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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.
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.
14 Jul 2026 02:36:20
Not sure if I'm on an island here or not.
If I'm Chayka, I keep Mo for the start of the season. His value cannot possibly go down.
You have a new 1D to slot in for 22 minutes a night, bumping Rielly down. He will be in a far more offensive system and with a coach he is familiar with. If he is at 18 minutes a night what is so bad about wait and see approach?
If his value goes up, you will be getting offers as the season goes on. If it goes down (not possible) then you're in the exact same position.
I personally believe that if Mo goes to a team where he is not expected to be quarterbacks the PP and playing 25 minutes a night sometimes he will actually be completely fine, even for his cap hit as the cap rises.
1.) 14 Jul 2026 02:48:19
I’m ok w that ?
2.) 14 Jul 2026 11:43:45
I agree, LL. This team is pretty much gonna stay Pat where it is now. Domi on LTIR. Use the first 3 months as a tryout and see who needs to go, when Domi gets back.
3.) 14 Jul 2026 12:49:59
My concern with playing Reilly at all is he is so abysmal defensively that the one or two goals he is on the ice for every night will cause a few losses early on and could significantly impact the team’s ability to get off to a decent start.
In my view, Reilly may be the worst defender in the entire NHL and it is no longer offset by his offense. I’d trade him for the cap space alone
4.) 14 Jul 2026 13:56:39
@DGC You need to watch more hockey if you think he is the worst defender in the NHL.
He has never been great, but that's serious hyperbole.
5.) 14 Jul 2026 14:28:56
Fully agree with LL. Reilly isn't going to be a defensive stalwart, but he's far from the worst defender playing today. His giveaways are brutal. But he averages over 100 blocks a season.
6.) 14 Jul 2026 15:06:30
Rielly is terrible defensively and needs to go at any cost. He’s far too soft to play as a defensive dman. Having him play 14-15 minutes per game making $7.5 million is just bad. They could bring in Logan Stanley at $4 million and have someone as a 5-6 dman that plays defensive, takes the body and sticks up for his players.
7.) 14 Jul 2026 15:08:18
I also agree with LeafsLife. Reilly was never billed as a stay at home rock solid defender. Over tghe years he had come a long way in his defensive game but was never counted on for that. What I will say for Reilly is he always been available after the games and has always been accountable and asknowledged when he had a bad game and too reponsibilty for mistakes. He also was the first to say he should have been the first to take care of Gudas. He did say that when it happened he was unaware of what truly had happened because the puck literally right after the hit was in trasition towards the opposite direction.
Watching the replay you can see that he was focused on the trasition. However... Nylander stared 100% at what happened and did nothing at all. Reilly also played hurt all season and it didn't come out until March that he had done so. He has never been one to use being hurt as an excuse in his career. In other words he has done nothing but be professional his whole time in Toronto. I am not sure how this plays out but I appreciate the class and the way he has conducted himself as a Leaf for the time he has been here.
8.) 14 Jul 2026 15:40:16
He’s been bad defensively for years not just last year… but enjoy the show at 8.5 with 17 sheltered minutes per night and at least 2 defensive boneheaded plays.
??
9.) 14 Jul 2026 16:31:04
I’d block a puck for several million dollars a year. It is the opposition he can’t block.
10.) 14 Jul 2026 16:32:39
I appreciate the class, is the defense I have a problem with.
11.) 14 Jul 2026 19:36:05
Clarky… When Domi gets back he’s the one who needs to go.
12.) 14 Jul 2026 20:33:44
That all sucked last year with exception of Nylander.
04 Jul 2026 03:22:40
I understand this cannot happen because the Leafs are missing their next two firsts, but would anyone here have given Carlsson 18x5 on an offer sheet?
Been thinking about it since I saw the news, but I probably would. Completely changes the team now and going forward and even at that price, it would seem worth it.
