louder. Matthews will be one year out from UFA status and he’s a player you cannot let walk for nothing.

The Leafs need to get younger and faster. This dump and chase playoff-style hockey works only in the playoffs; that’s why no one plays that way in the regular season. It’s unsustainable with any roster, let alone a roster with the average age of 32.

01 Mar 2026 01:16:01
Consistently 5-7 likes on all your posts and no one else gets any. Not sure I've ever seen that before in all the years I've been on here. Especially when there is only about a dozen regular posters. Remarkable.

01 Mar 2026 12:45:29
I never really noticed. Not sure why. I try to put as insightful posts as I can. The odd cranky one towards silly trades. I have noticed a lot more new posters of late. If the fact I have likes on my posts upsets you.

I will leave the site. This one looked like a interesting one. I can find another. Enjoy your day. Thanks for the banter, guys, and let's hope the team turns the corner one day. Been a pleasure.

01 Mar 2026 16:35:42
It doesn't upset me. Lol
No one is asking you to leave. I think you have some good insight. Not sure why you are so upset about likes. Sorry if that is such a touchy comment.

01 Mar 2026 20:22:29
@RLF You scared him away somehow. Not sure how though lol.

26 Feb 2026 03:44:24
Glad to see the leafs of old back lol how depressing… same team same issues they stink defensively and their forward line are equally awful the worse part is they will sell and still manage to screw that up. Send Cowan down before you ruin the player and yea just have no faith in this team from top to bottom the guys we have relied on haven’t been there all year McCabe is turning into Brodie 2.0 Laughton who we paid so much for is being buried on the fourth line same with knies playing 3rd line minutes I’m not saying they have been great but they are better options higher in the lineup than they currently have.

26 Feb 2026 11:36:47
I think we have had enough indications this year that it’s time for a rebuild. Move out anyone and everyone except Cowan and Danford. This team has absolutely no heart, no grit, drive or unity at all. Starting getting your best packages together for everyone. Domi looked god awful. I’ve defended him in the past but I can’t defend that anymore. He looks scared out there.
Trade: Matthews, Nylander, Reilly, OEL, Tanev, Benoit, Domi, McMann (because it’s a rebuild), Laughton, Roy, Lorentz, Jarnkrok, Maccelli and Stolarz. Start building around Knies, Cowan, Robertson, Danford, Woll and Hildeby.

Keep JT, Joshua, Carlo, Stetcher for some veteran presence. Ffs. This has to be the most frustrating Leafs team I’ve ever seen.
Back when it was Sundins era, there was no skill on that team but lots of heart and they made a couple good playoff runs with Tucker, Corson, Domi and so on. But….. this team has the skill level but no heart. I’d rather watch a team with no skill and all heart because some of these games this year have been the most boring games I’ve seen in my life.

26 Feb 2026 12:39:13
Clarky, you had me until your last paragraph.

26 Feb 2026 13:20:55
Yes guys I think the writing is on the wall. Everyone is hoping for miracles but I think the rebuild is soon upon us. The team if we are looking at a huge return for Matthaws and maybe another player for good young prospects and picks is Seattle. The are loaded with both in their organization. Of all the tax free state teams in the NHL going into next season they have the 2nd most available salary cap. And.... have 21 of 23 players under contract.

That obviously would change depending who is traded or signed in free agency. It is a team many have acknowledged for a while has a very deep prospect pool, but many have ruled them out for a Matthews or a Nylander if they would not waive their no-trade. I think Matthews might given their future depth compared to the Leafs depth in the organization and.... he would get to take home a extra $1.5 million a year with no state tax. Nashville has a couple million more in Salary cap for tax free state, but they only have 14 of 23 signed and that kind of takes them out of the running.

All the other Tax Free teams have dropped down to the lower echelon for Salary Cap and prospects so it kind of changes the plateau a lot for big name players wanting to go to Dallas, Tampa, Florida and Vegas. As they have all have gone all in for years and now they will be handcuffed for a while and looking themselves to try and trade off the odd big name and contract in the next year or 2. Case in Point... Dallas and the Jason Robertson situation.

If they sign him they need to move someone else. If they don't I think someone will offer him a big number as a RFA and suck up giving up the required compensation draft picks. There are 27 teams that meet the requirement of giving up 4 1st round picks in the next 5 years that are their own original picks. If the offer him more than $11,700.193 and the Leafs aren't one of them. In fact as the tiers go down the only RFA category we are in is the 6th and 7th tier which are league minimum to $2.3 million. Sad really. Nothing in the Cupboard for our own picks to be able to explore that area.

