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18 Oct 2026 19:15:13
I know it's early, but this won't be an easy hole to dig out of. Especially without our best D and 2C.
What's the plan if this season starts to go South quickly? Do you ask Mathews if he is interested in a trade? Do you double down and try to find a top 4 D? What's everyone's thoughts.
1.) 18 Oct 2026 19:31:32
They won’t do a rebuild.
Frost and Whitecloud for 1st 2027 Hopkins Chadwick Grouix.
2.) 18 Oct 2026 20:16:10
I feel like they would move Willy before Auston.
3.) 19 Oct 2026 13:17:26
Nylander does seem possible, but we need to get the right peices back, the unfortunate aspect is Toronto wouldn't be able to land. Oth a #2C and a legit top 4 dman in 1 trade.
But you look at something like Seattle. We can land a 3 peice deal, a 1st, a top prospect, and a roster player for Nylander, and they want a superstar. My trade idea is this
Tor: Nylander, Chadwick
Seattle: Wright, Ried, 2027 1st Rd pick
Seattle needs some extra depth on defense that's closer to being NHL ready and get into a game or 2 this season.
For the Leafs we get some great peices. I would prefer trying to move Ried for Verhoeff since we now have Raddysh, and we get more barrels in the gun for to move to land Edvinsson or Nikishkin in another move:
Tor: 1st Rd pick + Webber + Holinka
Carolina: Nikishkin
We should have the cap space for his extension, and we still have a peice. To move the deadline in OEL.
McKenna Matthews Roslovic
Cowan Wright Marchenko
Paul JT Sissons
Duhaime Bleuger McKewen
Nikishkin Raddysh
McCabe OEL
Rielly Stecher
Blankenburg.
4.) 20 Oct 2026 00:50:23
Give up Nylander for that? ?????
29 Sep 2026 02:10:12
Ok, let's just say Marchenko is a better player than Knies (I believe he is).
I'm still thinking I would have preferred that package that was rumored from MTL and just call it a rebuild.
Clearly management sees ir differently and maybe I'm wrong, but I guess we will see tomorrow.
1.) 29 Sep 2026 06:22:48
1000% agree w you.
2.) 29 Sep 2026 07:49:13
I think management sees a window to compete before it may turn into a rebuild and that’s based around Matthews contract. This hage kid has been pretty hyped up for having a good World Juniors. I mean, if he’s that good how come he hasn’t sniffed the NHL?
3.) 29 Sep 2026 08:58:08
We are not in a rebuild so that package made no sense. This one does cause u got a dynamic player in Marchenko hitting his prime that's going to help u now and years to come.
I’m sorry Habs can keep their package. Hughes is banging his head right now that he lost out on Marchenko for what the Leafs gave up for him. Not even a 1st rd pick.
4.) 29 Sep 2026 14:35:38
When the rebuild does happen, which is in 2yrs or next summer, it’ll start at least. The players we receive for Nylander and Matthews will speed up the process/retool immensely as we have kids on the junior buds that are gonna be really good! Plus guys like Cowan and McKenna, who both in 2yrs should be pure talented fire on skates, so I’m not too worried bout that, I think having Marchenko coming into his prime and being him ?? doing his thing for the next 7yrs we'll be ok.
Just gotta get through the next two yrs of our lost 1st rounders and hopefully pull out a couple wildcards or better. ???
25 Aug 2026 17:17:24
Elliott Friedman said he believes Chayka will acquire Karlsson at some point. I'm not really sure how he has the assets or cap space for this, but ultimately I wouldn't be happy with it anyway. Raddysh has his deficiencies defensively and shod be QB of the pp with that much money spent on him. Why Karlsson now?
1.) 26 Aug 2026 00:13:24
As long as Rielly is going the other way I’d be okay with it!
2.) 26 Aug 2026 20:43:46
I’m totally on the fence with this Reilly 100 percent is part of the package going back, my problem is could Reilly out produce Karlsson at millions lest and 32 years old, I think that’s possible especially under the circumstances that he may actually be deployed properly.
Ya, I don’t know, you have years of 7.5 million in Reilly locked in and if he gets 40 points next year I think the Leafs look like idiots.
3.) 30 Aug 2026 14:56:09
I don’t think so, I’m basing ur comments on Leafs looking like idiots for a Reilly, Karlsson swap? So, as long as we don’t resign him to some large extension that runs on par or further then Reilly's I think we’re fine. We get out from under both one by Reilly’s trade and EK by next summer with cap flexibility and new targets.
4.) 30 Aug 2026 20:38:29
I said if Reilly outscores and outperforms Karlsson, we look dumb for paying the difference in cap space and lost a player that was locked up.
5.) 31 Aug 2026 01:22:59
In what fn world is Rielly getting more points than Karlsson ???? I would do this swap in a heartbeat. U have one guy coming off the books after this season and the other still on them for another 3 seasons it’s a no brainer just for that reason alone.
6.) 01 Sep 2026 10:36:58
@Champ Exactly what I was saying. I read perfectly what you said, GM78 just wasn’t a great or valid point.
7.) 28 Sep 2026 03:36:43
Raddysh has been great defensively and was pretty good on the Lightning. What are you talking about?