1.) 04 Jul 2026 09:21:54
I wouldn’t do it. That a lot of eggs in one basket. This offer sheet is soooo wrong on soooo many levels.
2.) 04 Jul 2026 10:25:49
This is insane. I get the go big or go home, but at the same time 18 million AAV is crazy. I was thinking about two years from now what it would cost to sign Matthews and McDavid and I figured around 40 million or around 20 each, but after this number come out it could be closer to 50 million.
I’m picturing Jason Robertson saying, well if he got that much… I feel for Dallas a tiny bit right now.
3.) 04 Jul 2026 10:44:29
This is wrong in soooo many levels. If I’m a GM in the NHL I’m picking up the phone, calling Daniel Brière and say’n ????
4.) 04 Jul 2026 12:28:53
It’s like what everyone is speculating now what’s guys like McDavid, Matthews, Makar, Kucherov and all the truly elite players worth now? 20+ million? What’s Bedard going to get now? Why didn’t they offer sheet him with this amount? It’s crazy.
5.) 04 Jul 2026 12:41:08
This is Briere being bitter and trying to stick it to the Ducks for the Gauthier for Drysdale trade. It’s left a really bad taste in Philly's mouth so now their are trying to get back the player I believe they wanted in the original trade.
6.) 04 Jul 2026 13:21:50
I'm a poker guy, play at the casino regularly. So here’s a poker thought that I’m hoping all GM’s are thinking…..
Just cuz one clown sits down and makes stupid plays and flashes a bunch of money doesn’t mean you gotta change ur strategy. Don’t get suckered into this! Stick to the plan!
Feel bad for the Ducks (Pat Verbeek).
I’m sure all GM’s are calling him and say’n “don’t you dare except it”.
If Pat Verbeek accepts this offer sheet it’ll make him just as guilty as Daniel Briere.
All GM’s are gonna wanna move past this asap.
7.) 04 Jul 2026 17:52:48
Absolutely ridiculous offer sheet. He's not McDavid for cryin out loud. $18M. Seriously? He could be a UFA today and wasn't getting $18M. I get he is only 21 and was basically a point per game player on both the regular season and playoffs, but still. He was on a very good team. A team he didn't even lead in points. He wasn't the top goal scorer or tops on assists. He's horrible on the dot. He gets heavily weighted Ozone starts 66.2%. ie, he gets heavily sheltered minutes. He gets less than a minute a game on the PK, so not a defensive beast, but close to 3.5 mins a game on the PP.
18 PP points. Should be more PP points with that much PP time. At the same age, Matthews for instance, had about 1 min less per game in PP time, but 2 more points.
Carlsson is good, not saying he isn't and I am sure they are confident he will progress and get better, but you are only getting 5 years. This is one of the stupidest things I have seen a GM do. Briere has lost a ton of respect I would think.
8.) 04 Jul 2026 18:36:41
Verbeek is a knob
Was as a player and is as a GM
Hope Mintyukov gets offer sheeted (is that a word??)as well, word is he has some offers
Chicago? San Jose? Carolina?
Flyers are daft pricks as well
They are still obviously pissed at cutter Gauthier so this is there way of getting back at him, take away your center, how do you like them apples?? ?
Leafs better sign McKenna after the entry level contract as soon as the rules allow
LeafsLife's banter posts with other poster's replies to LeafsLife's banter posts
14 Aug 2026 04:19:47
Since it's the most boring time in hockey news, the Jays are something and we can only hear about Kawhi so much; I'm sure everyone has heard the chiropractor interview about Mathews at this point.
I think to a certain extent it's being read into to much, but at the same time if wr actuat take a step back, Mathews has not been the same player since that 69g season.
Some of this is Berube and his defensive style, much akin to myself expecting a dip in McDavid's production, but something had not looked right in 2 years. I think we have all watched this with Mathews and wondered what it is.
Mathews was on a 50g pace with Johnson and Kapanen, two guys that are not even NHL players after leaving his side and he suddenly dropped off a cliff.