26 Feb 2026 15:00:12
The decline of some players has been so big, how could one predict that. Especially the D. Rielly, as we have all said, has been awful, but how about McCabe and Benoit. As I said in the past - who stole McCabe's hockey brain? Who took Benoit's over the top physicality that made him useful?
This team is defeated from the guys that have been here for a while. They simply look and act defeated.

We aren't going to like this, but I think we are looking at them making whatever tweaks they can and running back most of it. Main reason, it's too hard to rebuild without top 5 draft picks.

Pending UFA's will likely be moved for assets. They likely try and move Rielly at some point (maybe summer). Maybe a goalie if they think they can get a good return and believe Hildeby is ready.

If they are keeping Matthews and Nylander, which I think they will unless they ask for a trade, how do you really rebuild? They will try and retool around them and hope next season guys that struggled this season, bounce back next season.
I expect some change for sure, including a new coach next season, but I would be surprised at a complete selloff.

26 Feb 2026 16:26:58
@RLF, I think you tell Matthews and Nylander that they are starting a rebuild and ask if they would like to be apart of it. With both of them being in their prime, I’d bet almost 100% that they would both want to move on even if they only give a 3-5 team trade window.

@Randy what in the last paragraph caught you in the feels? Talking about the early 2000’s teams?

26 Feb 2026 16:33:34
Clarky, that still doesn't solve getting top 5 draft picks as any 1sts acquired aren't likely going to be top picks. Think outside the top 10 likely.

26 Feb 2026 17:09:40
@RLF Clarky has enough savvy to know the possible teams that would take a Nylander or a Matthews would not have Top 10 picks but would have some multiple !st round picks that could be packaged to trade up quite a bit higher. Not to mention that part of any package for either of those is going to involve a fairly recent high first round pick prospect coming back in any package. Like a Berkly Catton, or a Iginla or a Dickinson or Misa or a Sennecke. I keep hearing that buzz that the Islanders are still looking at packaging their 2 first rounders and Aitcheson to try and grab the first overall pick to whoever wins the Lottery.

They are not interested in McKenna but want Stenberg who they want to pair up with his WJC temmate Eklund who they drafted in the 1st round last year. Both are playing the Swedish Hockey League (Men's not Juniors). That's how you try and work those mid to late first round picks to take a shot up the ladder.

26 Feb 2026 17:57:25
S1967. Thanks for explaining Clarky's savvy. He and I have had enough conversations over the years that I think we understand each other and respect each other's knowledge very well.
As for what you said about packaging later 1sts acquired to get a top pick, when was the last time a team was able to trade 1st round picks outside the top 10 etc. for a top 5 pick? Has only happened once in the salary cap era. That was for the #7 pick +.
Top 5's are typically your superstars and are rarely traded. Hoping to do that to get a top/"generational" talent is slim. I'm sure Clarky knows that as well (I might as well speak for him too:).

You can probably get a Catton or Iginla or Misa with a good +/+'s.

What kind of + do you think you get if Sennecke or Dickinson are involved? Sennecke is already almost a point per game player at 20. Dickinson looks like he will be a sure thing 1st pair D and only 19.

Let's say it is
Nylander for Sennecke (what is the + or +'s?)
Matthews for Dickinson (what is the + or +'s?)

Let's also remember that when Matthews, Nylander, Marner were all young like these guys mentioned, most thought it's the best chance for a Cup. Didn't work out so well. No guarantee they are any closer to a Cup if they tear it down and start over. Not that I am against tearing it down.

26 Feb 2026 19:54:16
Thanks for the great response RLF. Yes, to move up in the draft is hard to get that generational talent. That's why to get that top overall pried loose it would take a couple mid round firsts and a prospect who is also a first. Hence the Islander thought process. Aicheson was a first. If the Leafs were to be in the same position say in the 2027 draft, it would take 2 firsts and possibly Ben Danford to get either the number one or number two pick. This year if the Islanders offered that package to Vancouver I could see them being very happy to get a cornerstone future defenceman to pair up with Zeev Buim and 2 first rounders in the middle of the pack. I am not sure if Vancouver would pick McKenna anyway with the amount of pressure to perform right away he being a Western boy. .

St. Louis as well would welcome that deal. It would allow them to keep Robert Thomas and Kyrou and again stock the cupboards and have Aitcheson to anchor their future defense, allowing them to deal Parayko for more assets to rebuild as well.

As far as the Nylander for Sennecke, it's been mentioned many times about Luneau and Colangelo so we ask for them and also a 1st.