01 Aug 2026 20:19:00
Tor Mckenna, Rielly
Det Seider
Not sure if I'm going to get crapped on for this one or not lol.
Signed to a very reasonable number until 2031, 5th in Norris voting and Detroit may call it a day with Larkin demanding a trade and floundering.
If you can add Seider into the top pairing this team is immediately one of the best defensively in the Atlantic.
Who says no?
1.) 02 Aug 2026 13:35:51
Good post LL. That is a tough one. It all depends on the Matthews situation for me. If he isn’t going to resign here, then we would have to start the rebuild around, McKenna, Knies, Cowan.
But Seider would be a good one to have and in his prime. I think you have to do it for a D like Seider considering McKenna is unproven at this level yet. Tough choice though.
2.) 02 Aug 2026 14:03:54
@Clarky
How about Knies for Seider? That is if Detroit would do it.
3.) 02 Aug 2026 14:38:22
@Tags, I knew this someone was going to ask this after I posted that. My answer is still no. Yes, Seider would fill a big hole in the back end but then we are making another big hole on the forward side and everyone says it’s easier to replace a winger then a D, which is true, but who are you going to get at 23yo, 220lb battler that scored all his goals from 5’ to the net again with silky hands and wants to be here and on a team friendly deal.
Teams aren’t moving their Tom Wilson type guys. If they would have jumped on guys like Kieffer Sherwood, Anders Lee (for a couple years), maybe Marchenko then you have an argument maybe that void is filled but we don’t have that. But I think Knies is going to be better than all 3 of those guys (if not already). Still a very perimeter top 6 except for Knies and an aging JT. To me, that’s the difference in playoffs.
4.) 02 Aug 2026 14:50:02
I think Detroit turns you down in both instances. But I do both deals in a heartbeat.
5.) 02 Aug 2026 15:41:23
Cowan, Danford, Colorado 1st for Seider and a second.
6.) 02 Aug 2026 16:09:14
@ CKps The suggested Cowan, Danford, Colorado 1st is a no go for the simple fact that at least if Knies was involved the salary of adding Seider is close to a wash as is if McKenna and Reilly were. If Cowan, Danford and the 1st were the trade, then we are over $11 million dollars over the cap. How are you going to fix that?
7.) 02 Aug 2026 17:46:57
I would do Knies straight up (Sorry Clarky) because as good as Knies is Seider is better. 5th in Norris Voiting for Best D-man and 11th for the MVP in the league Hart trophy. I am pretty sure to be honest it would take another piece with Knies get Seider.
Seider is just elite on Both sides of the puck. 5 seasons at $8,850,000 after seeing Byram get his contract and what others will be getting in the next couple of years. That in itself warrants that extra piece in the trade.
8.) 02 Aug 2026 18:13:52
Does anyone remember what Nucks got for Hughes. 3 top prospects and a 1st rd pick.
Rossi (9th overall 2020). Ohgren (19th overall 2022). Buium (12th overall 2024). Their pick landed them Novotny (24th overall 2026). Hughes is better than Seider by a country mile and already a Norris trophy winner. Look at his return then please tell me what Seider is worth. I know what u guys are going to say Nucks were handcuffed cause he said he wouldn’t sign an extension with them when his contract was up but he had term left so they got that return because if it. So does Seider being signed to a great contract factor in yes. He’s only a year younger than Hughes but that doesn’t matter. What Hughes has done Seider has not come close.
60pts his best productive season so far. Hughes has surpassed that total in his last 5 seasons. So McKenna to me is off the table my opinion. The proposal of Knies is off the table as well cause Knies is better than all those guys Nucks got for Hughes and is only 23yrs old still signed to a great deal. To get Seider I would give up Cowan over McKenna and Knies in the package plus Danford plus the 1st from Colorado and I would make them take Reilly to make money work who is still a viable dman. That’s how u make the money work not adding Knies. If they don’t want that package then he can stay where he is. But no chance McKenna or Knies for me. If it is Knies 1 for 1 not giving anything more. My opinion.
9.) 02 Aug 2026 18:53:21
I would not say that Hughes is better by a country mile. Points sure Seider had 60 and Hughes might have higher production in that regard. But I welcome Seiders 128 Hits to Hughes 7 Hits. That makes that country mile look closer to 50 meters. Seider is a true defenseman.
10.) 02 Aug 2026 19:19:08
Country mile better seems very hyperbolic. Seider is on a dumpster fire of a team anchoring that blue line.
I would give up Knies+Cowan for a true 1D that hits and plays all situations well. Sorry Clarky, but I see Seider as another physical presence like we all want Knies to be.
11.) 02 Aug 2026 21:32:11
Suffering…. Sry I didn’t finish my thought in my post. I had Reilly and Lorentz traded away for draft picks to make the money work.
So Cowan, Danford and Avs first for Seider, assuming Reilly and Lorentz were already gone.
12.) 02 Aug 2026 23:47:48
@CKPS You really think that's enough?
Neither one are A+ prospects and Avs first will most certainly be a late one.