I know everyone wants to say "This is because Marner propped him up" but if this is a Thornton/Cheechoo situation, then Marner should have 100pts no matter who he is beside and msking them look better. What I saw from Marner was very different. He lost his centre and fell off a cliff. Mathews fell off a cliff no matter who he has.
What's the injury? If it's something that is going to hamper his career then we all know it's a rebuild around McKenna, but I wouldn't necessarily blame anyone for the failure in success beyond Dubas and Shanny as everyone else inherited a far inferior superstar.
1.) 14 Aug 2026 20:15:58
Good post. It is worrisome how much Matthews looks like an average 1st line centre over a top end one. And it's not just less goals to me. It's that he doesn't look dominant most games. He rarely looks like the most dangerous player on the ice.
I agree with where the biggest blame lies. Most seem to forget what Treliving inherited. Including that when Shanny fired Dubas, he called the core and told them not to worry, they won't be traded no matter who replaces Dubas.
Hard to blame Treliving for not trading Marner before his no trade kicked in because he couldn't even if he wanted to. I'm not trying to defend Tre, he made mistakes, but I'm not blaming him for what he wasn't responsible for, which includes a diminished superstar centre as you said.
2.) 14 Aug 2026 23:03:16
The thing with Matthews that drives me and others as well on here is that penchant for immediately skating away from a scrum. I get it that he has had injury issues, but he has always been this way regarding the scrums. So many times he has done this and one of his teammates has to contend with 2 players because it is now 5 players on the opposition to 4 on the Leafs.
The NHL does have an unwritten code that if you at least grab another player and tell them "My shoulder or my back is acting up" they will lightly grab you and you both go to the outside of the scrum action and they respect that you are hurt and nothing transpires. But the way he literally scoots away is embarrassing and not a good look at all for a Captain at all.
3.) 15 Aug 2026 00:32:16
@Suffering I have never liked how a monster of a man does not physically impose himself either, but that has nothing to do with how dropped off a cliff 2 years ago. He hasn't looked like a top 5 player in the world like he was when he was winning rockets and a Hart+Lindsay.
@RLF I also liked some of what Tre did even though he made a couple bad 1st round pick trades. Unlike some, I do not believe Minten will be something that haunts us for years to come. I'm more worried about Hildeby winning a Vezina than that.
You already know how I felt about Dubas/Shanny as well. They handed out these monster contracts and now Chayka/Tre can't do much beyond tinker around the edges. Chayka had a better chance as a GM because Marner was gone, but Tre really inherited nothing.
Turning Marner into a 1st when he was 1 week from UFA was one of the best things I've seen.
Matthews has not looked dangerous at all. He looks slow, his release doesn't look the same, he was never a fighter or one for scums as Suffering mentioned, but he used to win board battles and was great defensively in the middle of the ice on the back check and now he just looks like he's always chasing the play.
If Matthews is not a number one centre this year the way he was for the first (almost) decade here, then it's time to ask everyone over 25 if they want a trade and try to make it a quick turnaround with JT as 1C to help McKenna along if JT is ok to stay.
4.) 16 Aug 2026 15:30:14
LL. Agreed for the most part. And yes, him never wanting to engage in any scrums etc. bothers me. I have said for years that the main issue with the Leafs core, including JT and Rielly, is that none of them have a mean streak at all.
Hard to win a Cup when your top players are all adverse to engaging physically in anything other than a few body checks or battling for position.
5.) 16 Aug 2026 17:17:52
@RLF I at least give Mo credit, he's not a mean guy, but he's been in a few fights, cross checked some guys, etc.
I have never seen MNM or JT do so.
6.) 16 Aug 2026 18:45:43
LL. Yes, Mo has, but he has to force himself to do so, which is very rare because I don't think it is really in him to do that in any way naturally. I give him credit for trying at least. Out of 5 stars, 1 of them has very rarely engaged in that way. It's embarrassing, really.