I can see Luneau with the Leafs sooner than Colangelo but who knows. Then we see what counter offer they come back with.

If Matthews was to go to San Jose I would add Hildeby to the mix and ask for Dickenson, Misa, a 1st and Josh Ravensbergen.

If Matthews was to go to Seattle we package in Brandon Carlo. Seattle has ton's of cap room next year and would appeal to Matthews and Carlo on the tax free state front. We then get greedy (Why not ? All they can do is say no and renogotiate.) and we ask for Berkly Catton (Has to be part of the deal) and either Jake O'Brien or Nathan Villeneuve (Whichever one they will part with would be fine) and Tyson Jugnauth as well as Eduard Sale and a 1st round pick.

The Nylander one as well as either of the Matthews package trades would really be good Steps to a full rebuild with some exciting hockey to watch. Berkly Catton with Knies and Sennecke would be a line that would cause fits to other teams. Lots of other moves would have to be done, but also in the wings for young players in that rebuild are Cowan of course, Danford,Chadwick, and Holinka.

26 Feb 2026 23:51:21
That's all good, but it is also massive speculation. There is no proof that Van accepts that Isle offer. History would suggest they won't, which puts all the rest in question.
Those are large hauls for Matthews and Nylander and since they control their destiny, a large haul like those are unlikely.

I'd be thrilled at those returns though, but I also realize that there are no guarantees that certain lines will give other teams fits etc.

27 Feb 2026 00:27:19
Large hauls to a point. Large hauls if everyone of those players coming back pans out. So they are more realistic asks when you are asking for those players on Speculation the will all make it to the NHL with impact. Other than Sennecke maybe. But with Matthews, Carlo, Nylander and to a lesser degree Hildeby you know what you are getting and two are legimate Stars in the league. As far as both of them controlling where they go.

That comes down to who also can afford them and what does the future look like in that team's organization. Matthews is the one that is the player who could have the Leafs over a barrel sooner than later if it isn't addressed soon. Nylander we have tied up for a lot longer term.

What teams RFL would you think either of the two players would waive the no trade to go to?

27 Feb 2026 18:02:31
S1967

Anything any of us figure on possible destinations is obviously all speculation. I don't know. I have always thought Willy would love the California seen. Just seems like it suits him. Anaheim probably has the most need and the assets Leafs would want.
As for Matthews. That's even tougher. I would assume an American team. One team I don't think many would consider and could be a darkhorse is New Jersey. He would get to play with the Hughes brothers. Hischier only has partial trade protection and Mercer has none. Could a deal be done around Matthews for Hischier, Mercer +? Cap would be close.

27 Feb 2026 18:47:37
Yeah, I am right with you. I have thought if Nylander went, it would be San Jose or Anaheim he would have no issues with. He would fit into the West Coast life quite well. Matthews would love playing with the Hughes, but off course New Jersey wants to find a way to pry Quinn loose from Minnesota to play there with his brothers so that is a bit of a snag.

Even if they didn't, the salary cap thing in Jersey is a bit of a issue. 3rd lowest available for next year when I checked a few weeks ago. Granted they do have 20 out of 23 under contract for next year but really not much to work with at all for cap money.

01 Mar 2026 16:02:29
Clarky, a very long thread so hoping you still see this.
It was perhaps the second last paragraph.
I had agreed, in my evaluation, with pretty well everything until you wrote to keep Stecher and Joshua.
I’m personally not interested in either.
JT and perhaps Carlo are sufficient for veteran presence but you can also acquire that through UFA signings.

26 Feb 2026 03:33:10
I turned the game off about half way through the 2nd after JT lets his man go and get a breakaway and it seems OEL is the toughest Leaf on the ice. They should be ashamed at that compete level by many tonight.

26 Feb 2026 07:04:37
You and I stopped watching at the same time. I was going to go into work late to watch, but changed my mind and just listened to it in the car getting riled up lol

26 Feb 2026 13:07:42
LL. I would wager that I have turned a Leaf game off out of frustration less than 1/2 dozen times in my life. One thing they can control is their compete and will. This team is broken as I have said many times before.

26 Feb 2026 03:19:03
If Pelly thinks that this team is good he needs to go back where he came from.
This group of players are not a winning team.
I liked Berube, but he needs to go and so do all the assistant coaches.
Treliving you suck as a GM with no changes to a struggling team all year, keep players around and not trading them because you think they are worth more than what other GM's do.

You are known for not trading during a season but he'll this team is begging for some changes.