13.) 03 Aug 2026 04:07:47
Oh ya I forgot Canucks are a contender Suffering. Hughes is better by a country mile; production speaks for itself, oh ya and not to mention hardware. Let me know when Seider gets higher than 5th in Norris voting. He’s not worth Knies plus. One for one swap. Did u see what teams were and still are offering for Knies? Multiple first rd picks and top prospects. LL, you are telling me to get Seider u need to give up Knies plus Cowan.
That's ridiculous. If Detroit was offered Cowan, Danford, Col 1st rd it would be close. You call Detroit a dumpster fire, Suffering. So having Raymond, Debrincat, Larkin, Edvinsson is nothing to u. But Hughes had a superstar team with him, gimme a break; he carried that team until he got traded. Big difference between Hughes and Seider. He’s not in the Werenski Hughes Makar or Dahlin conversation.
14.) 03 Aug 2026 12:29:17
Champ, if you are going to call people out direct at who wrote what. Where did I say Detroit is a dumpster fire?
15.) 03 Aug 2026 14:46:03
I think Detroit considers Cowan, Danford, and Avs first for Seider. They can have Quillan too if they want.
16.) 03 Aug 2026 18:00:20
I apologize, Suffering; it was LL who said Detroit is a dumpster fire of a team. Yes, Ckps, I truly believe they seriously consider that package b4 adding. Only issue is you need to get rid of cap to make it work if it’s all prospects and picks. Which means Rielly would have to be traded for sure.
Then all u need is waiver Lorentz 1.2m in savings if he clears, or trade him, plus Domi on LTIR $3.75m and u r good. Can even move Joshua $3.25m. Like I said, would love Seider, but I’m not giving up Knies plus for him. No chance. Unless one for one for Knies. Not part of a package they can keep him.
31 Jul 2026 05:31:12
Since we don't have a whole lot going on; what do we believe Mo is worth?
Personally I think he will be a fantastic second pairing D at 7.5.
I am very skeptical that Raddysh is worlds better than Rielly at 8.5. He had a career year at 30 yesrs old.
The PP should never have issues with Mathews, JT, Knies, Nylander and whoever is in there. If it does, then that's an issue with those guys, not Mo.
Everyone is talking about the bomb from the point like this is the Al MaCinnis days and it just isn't. I don't see a lot of improvement with Raddysh back there.
Raddysh being sub par on defence is also something we refuse to recognize. Mo is a WAR monster for how poor he is defensively (for any analytics people), while also being the true captain of the team.
He should have been captain instead of JT.
I don't understand the hate to get rid of him for "cap savings". He is a VERY good second pairing D-man that our media crapped on for a decade because he isn't Makar. It isn't his fault that he was miscast as a 1D when he just isn't that.
Let's stop throwing Mo out for 22 minutes a night against McDavid and see how he does. He will be a very good D-man at the price. His skating is still solid, his first pass is still great, he quarterbacks PP's to top 10 in the NHL, but we forget that.
Long rant, but I am a BIG Rielly fan. I think he had conducted himself as a captain should his entire time in Toronto as a genuinely good guy. Now we all hate him for being overused when he was never going to be Makar/ Hughes.
1.) 31 Jul 2026 11:35:47
So as long as we don’t put him out against tough match ups, or play more than 18 minutes a night, he should work out wonderfully?!?! Keep him this year to see what he does behind Raddysh. After they lose, start the rebuild. Send Mo, Matthews and especially Nylander packing.
2.) 31 Jul 2026 12:52:22
If…. We keep him we pray for 2 things…. 1 he has a good season to boost his value and #2 1 or 2 of Danford, Chadwick and McKenzie make big enough strides that 1 for sure is a lock for a spot next year.
Then we are not up against the wall to accept just anything for Mo. In meantime if the right deal with him and our Colorado 1st or hopefully instead of that a 2nd round pick presents itself then we take it.
3.) 31 Jul 2026 12:59:14
@LL why are you so hyper focused on Raddysh having a breakout season the first opportunity he had? The 2 previous seasons he had relatable stats, 35 points in 100ish shots, then 70 points in 200 shots.
He has an elite point shot that the Leafs haven't had since McCabe (unless you count Phaneuf who never used his). You get an elite net front tipper like JT in front of the goalie.
4.) 31 Jul 2026 13:16:56
Phaneuf used his to essentially end Lupul's career.
5.) 31 Jul 2026 13:37:37
One thing people forget with Raddysh and those goals. Don't forget the roster and who he played with. #1 Moser was very good are protecting Raddysh defence lapses. #2 is actually very mind boggling and how much will his production drop here without this guy...
Some no-body named Kucherov who was involved in 54 of Raddysh's total points. Assisting on 9 out of 10 of those power play goals. Who do we have like that? Do not expect the same production here folks.
6.) 31 Jul 2026 14:06:07
Not to mention that I am sure most teams after last year will be gearing on closing the gap quicker on Raddysh than they were initially. Teams were used to Hedman being on the Point and with his injuries and then his mental health leave of absence the defence got shaken up. So yeah Raddysh was a different look for teams which can throw your strategy off. The other thing I look at is Tampa offered him $5.75 and his camp, rather than going back and forth in negotiations, decided they would take the top offer which was Toronto.
