Leafs talk 3

30 Jul 2025 01:32:07
I wish Toronto would sign UFA Brett Leason.

He is big, kills penalties, and potted 15 goals last year.

If they can't trade Domi, Jarnkroc, Kampf, then put them on waivers to free up cap space.

Treliving those three players all suck, get what you can, a late pick or future considerations, just get rid of all three!

Dubas is being an ass, offer Robertson Jarnkroc Villeneuve
For Rust and tell that prick to eat it!

30 Jul 2025 12:08:35
The problem is the leafs can’t have too many of the same type of player leason is a fine 4th liner but Toronto have two lines worth of them guys atm.

28 Jul 2025 00:31:58
So as this offseason is here and the Leafs have made some good moves, I would love to see the Leafs get one more player for the top 6. My three options are Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell and Jared McCann. I will give examples as why I would think they would fit the top 6. Let's start with Jared McCann. If a player like Auston Matthews gets injured, you have insurance down the middle and he can move to centre in the mean time. With Rakell and Rust they kind of remind me of the same player but Rakell has more offensive side to him and Rust is a two way. If I had to prefer one of the three it would be Rakell.

29 Jul 2025 00:36:02
I think most of us agree but what’s Dubas gonna ask for is the question. Don’t see Seattle moving off McCann, he is a big part of their offense. Not sure I see any deal getting done before training camp.

29 Jul 2025 09:54:40
Let Dubas keep the old guys. It's going to be a bidding war by the tdl.

29 Jul 2025 14:00:30
Let Dubas and the Pens continue to suffer until Dubas gets desperate to make some changes. Leafs should keep their cap space if possible and open up more if they can. Tre needs to continue to be patient unless he knows a move will be a win for the team.

24 Jul 2025 14:14:55
Something I was thinking about when it comes to the Marner situation. While under contract and playing for the Leafs, it seems Marner was asking Vegas players what it was like to play there and based on their views, he chose Vegas as his new team while still playing for the Leafs.
Is that not a breach of contract? And if so, shouldn't his NMC have been null and void?
Marner invoked his NMC to void a trade to Carolina, but since he was already speaking with players from other teams on where he might like to sign in the off-season, I think that should void his NMC because his actions go against the intent of a NMC. The intent is to protect a player from being traded from a team he wanted to STAY with, not block trades from a team he already intended to leave.
I think this is something the League should look into. A team can't tamper, so why can players do whatever they want?
Just my opinion.

Plus, in order for the Knights to afford Marner, they had to lose Piet and Roy.

If Piet was healthy, would you guys have traded Marner for Piet and Roy? I would have.

24 Jul 2025 15:51:39
The league needs to remove full no moves and adopt the nba model so that there’s more team control.

24 Jul 2025 15:54:43
Don’t overthink it. Players can talk to each other. I don’t think there is anything in the CBA that says they can’t especially if it was Marner that initiated the conversation. But Vegas management cannot talk to him until Free Agency opens up.

Vegas could have traded a mid round pick for the signing rights to Marner and got the 8th year. So, even getting Roy is a win.

This league has too many NMC, NTC, and M-NTC and that is the issue. Some suggest going the NBA and MLB route and eliminate them altogether. NHL players won’t go for it though. Instead, I’d say you can offer those but not in the last year of a contract. That way, the team has the flexibility to move the contract if an extension is not likely. That would have made a Marner Rantanen trade a reality.

24 Jul 2025 16:22:37
Fallbackguy. My point was is that if players talk it is not tampering, but if teams talk to players it is. Not really fair. On the contract side, Marner was under contract and invoked his no trade while knowing he had already spoke with players from Vegas and wanted to go there. It shouldn't be so one-sided. The League should put a stop to it.

24 Jul 2025 17:33:25
And how do you propose the “league pit a stop to it”?

Marner didn’t want to be traded as he was going into the playoffs and that was his best shot at a cup that year. In late June (after the Leafs were done), he asked current Leaf players Reaves and Pacioretty (former Vegas players) about Vegas. So how is that tampering? He wasn’t talking to Eichel, Stone or any current Vegas players. What if he asked Lorentz and OEL about Florida? Or Carlo about Boston? Or Tanev about Calgary?