Nine years is long enough, rip this tea of misfits to the studs and start over.
Not fair to life long fans to put up with this mismanaged team and ownership group.
I wish fans would stop going to games an really stop supporting these Rih owners until they can hire the right people to run a professional team.

Just my thoughts.

25 Feb 2026 12:33:44
As much as it pains me to say it after all these years, it’s time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to seriously consider trading Auston Matthews. Not because he isn’t elite — he absolutely is — but because this organization has once again painted itself into a corner through years of questionable upper-management decisions, short-sighted planning, and an inability to build a balanced, playoff-ready roster.

We’ve been sold the same promise over and over: patience, a core in its prime, lessons learned. Yet every spring ends the same way — early exits, familiar excuses, and another round of “next year will be different. ” At some point, you have to admit the current blueprint isn’t working. The window didn’t just close; it was mismanaged into irrelevance.

This isn’t about blaming one player. It’s about acknowledging that the team as constructed isn’t close to a deep run, and clinging to the same core out of hope or sentiment hasn’t delivered results. If a true reset is coming — and it should — then bold, uncomfortable decisions have to be on the table.

Leaf fans have endured decades of disappointment. What’s harder to endure now is the feeling that ownership and upper management keep repeating the same mistakes, expecting different outcomes. If a rebuild is inevitable… then stop delaying it. Do it properly this time.

25 Feb 2026 12:54:28
You might be right I’m afraid!

I’d argue however the blueprint under Tre is different than what Dubas was doing.

Not suggesting however that Tre is right by any means. I posted something several weeks ago on his Leaf tenure that wasnt exactly sterling.

IMO, the Toronto media does not help this team at all with their silly ideas. This statement is not new; many players have shared this belief. It wouldn’t surprise me if Matthews, like others, feel he’s taken enough abuse and runs out his contract and leaves like Marner. This would be tragic.

Matthews is elite, one of the world’s best! He is finally a winner on the big stage and we still harbor negativity about him. We question his willingness to battle. How sad this behaviour is.

Let’s rally behind him and be supportive.

25 Feb 2026 17:33:28
I agree with both of you in regards to Tre's blueprint or perhaps complete lack of a blueprint. I think we are unfortunately putting off the inevitable. a rebuild not a retool. If you look up and down the roster this truly is not a team that is built for a long playoff run even if we get there with a trade or two. There are some major holes to fill and as much as I hate to say it, it is time to tear it down the building and find a new Architect (New G. M for anyone that doesn't get the gist lol) . Any moves we have all talked about on here for trading this player and that player for a fill in piece on retool just never seem to satisfy anyone. Even with the Salary cap increase and even if we do shed Reilly's contract the free agent class this year has some serviceable lower echelon contracts that could come up but the higher ones are all very old players that could literally only have one more year in the tank. Do we want to burn that salary cap money for 4 to 6 years on one of those and end up on the salary cap hook for buyouts?

Matthews is still a great player with some good years ahead and I am sure we could a great young player and a few good prospects for him even if the trade partner has to find a 3rd team to get those prospects logistically to us. He is the biggest trade chip we have in that regard. Then we start moving the other pieces as we can gain prospects.

Auston has 2 years left and if this team misses the playoffs this year or burns out in the first round. The deep talk if he wants to go needs to happen before The draft and free agency hits. Another year just means that he would still be one year closer to Free agency. In which case he could part way through demand a trade. That just lowers our return if our hands are tied on what we get in return. Case in point. Panarin.

That brings us to Nylander. Even in a rebuild I think Nylander would be worth keeping. He as well as Matthews have a lot left in the tank and I think Willie would enjoy having some speedy creative youngsters to play with. Plus we have him under contract for 4 more years which means he ould still be here when the rebuild is at it's peak and the way salaries are going crazy, his $11,500,000 2,3 and 4 years from now will look like a bargain.

Lets see how things go in the near future. Both great insightful posts by the way gcolpitts and RandySears. As for critics on this post. don't get me wrong if we make the playoffs I will be cheering as hard as ever. I just have more realistic expectations of the future than I did 1 year ago.

25 Feb 2026 17:44:45
The current management blueprint is quite different than what Dubas envisioned and built as RSears said.
Despite the results this year, this is a more playoff style team than previously built. Tanev out almost all season and many others have missed a ton of time. Look at Florida without Barkov. Leafs have the 4th most man games lost this season. Injuries to this extent have has a serious impact. If trading Matthews, then it is most likely a rebuild and might as well sell off all aging assets. (OEL, Rielly, McCabe, Tanev, McMann, Laughton etc)

24 Feb 2026 20:24:12
Sam girard went for kulak and a 2nd today am I missing something I know he’s undersized but still very mobile 4-5 defender does this drive up OEL’s price at all?