7.) 16 Aug 2026 22:26:11
@RLF I'm fine with a leader forcing himself into uncomfortable spots. Wish the rest would do it.
8.) 17 Aug 2026 12:09:38
I agree he has. Doing it only a couple of times over 10+ years is better than nothing, but he obviously isn't comfortable with it. Better than the rest? Sure. I wouldn't say that he has established himself that way compared to the rest.
He was willing a couple of times, but doesn't keep doing it as needed. They all act afraid of that stuff and other teams sense it.
9.) 17 Aug 2026 15:30:16
@leafslife. A big part of Matthew’s falling off the cliff is where he started taking his shots from after the 69 goal year. A few guys who are more on top of the analytics pointed out to me that he started taking shots from further away and rushing the shots as he was now being time pressured by back checking wingers on gap control. The rushing took away his accuracy and speed of the shots as well as allowing that fraction extra for goaltenders to react.
The year he got 69 he took a lot of after and before the goal hits and he obviously was not fond of the physical price so he adjusted to get further away from that.
We know he is more fragile now but had he imposed himself more physically (not even dropping the gloves just laying out a few guys ) early on he could created more space for himself. That’s what allowed Ovie and Stamkos to do their thing. Stamkos even after all his injuries still plays physical to get his part of the rink.
Once I started looking a few games from the last few years I could see what they were talking about. He just didn’t look right shooting from further away.Maybe he makes some adjustments this year, just nervous how the knee bounces back.
10.) 18 Aug 2026 13:52:58
I'm pretty sure we had some discussion son here last year about Matthews shooting from farther out and that his shot didn't have as much zip on it. As far as not getting hit as much, yea he has been shying away. It was pretty much assumed because he was playing through injury and we often discussed why the Leafs didn't just sit him at the start of last season until he was healthy instead of playing him when he was a shell of himself.
The scary thing is if the supposed injury is not something that can really "heal" and therefore never really be his prior self. What if it is chronic back issues that never really heal? Add that to the knee injury and what will Matthews be going forward is definitely a concern as you said. He is playing like a lower end #1 centre instead of a high end one already. If he falls off more, we have a #2 centre in him who will want #1 money probably.
11.) 18 Aug 2026 16:07:07
The other question as well RLF is whether that Knies knee issue is resolved? I haven’t seen any reports of how his off season training has gone. If anyone has, please share. I’m just nervous if it re-occurs, does it turn into surgery possibly? We know what he can bring offensively, but if that knee hampers him defensively and plays through it.
There might have to be some line shuffling to shelter him. Cross our fingers on him and Matthews on the injury front.
12.) 18 Aug 2026 17:18:28
Good point on Knies.
06 Aug 2026 00:50:39
What is with everyone and Logan Stanley lately around here?
Is this guy some kind of stud in people's minds? He's a third pairing/7th defenceman on most teams. He's not some savior, but I'm seeing his name constantly as if he's going to fix this D-corps in some way.
This reminds me of the Stetcher talk. The guy had a few good games and suddenly he can be a top 4 D.
Before Stetcher, it was Benoit. Some were pencilling in beside Rielly.
Before that, it was Justin Holl before everyone wanted him fired out of a cannon.
1.) 06 Aug 2026 13:41:04
@leafslife.... I think what blinded people somewhat was him having a year where he got more points than people expected from him. That and his size and that he fights. He is not exactly fighter that scares people though. He throws a few punches but then kind of uses his reach and height to wrestle and tie up until they either tumble to the ice or Refs break up.
Most of us over the years used to look at the main stats on a player and at first glance he had a breakout year point wise. However with teams all hiring multiple people with analytics backgrounds the info they put together about players now is crazy. I only just started delving into some of them over the past year hard. The one stat that has teams backing away from him is Net Penalties. The difference between Penalties Drawn and Penalties Taken. Out of 940 players in the league he is 939th with a -23 Only Zadorov is highter a -25 but Zadorov plays more minutes per game and also lays out a lot more Hits a lot more harder. Stanleys are because he gets caught out of position so uses his stick and reach and gets a lot of tripping and hooking penalties because of his footspeed not being able to to deal with fast forwards.