24 Jul 2025 20:05:42
Actually, he was talking to Vegas players at the 4 Nations, which was in season and he admitted he had been looking into Vegas and talking to players about it before the season was over.
Hit players with large fines to start. Suspension without pay would be a good deterrent. Lots of things the League could try to implement. Yes, they would have to get agreement from the NHLPA, but if it is breaching your contract in season to let players of other teams know you may want to join their team, I would think the League would have some legal recourse.
I'm glad Marner is gone, I'm not bitter he left. I don't like, nor do I think it is within the intent of the CBA and his contract to do what he did.

24 Jul 2025 21:15:22
@RLF I understand the frustration, but there's a few issues. You can't police players talking about places they enjoy.

Would this ban also apply to players coming to a team as a rental? Can they not speak about cities they enjoyed before being traded?

24 Jul 2025 22:18:32
LL. I think he was doing more than just talking about places to enjoy.

I understand it would be hard to police and there would be circumstances that either would or wouldn't apply. I think there is a difference between a player moved as a rental to a playoff team and a player on a playoff team planning his exit. It's not a coincidence he ended up in Vegas and Vegas knew a way prior to be able to include him (Piet going LTIR) . The Leafs were considering tampering charges against Vegas. Why, if there isn't a lot more to it. All the evidence suggests Marner did a lot more than discuss where he "might enjoy" playing like Reaves said. I have no doubt Reaves said a lot more.

02 Aug 2025 20:28:28
Who cares
The knob is gone.

22 Jul 2025 00:16:58
Knies Matthews Maccelli
Robertson Tavares Nylander
McMann Roy Joshua
Lorentz Laughton Pezzetta/ Quillan
Start this lineup and wait to acquire a bona fide top six player!
Cap space: around $11M
Team still better after dumping Domi, Kampf & Jarnkrok! Thoughts?

24 Jul 2025 00:29:00
Sorry man. Robertson has no spot on the Leafs. He is part of the DNA change that is needed. He is a self centered kind of guy. He needs to go.

24 Jul 2025 20:16:01
What possibly makes you think he’s self-centred? Works his ass off, got much better defensively, only asked for a trade because of ice time! The point was if they got rid of these salaries they would still be just as good, and have a good amount of cap space!?

24 Jul 2025 22:21:40
Because he has whined his whole time in Toronto acting like he deserves a spot on the team even as a 20 year old. He asked for a trade because he didn't think he was getting a fair chance here. I have never heard him talk about how he needs to be better, just how frustrated he is.
Seems selfish to me when a guy puts himself above the team.

21 Jul 2025 02:25:45
So just curious on what other Leaf fans thoughts are on this lineup:

Knies Matthews?
? JT Nylander
McMann Roy?
Lorentz Laughton?

IMO 4 spots, one on each line with these guys to fill in these slots as of right now:
Domi, Maccelli, Joshua, Jarnkrok, Kampf, Pezzetta, Cowan.
Who do you put in which slot? And if we get a top 6 F who moves down or out of the lineup? Last one, what’s your thoughts on bringing up Easton Cowan and playing him with two big boys like Roy and Joshua or McMann?

Sorry for all the questions but just curious where everyone’s head is at.

21 Jul 2025 14:56:35
Joshua third line

Maccieli first line


Dominos second line.

Jarnkrok 4th line is my guess.

21 Jul 2025 17:01:21
Domi second line*.

21 Jul 2025 17:38:29
I'm pretty much in line with LL on the lines.
Hard to say if they get a top 6F what will happen. My hope would be that Tre can work a trade revolving around Colangelo for Robertson+.
Not sure Cowan is ready, but if giving him a chance, put him in a position to succeed, which is One of the top 2 lines. If he struggles then move him down to the 3rd line.

21 Jul 2025 23:42:05
I really dont want to see Cowan on the roster to start the season. Let him marinate in the AHL and then bring him up mid-season if warranted.
I would like to see a play maker on each line and a bigger body to forecheck and be physical, so my ideal lines are:

Knies Matthews Domi (until better option)
Joshua Tavares Nylander
McMann Roy Maccelli
Lorentz Laughton Jarnkrok (till better option)

Joshua & McMann interchangeable until they're settled in.