They figured that Tampa could not find a way to afford him. Word is Tampa would have gone to $7.5 but negotiations never went that way. If they had thought that highly of him they would have started the initial offer higher. But instead they signed Carlson at $8.5.
That $7.5 in Tampa by the way would have been worth $9.9 here for Toronto have matched it. I hope this is a contract that does not come back to bite us.
7.) 31 Jul 2026 19:10:48
@Suffering That is exactly my thoughts.
Everybody I see and every article I read has Raddysh as a 1D for this team and I don't think he is. He is better than Rielly defensively (although not by much), with a better shot, but his skating isn't as good. That's all.
Raddysh has 50pts and is a minus player by December, would be my prediction. They don't have anyone on the left to insulate him the way Moser did and Kucherov is not in Toronto. His shot will help, but I can't see him having more than 50pts.
After the Kadri trade I was very vocal about my dislike for the trade. Everyone kept telling me how Tyson Barrie is a stud 1RHD and he's going to make the franchise better.
That Col team he came from was absolutely stacked. I see this as pretty much the same, especially at Raddysh's age.
@Hrenklin, because I am always very concerned about giving guys money after a single breakout season that is also coincidentally, a contract year. It has turned out very poorly for almost everyone who has done so in the past.
8.) 31 Jul 2026 21:03:28
Most important for me is Raddysh cares. You see that he hates to lose. He gets involved with chirping, sticks up for teammates. He has character, which is what this team needs more of. Imo I think personality in a player is almost as important (if not, more) as what they bring on the ice in Toronto right now. We need a culture change.
Sick of seeing the same answers and responses from these robots after every loss. I loved how Stolly came out and said what he did last year. It didn’t help because we didn’t have the personal to back Stolly up. Poor guy got ridiculed, but would love to see more of that. Shows they want to win, they care and that can be contagious. Anyways, ?
9.) 31 Jul 2026 22:07:01
@LeafsLife & Suffering
I like Mo as well and I think it's best to keep him if Chayka is only getting garbage offers. Rielly would be fine at 2LW, possibly beside a healthy Tanev.
Also, I agree with Raddysh not being a #1D, but I do think he is better defensively and I don't think the contract is bad (especially considering the Andersson & Carlson contracts). I could potentially see the same dilemma with the fans hating on Raddysh as we've had with Rielly playing #1D (when neither really are 1D). Hopefully McCabe can insulate Raddysh as Moser did last year.
@Clarky
I absolutely hated what Stolarz did and it looked even worse after he wasn't able to back up his big mouth.
10.) 31 Jul 2026 23:31:36
@Clarky I'm with Tags there. Stolarz looked like poo in ever game then crapped on the team. If he had a 940 save pct with a losing record I might feel differently about it.
@Tags I agree completely about fans and media. Raddysh is being touted as a true 1D that will change the franchise just like Mo was for years when they're both very good second pairing D. Rielly at times will have 25 minutes in a game and that was always unrealistic to expect from him.
Raddysh is now going to be expected to be out there in all situations and probably looking at 22+ minutes a night against other teams top lines and I just don't see him as that guy.
You're right about contracts for sure. The only one that made sense to me was Celibrini. Other than that it looks like GM's collectively lost their minds.
11.) 01 Aug 2026 00:16:32
I agree with Celebrini's price point. To be honest I think Leo Carlsson will prove himself worthy of his contract, however I think they were a year to a year and a half premature on the value on him though. This kid is a beast. I saw a pic of him and Bedard and Fantilli when they were drafted. Bedard looked like a Grade Schooler, Fantill (and he is not a small dude) looked like a Grade 10 Student and Carlsson looked like one big grown ass man.
He always had the skill but in last year's playoffs agains Edmonton he use that massive size and he was the best player in the series hands down. When he starts to do that all season then look out.
12.) 01 Aug 2026 00:33:55
100% agree on the Celebrini contract. He is the next face of the NHL. He was also one of the best players for Team Canada as only a 19 year old.
I don't think Carlsson lives up to that contract.
He will be one of the top players in the NHL, but not in the top tier IMO.
Carlsson at $15M sounds fair to me. I would have Bedard above him and Fantilli below.
13.) 01 Aug 2026 01:05:44
@Tags Bedard, I think we all have to say after that injury may have lost some negotiating value.
14.) 01 Aug 2026 01:39:58
@LeafsLife
Personally, I don't think his injury has anything to do with his contract.
I think if Bedard wanted more, he would have gotten it with no issue.
15.) 01 Aug 2026 01:41:53
@Tags How many does one rank in the top tier?
16.) 01 Aug 2026 02:43:27
@Suffering
I'm not sure how many.
I'm just trying to rank between these 4 guys who should be the next leaders of this new crop.
Clearly, Celebrini will be in a league of his own imo.
Top Tier now imo
McDavid, MacKinnon & Kucherov, maybe Draisaitl as well.
Makar & Hughes.
I think Schafer will clearly be in a league of his own on the backend.
What do you think?