And his Net -23 is factoring in minor penalties so the fighting ones are not part of that.
2.) 06 Aug 2026 20:57:57
I don’t get why you wouldn’t want Stanley at a good price. You guys under estimate the value of having tough guys on your team. Helps change the culture. Star players play better when they feel protected. Plus I’m sick of seeing us get bullied and our goalies get run with no repercussions.
3.) 06 Aug 2026 23:13:45
I get your old time tough guy hockey thing Clarky. But he is a terrible defenseman. Plain and simple. Sorry. Just the cold hard facts. I don't care how cheap he is, he still has to not be a liability when he is on the ice.
4.) 06 Aug 2026 23:33:11
That’s a little dramatic. He is a +29 over his career and he would have been 2nd on our D in goals last year. How bad is he really? Knows his role and plays his 15 minutes a game without touching a second of PP time.
Having that sheriff on your back end goes a long way and the goalies will appreciate it. Yes I am old school and so are the GMs that are controlling the teams around us. Eat or be eaten.
5.) 06 Aug 2026 23:52:45
How bad? I already said. He takes more minor penalties by far than he draws. And who are all these big brutal teams in our division? You keep mentioning Florida, but who else is there running us out of the rink that we need a fighter than can't play defense without taking penalties because he can't keep up to the play?
6.) 07 Aug 2026 00:09:23
@Clarky I respect your opinion on things, and we have been back and forth a lot on these types of things. It seems more like just a fundamental disagreement.
Stanley is a subpar, 3rd pairing D. He is very poor at moving the puck and below average on D while taking a lot of penalties.
Chayka signed 2 guys in the bottom 6 that will fight if need be and Tre brought in Joshua. If nobody stands up for teammates at this point, I see it as a leadership issue instead of a personnel issue.
Everyone wamts to crap on Mo recently, but he cross checked a guy for a slap shot into an empty net. He has also been in fights for teammates even though he is very poor at fighting and it is not his "MO" (lol).
Moving out Rielly, who should be captain, will change the culture of this team more than anyrhing else (negatively) than anything else done.
He is always accountable, always gives his full effort, is always standing up for teammates before the "core 4" and has been here longer than anyone. He never complained about being captain, he never made excuses, he never said someone else was to blame.
If you want a TRUE culture shift, it does not come from new guys in the bottom of the lineup, but from guys like Mo being on this team. Stanley will take a bunch of penalties and punch someone because that's the only reason he is not an AHL player.
Just my opinion of course, but it reminds me a lot of Maurice leaving the Jets and then winning multiple cups. It isn't something that is changed by bottom 6 players or coaches, it's the core leadership of a team.
7.) 07 Aug 2026 00:15:13
Just all the teams we need to beat to make playoffs. TB, Boston, MTL - Xhekaj runs around trying to goat guys into fights every time we play them and he usually goes after Joshua because he thinks he is our tough guy based on his size.
Because we really don’t have someone to answer that bell. If you guys don’t think toughness is important in this game, then we are at a difference of opinion. In playoffs those are the guys that standout.
8.) 07 Aug 2026 00:22:47
Fun fact for you, since you love your facts. TB, Boston, Florida lead the NHL in PIMs last year. Panthers were 1st and 2nd in PIMs the 2 years they won the SC.
9.) 07 Aug 2026 01:18:36
Fun fact back at ya. This past year Carolina was 26th in penalty minutes and Vegas was 31st.
10.) 07 Aug 2026 14:46:41
It's not about pen minutes to me, but about team accountability and unity. Leafs have very little. It is hard to change culture when the top players do not buy into team toughness, but rather team protection of themselves. It's great to have an Olivier, but few exist. If Leafs don't have one, they have to have a team mentality that no one will push them around. They don't have it. Too often, the main core don't push back. As for Stanley, bottom pair NHL D imo.