22 Jul 2025 00:31:46
Knies Matthews domi
Macceli tavares Nylander
Mcmann Roy Joshua
Lorentz Laughton pezzeta

With domi and macceli rotating periodically. I personally wouldn't be in any rush to go after a top 6 FWD I'd give domi and maccelli a chance and see how Cowan does in the AHL. Can always make a mid season r trade deadline deal.

22 Jul 2025 00:49:30
Noice. I agree Tags with keeping Cowan in the AHL this year. I’d give him his 10 games when we run into injury problems. I also agree on the lines with Domi on the first line and McMann/ Joshua battle for 2/ 3LW’s. But no one has Pezzetta on their team. I think this guy is gonna make a positive impact in this team. He plays hard, reliable defensively, hits everything and willing to fight anyone. I’d say he gets 60+ games this year including game 1 vs MTL and playoffs.
Knies Matthews Domi/ Maccelli
McMann/ Joshua JT Nylander
McMann/ Joshua Roy Domi/ Maccelli
Lorentz Laughton Pezzetta
Jarnkrok.

22 Jul 2025 05:09:01
Yes Mores91! We think alike. You must of got your comment in just before mine. 😂.

22 Jul 2025 14:11:53
Just curious on why guys don't want to even give Cowan a shot to make the team. He's 20 years old, not an 18 year old. If he can prove himself in camp, why not give him a look?

22 Jul 2025 20:46:27
He may surprise us RLF. But I’d like him to play a year in the A. Get use to the schedule, size and strength as well as speed of guys at this level. I’d still give him his 10 games but if he looks like he could fit in right away than maybe he proves us wrong. Would make Maccelli and/ or Domi tradeable if he was ready.

22 Jul 2025 22:41:51
Clarky. That's all I mean. Give him a shot. If he isn't ready, he goes to the A. But let's see where he is at before just declaring him an AHL year.

23 Jul 2025 00:46:23
Sorry, yes I agree, give him a fair shot to make the team. But I don't want him on the team to fill up a 4th line role with limited minutes. In that case, best to send him to AHL. Let him play his minutes and be used in all game situations.

14 Jul 2025 15:42:16
The one thing that I have found awesome and interesting is that Tre has been basically, "You don't want to be here, you want to whine and complain, Bye Bye." Nice to see imo.
Marner and Reaves are gone. You whine about Toronto or have an attitude that you earned a right to test the market etc. "Bye Bye."
Under the circumstances, it is no coincidence to me that JT, Knies, Lorentz, Pezzetta (and whoever I have missed) have come out and said what an honour it is to play in Toronto and how great it is. No complaining about fan pressure etc. You don't hear Willy or Matthews complain about fans etc.
We now know Marner has expressed for up to two years(Coincidentally when Dubas left) that he is leaving end of his contract and now it makes so much sense why Tre tried hard to move him. Knowing he is leaving, Marner vetos trades because according to him and Reaves, he earned that right. We also know Marner was asking about Vegas during the season. You wonder why fans don't like you Mitch? Really?
Great on Tre to move out the guys who think they are above the team. I like the new attitude from Management. No way Dubas would ever had done anything like that.

15 Jul 2025 16:28:42
I like that as well, i weirdly have a vibe Mcdavid is going to pull a Tavares next year. I'm not to sure why. I feel like the odds are against it but something tells me it happens. Be hard not to strip Matthews of his captaincy if that happens though.

16 Jul 2025 09:53:13
Agree completely. Dubas spent far to much time creating a culture of handing players whatever they want.

The Canes have their own issues, hut they consistently make the East Finals and do so by letting anyone walk that won't sign a fair contract.

16 Jul 2025 13:07:02
LL. All about creating the "safe" culture in Toronto for Dubas and Shanny. In other words, Toronto is fine with taking players who are not mentally tough because management will protect you from scrutiny. I want tough minded players that want to win and won't except losing.