17.) 01 Aug 2026 08:08:44
You always talk about Character Clarky. Its too early to tell if Raddysh has character. Ive seen guys character disappear after they sign those big contracts. It sad the wheels in a way have come off for MO, because he had character. You know who doesn't? Our Captain Mr. Matthews. Search for a fight with Mo and Tage Thompson when Thompson hit Matthews with a clean hit, Matthews popped right up and Mo came in and didn't take a beating but he didn't win against Thompson as to be expected against a behemoth like him.
But as soon as the fight started Matthews heads away from that area quite quickly. Embarassing to watch a man his size never have the Cajones to stick up for himself. Character starts from the Captain in my eyes.
18.) 01 Aug 2026 18:15:30
@Suffering You’re preaching to the choir here. I’ve been saying rebuild since last year.
@LL and Tags, that’s where we differ. Most teams, when the goalie speaks out to the media, they will react accordingly but not the Leafs. Team didn’t start coming together until they were called out for no one jumping in after Matthews' injury.
Stolarz was exactly right in everything he was saying, he knew the team wouldn’t be successful when no one had each other's back but again, no response from the team.
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27 Oct 2026 19:00:59
I think Bob saw my last post and decided to make me look dumb.
1.) 27 Oct 2026 19:55:49
He doesn’t seem to have it anymore. Last time, I was talking about how bad he was with reading around traffic in front and terrible rebound control. But this game was open shots on a bad angle, so he is just bad all over right now. Stolarz hopefully starts getting the majority of the nods until Bob figures it out.
2.) 27 Oct 2026 22:05:53
He seems to take a bit to get into the games, which is odd but I still think defensively the team needs to be better as well but your right he can’t have 2 bad goals against every game.
3.) 28 Oct 2026 00:32:59
The last couple of years he has been hot and cold. He has had many up and down spells in his career. He is down way too early too often. To his credit, he did play very well after that 3rd goal, but the big rebounds he gives up on not difficult shots is a problem as I said before.
4.) 28 Oct 2026 04:13:05
@eevryone I hated the signing as well if anyone recalls. I would never have signed a 38yo to term at that cap hit.
@Clarky Stolarz can't win a cup because of health. I was actually happy with Stolarz and Woll but had no argument with other regarding health. Hildebeast is the one I would have made 1B and see how he does. Only time will tell on that one though.
@Goat No doubt the D needs to be better. Any team with Stetcher hitting the ice for 25+ minutes needs serious help. Those goals though were so egregious, I would expect Jason Kidd to save them.
He does take a bit to get into games, but if that means let in three goals it doesn't help.
@RLF Yeah, people forget he was not the starter in the playoffs for the first cup originally. He was a bag of crap nobody wanted, then went on a tear. Same thing in CBJ. He wins a Vezina, then is unplayable. Some goalies you just ride the wave with.
All this said, I agree he is not the stud he used to be in net (although as RLF implied, he's always been hit and miss).
Come playoff time, if Bob catches fire, it can be a cup run. If Bob lets in 3 a night behind an already bottom 5 D, it will be a lottery puck. Let's all hope for the latter.
22 Oct 2026 04:13:34
I haven't been really high on Bob thinking he's been average, but looking into it a bit and I noticed he is top 10 in WAR and Goals saved above expected.
Thought this was interesting as I didn't think he has been a top 10 goaltender so far this year.
I am, however, still having a hard time with how much goaltenders numbers are falling apart year over year for the last decade. I still tend to think of a 910 save pct as a good not great goalie.
1.) 23 Oct 2026 06:08:40
It’s been league wide. This is the result of the short pre season but also the Leafs not being great defensively. To sum up our goalies, they will let’s some bad ones in for time to time but they will keep you in the game most nights.
2.) 23 Oct 2026 12:11:51
Goaltending needs to be better, but I agree with Goat that the sloppy play has to do with the shortened preseason. I wouldn't take too much from the first 10-15 games of the season this year. I think around the 25 game mark, teams will be showing what they really are.
3.) 23 Oct 2026 19:25:13
I called it at start of season. Stolly will be #1 by mid season. Bob is not very good anymore. Waste of 7M. Guy doesn’t know how to look around traffic, just sits there and hopes it hits him. Looking like Samsonov, makes a great save, then lets in a flutter.
4.) 23 Oct 2026 21:21:54
I think you guys misunderstood. Bob (before Rangers game) is top 10 in the NHL in Goals saved above expected and Wins above replacement.
What more do want?
5.) 24 Oct 2026 02:02:21
I didn't misunderstand. All stats need context. Bob also has a 3.10 GAA and a .895 SV%. Not good. Take a look at his shots per game. Except for 1 game, he doesn't face a lot of shots.
His rebound control has not been good, which causes him to have to make saves on rebounds he shouldn't have to make. Other than 1 game, can you honestly say he was the reason the Leafs won?
21 Oct 2026 02:32:05
That entire game was Marchenko playing with an edge and showing every reason to have him.
Sorry Clarky, but Knies was an absolute nobody. He should be embarrassed with his play since the first game. Knies is not what you think he is.
1.) 21 Oct 2026 17:38:22
I don’t care about regular season. We have a perimeter team that doesn’t like to go to or stand in front of the net. In playoffs, which should be the ultimate goal, the goals that go in are tip ins, screens and rebounds. I’m not here saying Knies is better than Marchenko. I’m saying this team has enough perimeter players like Marchenko. We have no one standing or screening goalies.