Yes, he has his warts, but when he is on the ice, 5 on 5, goalies tend to have excellent save percentages. His mobility is an issue, but he does force lower danger shots and is good at clearing the crease and preventing second chances off rebounds. Is he worth the $4-$5M he apparently wanted? Of course not. $2M on a show me deal? I would probably do it if the Leafs plan on using him as a 6/7 D depending on play.
11.) 07 Aug 2026 21:43:26
Thanks RLF, that is a fair post. People were making him out be Bambi skates. He is good for what he brings to the table. I’d play him against the tougher teams and play Andrae against the more finesse/mobile teams.
But I definitely think he could make this team more confident. No, he isn’t an Olivier, but he is in the top 5% for tough guys in the league.
26 Jun 2026 22:17:58
Zelwegger was an absolute whiff by a lot of GMs. I would have paid that price or more for him.
1.) 27 Jun 2026 03:22:39
I agree. Wanted the Leafs to grab him.
01 May 2026 08:54:00
I can't be the only one here that's been watching these playoffs thinking about Marner.
Mitchy has been a non-factor through 5 games as one of the highest paid forwards in the NHL.
I understand why everyone is saying Mitch leaving is what tanked the Leafs, but watching his performance with a new team has to also show that even making the playoffs with Marner, nothing would have changed (not that he had a good reg.
season either though).
I am still happy with (in a round about way) getting a first for Marner's expiring contract. He's still the same choke artist that needs an elite centre in order to thrive, he was in Toronto.
1.) 01 May 2026 12:20:37
Agree with pretty much everything LL. Except, I actually don't understand how people would think Marner leaving would tank the Leafs. Put simply, the team underperformed. They should have been a solid enough team and not a bottom 5 team. Coaching may have had something to do with it, but this is on the players.
2.) 01 May 2026 12:50:09
@LeafsLife...Do you mean he is a non factor because of his point production? If so, then you have missed what Tortorella is doing. He has been movning Marner around from line to line as he line matches and has Marner playing in a shutdown roll and maxing him as well on the PK. He said when he got there that is what he wanted from Marner and he has bought into it. He might only in some people's eyes have 4 assists in 5 games but his last one when he and Howden tagged-teamed along the boards to turn the puck over for the OT winner by Howden was huge.
If you watch, there was no player on the ice as excited as Marner.
I agree with RLF that the onus in Toronto was on the players. I am not a Berube fan but he is not the one who has had Matthews Shooting percentage drop nor Matthews' Shot speed drop consistently in the last 4 years.
3.) 01 May 2026 13:50:01
I have not watched every Vegas game, not going to pretend I have, but statistically speaking, it doesn't match up with a shut down role and being maxxed on the PK.
Marner is getting his 20+ mins a night. He has just over 7 mins of PK time in 5 games (about 1:30 per game), which isn't much. Compare that to over 20 mins of PP time (4 mins per game). His 5 on 5 zone starts are over 58% O-zone. Dowd, Scissions and Smith get heavily weighted D-zone starts at even strength. Marner has 0 even strength points. 2 assists on the PP and 2 assists on the PK (last 2 games).
He is getting shut down at even strength, which is pretty much what happened in Toronto and most complained about. Only 7 shots on net at even strength, 5 hits, 3 blocks, 1 takeaway and 2 giveaways. Those are not star stats by any means. Compare that to Eichel who has 6 even strength points in 5 games and 8 overall. It's not whether Marner is a good player imo, because he is. It's about whether he can up his game in the playoffs, which he doesn't. His point production drops off and he becomes very average at 5 on 5 play in the playoffs. That hasn't changed in Vegas so far.
4.) 01 May 2026 14:23:22
Torts loves him and is using him in 5 on 5 shutdown role. He is a +2 five on five. On specialty teams, he is doing a great job. Vegas has 3 PP goals; he assisted on 2 of them. On PK, they have 2 goals and he assisted on both.