13 Jul 2025 19:05:35
People are nuts, I know Cowan is our only useful trade chip. But there are very little deals I'd do for him. Definitely not a mid 6 winger or a 50 year old karlsson. Honestly I'd only look at including him in one of the big free agents for next year in a sign and trade before this season starts.

14 Jul 2025 01:53:44
I'd throw in Cowan for mctavish.

14 Jul 2025 01:55:00
Young, possible 1C in a few years, definitely 2C. He probably has 20 teams making offers. I'd say Cowan, Danford, Robertson, 1st.

14 Jul 2025 05:41:20
I would also do it for McTavish. But I think I saw one for like crouse. And rust and a bunch of others, McTavish has potential to be unreal the guys I'm talking about are late 20s early 30s we know exactly what they are.

14 Jul 2025 11:30:24
@Shanacant no, I wouldn't do it for the names mentioned above either. He's the last guy in the system with any value other than maybe Danford. Have to make it worth while.

As I see it, with all the firsts traded away, the team aging as we speak and only Cowan as a prospect to speak of, it has to be a good return as it's the last trade before a rebuild eventually.

14 Jul 2025 15:20:43
I don't think I saw anyone saying Cowan for Crouse, but could be wrong.
Cowan is moveable if the return is also a young player coming back that we know what he is (under 25). MacTavish is a great example.
I would also consider for a couple of good, but considered lesser than Cowan young guys.

If Anaheim offered Colangelo and Luneau for Cowan, I would seriously consider that one as well.

13 Jul 2025 15:20:05
I'm still curious about McTavish. What does it take to get him? Could we pull it off and if so man.. that could be huge. Especially if if, Matthews does look to be leaving or this version of the Leafs can't get it together. This guy could be a nice fit on the first line as our #1 C of the future. Year older then Knies it's a good start isn't it? We trade Matthews this time before we're empty handed and we're retooled on the fly.

13 Jul 2025 23:56:18
Henry, I’m so with you on this one. But it would have to be a sign and trade and he would clean out our remaining asset cupboards.

Cowan, OEL, Jarnkrok, 2026 3rd rd pick, 2027 2nd rd pick

OR

Danford, Maccelli, Koblar, Jarnkrok, 3rd rd pick, 2nd rd pick.

16 Jul 2025 03:11:52
I'm sure it would take Knies. Anaheim wants to compete now and would want a comparable piece.

Knies top 6 LW
McTavish top 6 C

Would you do it?

16 Jul 2025 14:09:25
Yea I agree with Tags here. I think Anaheim would want a forward that will be impactful over a prospect and bottom 6 type of players.

11 Jul 2025 02:16:28
Trade #3. Lol

11 Jul 2025 18:46:26
He got more than I expected from Reaves. Now let's focus on moving Kampf and Robertson, and maybe Domi as well.

11 Jul 2025 20:50:02
I can't believe he got anything for Reaves. That was a solid trade.

Kampf and Domi can stay if they want. I don't see how you even get anything at the tdl. There's almost no assets left to trade.

11 Jul 2025 21:36:21
@LL Kampf seems to have fallen out of favour with Berube, so I don't see the point in keeping him.
Personally, I would trade Domi and just sign Roslovic to play with Matthews. Roslovic has played with Matthews before and is a right hand shot. He's 6'2", great skater and play maker (like Domi), but I think he is a much better goal scorer than Domi. Since, Roslovic is a free agent, no acquisition cost. So to me, it's an easy trade off.

12 Jul 2025 14:35:05
I don’t think we should get Roslovic. We already got Maccelli, it’s one or the other for me and the other top 6F we get needs to have some grit. Can’t go back to too many soft guys or playoffs we get exposed.

12 Jul 2025 15:38:00
@Clarky I agree, but I'm just proposing what could be an easier get. I hope Treliving can get a top six forward and then we could put Roslovic at 3RW instead of Domi. I know LH can play right side, but I just would prefer Roslovic over Domi. Just my opinion.

12 Jul 2025 16:32:26
I am on the same page as Clarky here. It seems alot of the names thrown out on here are softer, skilled type of guys. I would much rather Tre be patient. See if he can move Kampf without cap coming back and see what may open up as the summer progresses. It's not like Roslovic will sign a one year deal likely. They want to change the DNA. They were willing to let a 100 pt player go to do so. Keep focused and continue to change the DNA. Don't sign a lesser version of the guy they just let go.