We will do nothing in PLAYOFFS because of it. I’ll be there at the end of year to say I told you so, again! But hey, we have 2 series wins in 10 years and that will continue. At least the goals are nice in the regular season though eh, ?. Marchenko got manhandled yesterday and didn’t do much other then Matthews banking a puck off his skate.
2.) 22 Oct 2026 19:09:29
Ckarky. In all fairness, if Knies had of ran Christensen into the boards the way Marchenko did after Christensen took a cheap shot at him, you would be talking about what great push back Knies has, but instead you call Marchenko a perimeter player. Which I dont get because he drives the net from the outside often.
He has scored goals from in tight like the one between the legs. Its not like he is afraid out there. You may be right and they fold in the playoffs, but I'm not going to call it a lost season after 10 games and I am pretty sure the team we see right now, is not completely the same team we will see if they make the playoffs.
3.) 22 Oct 2026 20:18:31
@RLF Marchenko may bring the puck towards the middle if he has a step on a guy. Between the legs was on the PP. Don’t you notice how all of our shots from the point are easily saved because there is no screen. Do any of our D other than Rifai even have a goal? Raddysh hasn’t had a screen on any of his shots this year. Only 2 guys (Knies and JT with a sprinkle of Paul) would be willing to stand in front, take the cross checks, battle for position, screen the goalie, go for a tip and/or rebounds, that is net presence. Goalies are seeing everything from the outside, no one is screening. How most goals are scored in playoffs. Would be a good thing for all the analytics lovers in here, find the answer to how and where most goals are scored in playoffs to at least shut me up, I annoy myself some days.
I think this trade makes both teams worse off IMO. CBJ needs play drivers and Leafs need net presence, big physical forwards with soft hands. Man he looked sad in that interview after the game, you can tell he really wanted to be here too. Keeping Knies wouldn’t have won us the Cup and I am not saying that. He was still 23-24 and needs some improvement in certain areas, especially knowing his own identity. But IMO, we need more guys like that to win. But they still have to address the other major issue as well, which is the neutral zone. If we kept McMann, Knies, picked up Anders Lee. And made the necessary changes on D that need to be made, I’d like this team's chances much more for winning a playoff series or two.
4.) 22 Oct 2026 22:55:11
Ckarky. I was talking about Marchenko not being perimeter and willing to play physical. You turned it into screens and playoffs again without acknowledging anything about not giving Marchenko credit for something you give Knies credit for.
5.) 22 Oct 2026 23:53:24
I will also add that two of the biggest problems the Leafs have had in the playoffs that were huge contributors to losing has been a bad PP and PK. I love physical hockey, but when you lose special teams battles in the playoffs, you are likely getting beat. Leafs PK and PP have been great so far.
6.) 23 Oct 2026 14:06:41
@Clarky
Hey buddy,
You just seem very bitter and negative since the Knies trade.
Leafs are the team to cheer for, not just the individual player. I get you love him, but just wish him luck in his career and get back on the Leafs band wagon, brother.
Leafs robbed Columbus with that trade. Marchenko is a stud and he's been attacking through the middle of the ice on a regular basis.
Plus, I think they see something in Knies that's not right. He's not the same player he was 2 seasons ago. Maybe it's the knee injury, the concussions and/or the extra weight he's carrying. I wish him the best, but I personally don't think he'll get back to the level he was at or that he'll ever reach the expectations we've had for him.
Go Leafs Go!
7.) 23 Oct 2026 19:36:02
@RLF I was explaining the difference between the two. Perimeter players and net presence players. He is a perimeter player. Not sure how else to explain it. We have too many of one style of player and almost none of the other
@Tags I am bitter and negative and it’s not because I love Knies, it’s because this team has no clue how to build a contender. It’s frustrating watching the same junk year after year just with different names in the jerseys.
I love what Knies brings to the table (just like Hyman, Kadri and McMann) because I know it’s what this team needs. But it’s like Groundhog Day every year with this team. We have many improvements like on the 4th line (only line with net presence). But no net presence players in top 6. We will see again when playoffs roll around.
8.) 23 Oct 2026 21:03:22
Actually, Matthews was the screen on the Rafai goal. If that is how you explain not being perimeter, so any player who doesn't constantly establish net front is a perimeter player? When a player gains entry carrying the puck from the outside and drives the net, that is a perimeter player, you said. Why? Because he doesn't then go right to the net and stand there. Then it is a perimeter league if not constantly standing in front of the net makes a guy a perimeter player. How often does McDavid or Ovetchkin stand in front when not on the power play? Not often. Crosby? Skilled players who can shoot and pass well, you don't want planting themselves in front of the goalie. JT is there because he lacks foot speed. He would easily be closed on if he was on the half wall or tried circling the zone.