24 Feb 2026 23:45:12
maybe they're clearing cap for a trade, they save 2.25 mil i think. and absolutely that should increase OEL trade value, i think he should 100 percent go for first and a prospect.

25 Feb 2026 03:55:35
@Goat2.0
You got the trade details wrong.
It's Girard, plus a 2nd
For
Kulak

I think Dubas did well here and Colorado is definitely opening up some cap space for a bigger move.

25 Feb 2026 10:23:27
It was the Opposite. Kulak went to Colorado and Girard and a 2nd in 2028 came back to Pittsburgh. Kulak is older and had a lower salary but was going to be a UFA and probably would get about the same as what Girard is earning once he gets offers. So in return for this current season of taking on Girards higher salary the Penguins got Colorado to toss in the 2nd round pick. Win/ win for both teams. Dubas as much as leafs fans hate to hear it is a genius. He got rid of Jarry to get Kulak and Skinner and a 2nd. Now after all is said and done he traded Jarry and ended up with Girard, Stu Skinner, and 2 seconds . Brilliant.

25 Feb 2026 10:25:22
Yes I know which makes it crazier for Colorado I don’t really see who is a big fish that’s available i think the size thing is a factor.

25 Feb 2026 17:46:06
Kulak has been playing fairly well for Pitt. Maybe Colorado wanted to clear some cap and get a different type of D back.

23 Feb 2026 23:24:31
I completed a fun exercise today. Played GM of our next Olympic hockey team.

Took the position of only bringing back Celebrini because of his age.
I’m sure there would be several back in 2030 but I chose to do it that way.

I won’t bore you with my choices now but I’m concerned the cupboards are getting empty versus the USA.

And I don’t like it!

24 Feb 2026 13:26:40
Actually I’m going to rescind my statement that the cupboards are empty.

Yesterday I primarily used Puckpedia but today went to the last two NHL drafts.

The numbers look much better; in 2025 Canadians drafted were 20/ 32 in R1 while projections for 2026 show 13/ 31 in R1. Only 32 picks this year in R1 because Ottawa forfeits the 15th pick.

I can sleep now!

24 Feb 2026 15:34:13
NO need to Panic just yet Randy. We did outplay the U. S they just got a incridible goaltending performance that won the game. We just got caught sleeping badly on the one 3 on shift but we did outplay them. We have some great up and coming pieces to plug in there in 4 years. I would still keep Seth Jarvis on the team with Celebrini as the youngsters from this team and a few select vets. But don't forget we have guys like Bedard, Fantilli, Wyatt Johnston (Who I thought should have been on the team this year) Shaeffer, Senecke, Ben Kindel, Fraser Minten (Leaf fans will be upset he is not still here. He could be that shutdown 3rd or 4th line centre. just to name a few. We need though to get some young blood in net soon.

24 Feb 2026 16:41:07
Agreed! I was a little too quick in my assessment.

I did include 6 players from this year but not Seth Jarvis.

McD, McKinnon, Harley and Makar should be still great players plus Celebrini. I kept Marner for now.

I did also consider Minten and I might still.

Of course agreed with the others you mention but didn’t select Kindel.

Thought McKenna would be ready (but still concerned about the recent charges) . Also like Guenther a lot.

Will Misa be ready? What about Parekh and Yaremchuk?

Bouchard instead of Doughty should have been on the ‘26 team.

I’m hoping Owen Power develops as well.

And who else will surprise us in the interim.

I’m okay now. We are still safe for awhile.

Might need to learn from Norway, making it easier for those without the means for young athletes to have the opportunity to play and enjoy this great sport.

24 Feb 2026 18:25:33
How did I forget about Guenther. OMG Love that kid. I Think in 4 yearsBrunicke and Verhoeff will be talked about a lot as a D men too. As far as next young Canadian Goalie keep your eye on Josh Ravensbergen. I was disappointed he didn't get any ice time with Canada at the WJC. It is kind of a old boys club in that way with the team. They went with Carter George and Jack Ivancovic. But Ravensbergen I think is the one we will be talking about. The kid is Huge at 6-4" and change and he moves very smoothly. And as it turns out from a week ago, the baby face assassin can throw some good punches too. San Jose has a good one in him once he leaves Junior. All he does is Win. 83-29-5 so far in Prince George. Can't see him staying in the minors more than a year. Then San Jose might have the same quandry as Minnesota with Askarov and Him.