12 Jul 2025 17:12:05
@RLF Im just not a fan of Domi anymore. He took 60% percent of the season off last year. He only tries with skilled guys and when he's pushed down the line up, his compete disappears. I just want to change him with someone who can put up the same points, if not more (definitely more goals) .
Roslovic doesn't cost anything other than money and I think he can be had for a 1yr or 2 yr deal at a cheaper cap hit than Domi.

12 Jul 2025 23:03:29
@Tags it isn't me saying Kampf is great, it's more that I don't think cap space matters for once. Who cares if he stays or goes.

13 Jul 2025 12:49:48
Tags. I hear ya. My thought is not as much of who we move out, it's more who we bring in. If you move out Domi, who was not a DNA issue, and bring in Roslovic, are we really moving forward with a DNA change?
This is why I kept bringing up guys like McBain, Jeannot etc. We have needed this change for years imo. Guys like Roslovic, don't bring the change we need imo.

13 Jul 2025 13:28:52
RLF Trust me I agree with you on getting tougher, more physical guys. Just, Domi IMO is a waste of space. Yes he's tough and sticks up for teammates, but takes way too many games off and takes way too many bad penalties.
I'm hoping Tre can pick up a DNA change in a trade. This does seem like the direction he is taking. If that happens, then I think Roslovic would be a good add to provide more scoring.

13 Jul 2025 15:34:51
Tags. I'm actually ok with Domi. I think he needs a defined role, which he hasn't really been given. Too many stupid penalties for sure, but he can play and produce. He has proven it in the past. He might have been trying to do too much in his first year as a Leaf, which often ends up accomplishing very little.
I would love to see the Leafs target Crouse and Colangelo. Crouse needs a change of scenery as he is coming off his worst year yet. Colangelo needs a real opportunity and could be a right shot Knies lite imo. Two big men that could make a difference on Toronto. If they could pick up those two while moving at least Kampf and Robertson, I don't know if I see a need for a guy like Roslovic.
That is why I am hoping Tre can remain patient and stick to a DNA change plan.

13 Jul 2025 15:51:57
Fair enough RLF. We will agree to disagree on Domi vs Roslovic.
I too would love a DNA change and definitely like Colangelo as a target. Crouse not so much and I really don't know why, but something just rubs me the wrong way about him.

13 Jul 2025 17:06:41
Tags
👍.

10 Jul 2025 20:41:42
Look at Dubas finally realizing you need toughness to win in this league. Last few moves; Brazeau, Mantha, Dumba and Clifton. Who taught Dubas how to GM? His team of softies idea between the Leafs and Pens isn’t working? Shocking. Can’t believe he goes there and his first move was Erik Karlsson, what a dink. 😂 some of these guys just have no clue. Go back to being a lawyer.

11 Jul 2025 12:22:02
As I said years ago, Dubas will go down as one of the worst GM'S in Leaf history. He and Shanahan screwed up one of the best opportunities since 67.

09 Jul 2025 23:49:50
Report: Penguins 'fielding calls' on Rakell and Rust!

TSN.ca Staff
Published Jul 08, 2025

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been "fielding calls" on veteran forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust since their season came to an end, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic. Kyle Dubas is willing to wait until his asking price is met.

In my opinion one of these two players would be the most suitable fit on Leafs 1st line alongside Matthews and Knies.
It appears they are both available.
What would the cost be?
Would Dubas deal with the Leafs?

Can anyone think of any, more suitable alternatives, that are available?
Not LWers who would be shoehorned into the RW slot. (Re: Maccelli)
Right wingers with proven offensive ability to play in the top 6.
They are 32 & 33 years old respectively, but are only under contract for 3 more years each, so not a long term commitment.

10 Jul 2025 16:37:20
If Leafs aren't or won't offer Cowan+, what else do Leafs have to offer that they wouldn't mind trading that Dubas would say yes to?

10 Jul 2025 21:16:21
Cowan is basically the only trade chip left. I'm not sure what else you offer anyone in any trade anymore.