Could the Leafs use more net front presence at times? Sure. They are also one of the highest scoring teams in the league at the moment, so it isn't hurting their ability to score. Typically big guys with little skill are always net front guys. Why? Because they don't skate and/or handle the puck well enough to create the plays that create shots on net. As for the playoffs, yes, banging in rebounds and crashing the net is necessary. No team plays playoff hockey all season. Also, as I said, the Leafs mostly lose because their PP and PK have not been good in the playoffs. They typically held their own score wise at even strength. Were they outphysicalled? Often. Would I like them to be more physical? Yes. Rarely does a team win the Cup though when their stars don't perform. Net front presence or not.
14 Oct 2026 00:33:52
I know I am on an island here, but I am done wirh Raddysh.
Slow as mollases, does nothing offensively, poor defensively, does not help the PP in any way now he is away from Kycherov, poor on the PK, etc
He is a fine 3-4D, but he was signed as a 1D (apparently). What is the hate for Rielly whilr we pretend that Raddysh is a stud? I don't get it.
Mo on that top PP looks exactly the same as Raddysh on the top PP.
1.) 14 Oct 2026 07:23:55
I won’t go as far as saying I’m gonna write this player off, but I do think he’s a player you do need to shelter a bit, which isn’t great. Also, he’s been pretty passive on the PP. It’s feed Auston syndrome.
2.) 14 Oct 2026 16:29:09
Very poor deployment on the PP in my mind. He shouldn't be quarterback on the PP. Needs to be a shooter.
3.) 14 Oct 2026 18:56:06
Do you mean he was signed as a #1D or a top pair D? I don't think many thought he was a #1D, but he was playing top pair in Tampa. From what top #1 D are getting paid right now, Raddysh wasn't paid even close to what a lot of these guys are getting.
He hasn't been that good, but it isn't uncommon when these guys sign their first big deal and try to live up to the pay instead of just playing their game. Especially if they sign in their hometown. My hope is that he will continue to settle down and just play his game as time continues to go on.
He makes some nice plays, but he is definitely looking for Matthews on the PP a lot. Maybe trying too hard to fit in etc. Needs to be a little more selfish and let that bomb go more often. You may be right that he is more a 3-4 in the long run, but right now it's not like anyone is going to take his top pair slot from him. OEL has not looked good at all. MacCabe has been hot and cold. Rielly has been better this year, than last, but still not looking like a top pair guy. They have a bunch of guys playing like 3-5's.
4.) 14 Oct 2026 19:14:28
@RLF I listened to media hype Raddysh a true #1 D from the time they signed him and I honestly feel bad for the guy. He's getting the Mo treatment. Put a guy in a position to fail, then act surprised when he fails.
OEL looks his age and McCabe is definitely losing a step from when he first signed.
Not sure this D corps is getting any better.
5.) 14 Oct 2026 19:20:49
Does Reilly look better? He is definitely playing more physical, which is good, but he has some of the worst gap control in the league. That’s why he either gets walked, guys go around him on the outside. First periods of the last two games killed them because the gap control in the neutral zone is awful. They tightened up in the 2nd half of both games (especially the Avs). Utah game was too little, too late. Just watch next game when teams are breaking out, our D are already in our zone, backed way off.
Giving so much time and space to make passes, gain speed and be creative. Hopefully it’s something Hiller is working on. But none of the last 3-4 coaches have corrected this major issue. But I’m going to eat humble pie and say Matthews and Nylander are actually stepping up and playing a much better style (especially Matthews), trying to win every puck battle. If the team feeds off this, could be tough to play against.
6.) 14 Oct 2026 22:13:40
Clarky. I said Rielly looks better this year than last year. That's all. I think he does. I also said they have a bunch of guys looking like a 3-5. Rielly would be in that category along with Raddysh, OEL, McCabe. Tanev was the only one that looked better than a 3. Then you have Stecher, Blankenberg and Rafai that are 6-7's. You see it differently?
7.) 14 Oct 2026 22:45:03
@RLF That's pretty much how I see the D-corps as well. OEL looks bottom pairing, Rielly maybe a 4 probably a 5 and Raddysh a 4 (most would argue 3 and I wouldn't be upset with that either).
What is up with McCabe? Looks like a 7th D half the time.
I do think McCabe is a solid second pairing guy still, but man is he not good enough to cover up for Mo/Raddysh defensievly. He really needs a new partner.
8.) 15 Oct 2026 14:41:07
LL, I don't read or watch a lot of media coverage, but I don't remember anyone calling him a true #1D. I remember them saying he is the #1 defenceman available and a PP quarterback as well as a top 4 or top pair. You are probably right, I just didn't see much of that.
9.) 15 Oct 2026 19:15:04
@RLF I know you said Reilly looks better then last year, but the only improvement I have seen is he being more physical in the corners. But our D is going to always look bad no matter who you get, if they don’t change the defensive system to close gaps in the neutral zone.
Neutral zone is arguably the most important zone to be good at from a defensive standpoint point and the Leafs have been and still are one of the worst teams for gap control. Makes it easy to play against.
10.) 15 Oct 2026 20:11:52
Clarky. I would also say that Rielly is using his feet better to keep moving out of danger with the puck in his own end as another improvement. Point being, he was horrible last season and I wouldn't call him horrible this year. The gap control I don't disagree with, but that is also on the forwards as well. It's hard to stand up at the blue line when guys are allowed to come through the neutral zone with so much speed. When Sissons, Duhaime and Blueger are on the ice together, that speed is taken away and the D don't back up as much.