People can love or hate him, but he has been given a role by Torts and, for such a hard coach to please, he is doing that role well. I have watched all the games and he is working and skating hard every shift.
5.) 01 May 2026 14:42:31
Suffering, would you pay a player $12.5M to be a shutdown guy? Of course not. I didn't say he has been a big liability, but like it or not, he is paid to produce. There is no way Vegas wouldn't want to see more production, creating more opportunities and game control from him.
He's getting over 20 mins a night. It isn't all just to shut the other team down 5 on 5 and be good on special teams. You can pay a guy half his money to do that. He is supposed to be one of the best playmakers in the League and in his prime.
6.) 01 May 2026 16:48:09
If the goal was to win a cup, I would use anyone in any position to do it regardless of salary. We are talking about Torts and his system is not and never has been freewheeling. Don’t forget that Vegas was in danger of falling out of the playoffs with a GAA of 3.07 under Cassidy.
Torts stepped in, got them into playoffs with GAA in last 8 games of 1.88.
You might not like Marner RLF but the point is Torts and his teammates there do.
7.) 01 May 2026 17:28:07
Suffering. When did I say I don't like Marner? I actually said he is a good player.
You understand the narrative you are trying to sell. Basically you are saying Vegas trades Roy to Toronto so they can give Marner 8 years at $12.5M and then turn him into the player they traded away to get him that was making $3M. Pretty sure that wasn't the plan.
His coach and teammates in Toronto seemed to like him too. Neither is Berube's system freewheeling.
Not sure what that has to do with him having no even strength points in 5 games and you somehow knowing that is what Vegas is happy with and his coach wants. I'm not in management meetings and the dressing room and neither are you. No one knows for certain, as much as you want to have me believe you know, that Vegas is happy with Marner not producing as long as he isn't getting beat defensively.
8.) 01 May 2026 19:07:55
Maybe I am a fool. But if they win this series, if I was coaching, I would love that he played how I told him to and was +2 on five on five even without points. But got us 2 shorthanded goals with his assists. A lot of players would not check their egos and do that role. He and Howden are doing their job to line match and let Eichel's line get some free reign to get their points. Eichel has one goal but no-one is calling for his head.
I remember last year when Marner had 13 points and 2 goals and Matthews had 11 points and 3 goals. All the fingers pointed at Marner but it was only a minor push back on the magic goal scorer Matthews. Crazy part is Marner is now playing his most intense hockey I have seen him play and people who are not even Vegas fans are criticizing his lack of production.
9.) 01 May 2026 21:24:16
It's that you are trying soooo hard to give him credit. You also just said he is now playing the most intense hockey you have ever seen him play and then complain Toronto fans got in him. You just admitted he is trying harder in Vegas. Eichel is no more a goal scorer than Marner. They both get 25-30 a year on average and both weigh heavily on assists for points.
You say I have bias against Marner, yet you are trying so hard to say a point producer who doesn't produce in the playoffs is somehow still playing a major role because of his defensive numbers. The bias is obvious my friend.
10.) 01 May 2026 21:37:47
Ok you win. He is playing horrible and they should bench him. That will teach him a lesson for playing 200 foot hockey in the playoffs as instructed. :o)
11.) 01 May 2026 22:00:40
Quick question for you RLF. How many points do you feel Marner should have right now in the playoffs to justify his contract?
12.) 01 May 2026 22:25:20
Again, I never said he was playing horrible. It was about him not creating or producing much. Being a playoff non factor. Then you came in saying we are obviously missing how he is being used and how effective he really is and how everyone and the coach love how he is playing. Fact is, he is not producing in the playoffs again and people can't say it's a Toronto thing. If he is as motivated as you say, would have been nice to see him that way in Toronto.