24 Feb 2026 23:46:48
minten wont be anywhere near an olympics imo. hes good but i think he tops out at 60-65 points max.

25 Feb 2026 13:03:39
Points are only one measure of a player’s contribution.

Jarvis, Bennett and Horvat are all tracking to around 60 points this year but made the team.

But you’re right Minten MIGHT not be considered but in four years anything can happen.

25 Feb 2026 18:12:46
NO guarantee for sure with Minten, but even if he does max out at a 60 point guy he is the type of player we need on a 3rd or 4th line on a olympic team (Whether him or someone else. As a Rookie he is 5th on Boston with hits this season with some hard hitting Vets on that team. The impressive part is with those hit and a lot of them have been massive, he only sports 14 minutes in Penalties which is the type of player you need in playoffs and Olympics etc. Another crazy impressive stat for a anyone let alone a rookie is how defensively responsible he is. He has the 3rd best plus minus on the team at +18.

21 Feb 2026 18:07:54
So we keep reading that the Oilers and the Kings are making a push for McMann. The names we don't hear about are Utah, Seattle, and Anaheim. If I am the GM of any of those 3 teams I am thinking. "My team is in the playoffs now and L. A is Chasing us. What could we offer to get McMann to put some space between us and them", and the other way of thiking is . "Hey Edmonton is only tied with us or a point ahead. If we get McMann we could leapfrog them and entrench ourselves further in the standings"

If you were the GM of Edmonton, L. A, Utah, Seattle and Anaheim and I was the GM of the Leafs, what is your best bid for McMann. One of those 5 will be willing in those circumstances to outbid the others and overpay. No package deal from the Leafs. Just your best offer for McMann by himself. Then lets see if any other GM on this site will outbid you!

21 Feb 2026 20:35:26
McMann is not for sale unless it’s a massive overpay or we are rebuilding from scratch. McMann is better than any late 1st round pick you get. Go ahead boys and trade away another Hyman, then proceed to cry when there is no heart on this team. 🤦 Suffering if you were GM, we would have a team full of Maccelli’s. But when you don’t know hockey, I guess it’s not your fault.

21 Feb 2026 21:14:19
@ Clarky WOW. you like to fire the insults. You should know by now I am not a fan of Macelli! All I asked was if any of those teams are looking at obtaining McMann what would you as a GM for those teams offer. I didn't ask for you to insult me. I have never said I don't like McMann but it looks like someone is going to obtain him from the leafs from all accounts. Best scenario is if they unload him that they get a asset and hopefully he has a good relationship with Treliving and likes the city and decides to resign as a UFA back here. That way we get the best of both worlds.

22 Feb 2026 01:11:14
My apologies Suffering but I don’t get it. I’ve tried having many debates over this and no one has been able to make sense of a Bobby McMann trade right at his peak. We are not rebuilding but retooling. This is a guy every team would love to have and we are trying to get rid of him for a late 1st round pick? This guy has been solid for 2-3 years now and only getting better. I still think he has way more potential but like I’ve said many times Berube is under using him. I just hate to trade him away for another team to give him his opportunity to be a legit top 6 winger. If they were planning a full on rebuild, I would have no problem with it. I feel if we get rid of this guy, we will be looking for someone just like him a year from now and it will probably cost us a lot more than a late first round pick. Anyways that’s my piece.
#keepbobby.

22 Feb 2026 14:50:49
As I said before I like McCann and he has played well (Other than last years playoffs) .

I have a couple of friends who had kids play in the show and they both have a insightful perspective on what is going on with McMann as the one went through a similar situation with his son.

They were saying that the leafs themselves may not be actively shopping McMann but that other teams that are pursuing him in a trade may be getting fed third party info that his contract negotiations with his agent may not be going well. Agents can't talk directly to other teams but use other insiders ( Reporters, other players etc. ) to leak info to other teams on the process. They feel that the leafs and McCann's camp could be close on money but it may hinge on a No trade Clause and With a player who will be 30 soon and only has a few seasons under his belt it could be the sticking point. Once other teams get wind of things like that then they start circling like vultures to inquire about the trade possibilty. Everything that is out there is not "The leafs are interested in trading McCann" it is "Other teams are looking at the possibilty of getting McCann. " If the contract talks were going well then we would not be hearing any rumours and he would probably already be signed or Extended.

If he doesn't sign in the next short while then the leafs will get a larger return before the end of the trade deadline than they will if he walks as a UFA.