It also happens on plays where they dump it out and try to change or there is a neutral zone giveaway where now they are flat footed and they play is quickly coming at them. They need to be better at that for sure, but the forwards need to force them to one side better and have a strong backcheck ro support the D so the D can stand up more. Sometimes it is totally on them, sometimes not much they can do but back off or have a guy blow by them or just chip it past them and go get it pretty easily.
11 Oct 2026 03:20:29
Said it before, McKenna is looking better everyday.
Really like his back check at times, liking his effort, kid is a stud.
Give him half a year and he will easily have 60pts as an 18 year old.
1.) 11 Oct 2026 14:07:41
Great attitude. All I have heard is how much of a sponge this kid is for soaking up as much info from the vets as he can. The discussion before the draft was who is more NHL ready, him or Stenberg and should you take the so-called more NHL ready 2 way type winger. For me, as I believe you as well, I was taking McKenna all the way. He's ready and he is just going to get better. As I said then, his vision and ability to hold onto pucks to find the open guy is waaaaay beyond his years. Even on the PP, Matthews is giving him the puck to run the PP from the half wall.
That said, a shout out to Matthews and Nylander. Willy was good last year and has seemed to be grinding even more. Matthews is a different player this year. Ever since that Nashville game where he admitted after the game the decision for the team was not to lose any puck battles, he has been dominate.
He is skating well, the shot is there, he is winning battles. He is being an on ice leader.
We can give credit to the GM and coach, with the additions of Paul, Scissons, Duhaime, Raddysh, Bob, etc., because those moves are paying off and the style of offence play is more creative. To me, the other big difference we are starting to see from the team this year is the stars (Matthews, Nylander) are at a different level than last year and the emergence of Cowan and the addition of McKenna is huge. Rielly is much better this year. If those guys were playing like they did last year, they aren't 3-2-1. It would be more like 2-4 or 1-5.
26 Oct 2026 17:46:16
That is a really odd line combination imo. Paul 4C and Roslovic 2C with JT on the wing?
26 Oct 2026 03:44:35
Can the Leafs even sign Edvinsson? I'm not sure the exact prorated formula, but I remember Willy was at something around 7, but his first year was 11. I know it isn't December yet, but it is close.
24 Oct 2026 21:00:46
A pending UFA and a prospect probably doesn't get Edvinsson.
Also, Leafs first or Col 1st? Leafs don't have a first.
23 Oct 2026 22:17:51
@Hrenklin He isn't as physical as McCabe, but is definitely better offensively.
I will never have the Dubas mindset of 6 puck movers is best though.
22 Oct 2026 17:13:50
I like Skjei, but you need to move off Raddysh if you want another rouck mover that struggles defensively.
28 Oct 2026 04:13:05
@eevryone I hated the signing as well if anyone recalls. I would never have signed a 38yo to term at that cap hit.
@Clarky Stolarz can't win a cup because of health. I was actually happy with Stolarz and Woll but had no argument with other regarding health. Hildebeast is the one I would have made 1B and see how he does. Only time will tell on that one though.
@Goat No doubt the D needs to be better. Any team with Stetcher hitting the ice for 25+ minutes needs serious help. Those goals though were so egregious, I would expect Jason Kidd to save them.
He does take a bit to get into games, but if that means let in three goals it doesn't help.
@RLF Yeah, people forget he was not the starter in the playoffs for the first cup originally. He was a bag of crap nobody wanted, then went on a tear. Same thing in CBJ. He wins a Vezina, then is unplayable. Some goalies you just ride the wave with.
All this said, I agree he is not the stud he used to be in net (although as RLF implied, he's always been hit and miss).
Come playoff time, if Bob catches fire, it can be a cup run. If Bob lets in 3 a night behind an already bottom 5 D, it will be a lottery puck. Let's all hope for the latter.
23 Oct 2026 21:21:54
I think you guys misunderstood. Bob (before Rangers game) is top 10 in the NHL in Goals saved above expected and Wins above replacement.
What more do want?
21 Oct 2026 01:39:58
@RLF Agree there then if we gor some crossed line. He was just big and therefore called a "power forward".
20 Oct 2026 22:50:18
@RLF Who is the guy Knies was in Toronto exactly? I also like the player, but he has only ever thrived with top NHL players on his line.
Knies was a mess analytically and 2 completely opposite GMs wanted to pitch him out of town for that reason. I like the kid as well, but people here acted like he was the second coming of Wendal.
Now we hear the same about Cowan.
Can't move him even for Makar because he may become a top 6, ppg winger someday.
@Clarky Knies looks like garbage in CBJ without 2 play driving linemates and a top 10PP to get him points. Marchenko is the better player by leaps and bounds and even drives the net better than Knies (something that surprised me as well).
20 Oct 2026 18:07:18
Raddysh is completely redundant anyway. They currently have a top 5 PP and 1st PK. Who cares about him on the PP?
Dissonance was a solid add. Liked that one from the start as well as Paul.
Roslovic has always had this mo. He scores in bunches and becomes useless for large stretches. I really am not surprised.