Let's see if he produces in game 6/7 because he never did here. It's not just a points thing and you know that. I get you want me to say a certain points number so you can say he got those kind of points in Toronto and people still complained. You're looking for a gotcha moment, but don't consider 0 even strength points in 5 games as a valid argument that he is a offensive non factor again.
13.) 01 May 2026 23:15:08
You even just said "It's not just a points thing" but then you say it is the 0 even strength points. So then what is it he has to do to impress you? He is playing incredible defense and getting shorthanded points (none bigger than the assist in Overtime in Game 5 and power play points).
So are they calling to run Connor McDavid out of town because he had only two 5 on 5 points with no goals out of his 6 points and he was a -8 on 5 on 5?
14.) 02 May 2026 00:18:11
Nice try. I'm done.
29 Apr 2026 03:23:12
So it's going to be Sundin as president of hockey ops and Chayka as GM.
I never would have predicted this. Sending with zero experience and Chayka having been out of the league for years.
When people said they wanted to go in a different direction I guess Pelley agreed.
This could be the most insane, worst decision of upper management in Leafs history or a great, outside the box choice.
1.) 29 Apr 2026 15:40:40
If this ends up true, I would think we will also see an experienced advisor also hired.
2.) 30 Apr 2026 09:21:39
Truthfully Pelley will set this franchise back to before Auston Matthews. I sincerely hope we get Scott White over Chayka. Also sounding like Berube has a good chance of being back, which is another strike.
08 Sep 2026 13:58:28
I wouldn't unless Mathews is leaving as well. That's a full rebuild move.
I also don't think WSH needs anymore top 6 wingers.
27 Aug 2026 12:07:54
@Suffering I had not seen that clause in the double retention. Thanks for the info.
27 Aug 2026 09:49:55
I don't think EK can be retained on. Sharks are retaining a portion and the new rule is no double retention. Would have to eat the whole cap hit.
26 Aug 2026 16:33:40
@Suffering Probably could if you were willing to include Knies in some kind of deal, otherwise I don't see it either.
20 Aug 2026 17:35:05
I didn't dislike Ceci as much as others. He's a serviceable D-man for sure.
I think I would probably just rather have OEL than Ceci. OEL was great last year and should be in a smaller role this year making it even easier.
09 Sep 2026 15:20:26
@Clarky I like Knies, but everyone has a price.
09 Sep 2026 15:19:41
Not sure honestly. Looks like a lot for Minten, but if the cap does jump another large chunk next year then 7.2 won't look like much for a 3C in 5 years.
Minten is in a good spot right now as a C. Many, many teams lack depth at centre right now.
If Chayka signed Minten for that much I'd be ok with it.
05 Sep 2026 21:01:16
@Clarky, What would you suggest? This team, to me, was extremely slow and heavy last year. They couldn't keep up with the pace of better teams.
I would also love to have a Tom Wilson, Tkathuk, type player on the top line, but those guys are so rare.
04 Sep 2026 13:38:22
Not really. Putting Ryan Reaves on the top line wouldn't stop Tkatchuk's/Bennet/Gudas was doing something dumb.
01 Sep 2026 20:17:17
@Clarky I doubt it, but if he signed for 5 years at 20yo then 12 years at 25, maybe he would.
Are you not taking into account that Crosby signed his 2 year 8.7m deal at thirty seven years old? He was close to 40 when he signed that deal. That is not even remotely the same.
Crosby maximized his earnings through his 20s and 30s until he was 37. You're now doing the revisionist history I see a lot with Crosby and saying Celebrini should do the same thing Crosby did at 37 except when Celebrini is 25.
I think the most apt comparison is if Makar is a top 4 D after his current deal he then signs at a discount after he made as much as he could.
The Crosby glazing as a leader based on his contract really befuddled me when he signed his current deal and it still does. He left no money on the table and people just look at the number.
If anything, McDavid could have asked for a max deal on a one year contract and probably gotten it. He took a large discount compared to his worth to try and win.