22 Feb 2026 23:39:17
@Clarky I like Mcmann as well, but he is almost 30 and about to get a good amount of money. He has always been streaky and if there is one thing I have always said is a bad idea, it's paying a guy based on his best yesr ever. It never works out for GM's or teams.

I would also trade OEL as I don't think he will ever have a season this good again.

23 Feb 2026 00:42:11
LL, I have to disagree with you. He has been solid for a few years. Panthers series was his first playoff run so can’t fault him for his first series (it was a learning experience) . He is 30, yes but we are not rebuilding. He is an essential part of our secondary scoring. Forwards are playing until they’re almost 40 these days, so 30 is a perfect age for a retool. Plus he wants to be here and probably won’t get more than 5M per. For a guy putting up almost 30 the last few years that is not a bad deal. So why trade him for a late first round pick? Someone that won’t be valuable to us for 3-5 years after Matthews leaves. Reilly needs to move out. It’s a must. I’d agree with getting a 1st for OEL because he is 34 and we have Danford waiting in the wings.

23 Feb 2026 11:37:34
It's an easy straight forward decision for me.
If Leafs and McMann can agree to a fair contract before the TDL, then Leafs resign him.
If no agreement, then trade him.
No waivering back and forth.

23 Feb 2026 13:17:39
Agreed Tags.
That is exactly what I said before. A deal needs to be in place by the TDL, because if it is not, there is no guarantee he re-signs before free agency. If he won't sign now, what would make someone think he will magically do it before July 1st? If Tre did that and McMann walked, Tre will be blamed no matter what. Tre needs to get an asset if McMann won't commit.
I want McMann and Laughton back, but if they won't resign, have to try and get assets for them. As you say - straight forward decision.

23 Feb 2026 23:17:47
So what are the numbers for McMann?

I like him too but I’m not paying $5m over any term for a 30yo who didn’t score a goal in last year’s playoffs.

He also can be very streaky going a long time without scoring.

I’d listen to every offer closely.

24 Feb 2026 10:17:18
Fun fact: McMann has more goals than any player making 5M in the NHL right now but we are gonna sit here and say he is not worth 5M? You guys wouldn’t pay 5M X 4 for Bobby? Then, I have nothing else to say about this topic. Watch another player go and strive on another team.

24 Feb 2026 13:37:58
Clarky, right now I’m the only one saying I wouldn’t pay him more than $5m. Others might!

Call me crazy but I’d trade him for a 2026R1 pick (any maybe more with a team that wants to win this year) and sign Alex Tuch.

Tuch will cost $9m (or a bit more) I know but has a much longer and better track record, is bigger and more consistent. He doesn’t have McMann’s speed but is very solid. Both are the same age.

24 Feb 2026 14:16:45
I would offer McMann more term at a lower AAV as I mentioned before. Something like 6X$4.5M. It is more than fair. He may get more elsewhere, and I understand from his standpoint this is his chance to cash in, but if he wants $5M, than it is more like 4 years.

24 Feb 2026 19:21:14
I think I could support that RLF.
But if he loses that skating speed differentiator I’ll be worried.

24 Feb 2026 20:36:25
The way I look at it is yes he has had a couple of decent season. Do I like what he brings to the table? Yes but wish it was not as streaky and frustrating in that manner. But you don't at the age of 29 soon to be 30 in June expect to go from $1,350,000 to $5,000,000 with a long term. Maybe you do if you have a bit more positive pedigree. I do not dislike this kid but as fast as the fans love him. if they pay him that kind of money and he finishes like last year 0 goals in the last 11 games and 0 goals in 13 playoff games, the fans will turn on him so fast and it will not be pretty. If they sign him for a more reasonable $3,500,000 x 4 with no no-trade clauses I think that is more than fair given his stats and tenure in the league. The comparison of him regarding goals with other $5 million a year players is misleading. Because he scores a lot more than he assists. If offered any of the following straight up for him if he was to earn the $5 million I would trade for them in a hearbeat. Lundell, Dylan Strome, Drake Batherson, And only a 1oo thousand and change more than that Marchand, Nugent Hopkins, Rust. Anyway its all in the hands of Treliving and Bobby's agent. No matter what any of us think.

20 Feb 2026 02:02:27
I know we are all grown ups here but I’d like to ask a would you rather type of question to see what other people think, as me personally I am not sure what I’d do in this situation.

Would you take Huberdeau’s full 10.5M X 4yr plus this year left on his contract, if Calgary tossed in Zane Parekh for free?

20 Feb 2026 13:01:32
In other words for the good old "Future Considerations". I would do it if we could get another team to take the same kind of deal with Reilly and his contract. That way we end up saving $3.5 million get a Centre who could still get 40 points (Maybe 60 with a change of scenery and Matthews or Nylander to capitalize on his passing, and we replace Reilly with Parekh. Although I think Calgary would want something substantial for Parekh to get included in this deal. Good kind of Idea though.

20 Feb 2026 21:14:48
Yes make the deal.

20 Feb 2026 22:14:03
No. I don't think this team has a lot of real albatross contracts right now. That Huberdeau contract is bad though. I would want major retention or as suffering said, pawn Mo off somewhere.

21 Feb 2026 16:10:33
It might be bad but based on getting Parekh and giving back Future Considerations it’s a no brainer to me.

Doing this deal would certainly necessitate sending Rielly packing saving cap space on Huberdeau.

It’s not like Huberdeau cannot contribute to offence; it’s not like he was playing with a strong group.

But yes he’s overpaid.

22 Feb 2026 22:30:29
I agree with you Randy about Huberdeau. He was playing with Barkov and Bennett in Florida and Tkachuk had the luxury of playing with those guys once he got dealt. Tkachuk also had Gaudreau in Calgary before. Huberdeau gets there and has no-one to play with . The only reason he is so overpaid isn;t because he wanted a massive salary. It's because after losing Gaudreau and Tkachuk Treliving wanted the league to know Calgary was willing to pay and keep players long term so offered a rediculous amount of money that no-one or their agent in their right mind would turn down.

11 Feb 2026 17:36:59
Here is one to Ponder on.

No specific trade partners to identify but for some teams looking for depth and a deal salary cap wise.

Jarnkrok for a 2nd and leafs retain half of his remaining salary for the year.

Lorentz for a 2nd and a 4th and leafs retain half of his remaining salary for the year and the next 2 years of his remaning contract.

Laughton for a 2nd and a 4th and leafs retain half of his remaining salary for the year. Have to be realistic on his dwindling value. We certainly are not going to get back a Grebenkin and a 1st that we gave up for him. Getting the 4th as well with him being a free agent next year might be a stretch.

So in essence we would give up 3 players who are basically marginal players right now, that ice time could be given to Cowan and Quillan and either Groulz or Letteiri.

We end up with potentially 3 2nd round picks and possibly 2 4th rounders. Our cost for rentention for the rest of the season for roughly 25% of the schedule would be. $1,237,500 as well a extra $400,000 for bringing up 2 of The last 3 players from the minors. Cowan is already factored in to the cap.

Then. we find a team that will absorb Reillys contract and feed them 2 of the 2nd round picks to take the whole contract. For this year his savings would be $1,875,000 So to be rid of him we would still have a 2nd and 2 4ths (Possibly) and a savings this year of $237,500. But even with retaining half of Lorentz's Contract for 2 more years we still come out ahead by $6,825,000 for the remaining 2 years of his contract without Reilly's contract and then in 2 years it turns into a savings of $7,500,000 for the last 2 years of Reilly's contract.

It sets us up in a better position for free agency salary cap without touching any major names other than Reilly. Other moves can be done as well. But his contract is a brutal one and this might be a way of getting it done without us retaining any of his contract.

11 Feb 2026 23:40:43
I don’t think jarnkrok or Lorentz get you a return like that even with retention.

12 Feb 2026 02:13:38
YOu could be right but with this being a crazy year with so many teams on the cusp of making the playoffs and some teams at the top looking for that lower bottom six forward there could be a few teams that overpay with thos picks. Lorentz has won a Ammerican League Championship and a few years later added a Stanley cup to his resume. He played a big shutdown role in that Stanley cup. Jarnkrok brings 105 games of Playoff experience with him as well. Even a couple 3 round picks could still benefit for flipping those picks to pad up a contract retention trade could work wonders.

12 Feb 2026 12:51:07
To add to my last response. If they were to let him go for a trade and sign after the season they would have to then make a major free agent signing or a major trade deal. They are struggling for attendance. Yes they have a lot of obstructed views which limits sales to 12,000 but even with renovations they will still be one of the lower seating capacities in the league.

Plus the owners in the league are already showing concern that even with Technically sold out games, the Sunday and midweek games have huge empty seats in the lower bowl. They need to make the playoffs and make them consistently or this cursed Phoenix team could be moving once again at some point. Utah may not be the hotbed they had hoped for in regards to Hockey. A good exciting team should fill the arena no matter the day of the week the game is played.

12 Feb 2026 19:56:15
Ignore above post of mine. It was supposed to go to a thread on the Rumors side not the talk side. Strange that happened.