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RLF's rumours posts with other poster's replies to RLF's rumours posts
29 Apr 2026 21:37:32
Let's assume the base line I threw out of Cowan for MacTavish is close and Nylander for Sennecke and Luneau is close. Assuming Anaheim re-sign their vet RD's, the last main piece for Anaheim would be a goalie. If Leafs take Husso back, can the return for Stolarz include say Gaucher and Masse as well if it is all in one big trade package. Both Gaucher and Masse projects as bottom 6 forwards.
It would be
Ana
Nylander $11.25
Stolarz $3.75M
Cowan $.874M
Tor
MacTavish $7M
Husso $2.2M
Sennecke $4M
Luneau $.865M
Gaucher $.867M
Masse Unsigned
Anaheim loses MacT and Sennecke up front, but pick up Nylander and Cowan. They also improve their goaltending with Stolarz, without adding much to the cap. Leaving them about $38M to sign RFA's and fill gaps.
Toronto does a pretty big overhaul. They pick up a new 2/3C in MacTavish who is more physical than the Leafs have and could develop into a Bennett type 2C. Sennecke fills that skilled RW, but also plays a physical game. Luneau brings that puck moving RD that can PP a powerplay. Gaucher a potential shut down 3C and Masse, a project, but could be a solid bottom 6er in the future. Leafs go with Woll and Hildeby in net. Waive Husso to the minors, if no one claims him, they have a vet in case of injury.
1.) 29 Apr 2026 23:19:41
I'd be trying to get Wthan Procyszyn in any deal with Anaheim.
2.) 30 Apr 2026 00:52:33
Hrenklin. I like him too, but if Leafs are giving up Nylander, Cowan and Stolarz, Procyszyn is not the player I would make as the do or die on a deal.
3.) 30 Apr 2026 02:20:33
Bet you Nylander and Cowan score more goals than all of them combined.
4.) 30 Apr 2026 02:59:34
Nylander and Cowan 41 goals this year in the NHL.
Sennecke, McTavish and Luneau had 41 goals in the NHL this year.
Add the goals Gaucher and Masse scored, since you didn't specify where the goals are scored and Nylander and Cowan were outscored drastically.
You lose.
5.) 30 Apr 2026 09:10:12
@RLF I just don’t see why the Ducks would want to move Sennecke. The rest I can see, but Sennecke is under control right now. That’s my only negative about it tho. I like McTavish, have posted lots of trades for him.
Luneau is a good prospect too, so it’s a tough one, but it’s hard to deny the fact that a team like Anaheim, and where they are at, they are the perfect team to make a splash with.
6.) 30 Apr 2026 14:41:20
Goat. I agree about Anaheim. Anaheim is one I have been looking at for trades for quite a while. So let's say they won't include Sennecke, but the rest is good. Who/what is added from Anaheim's side to replace Sennecke?
Is McQueen enough? Or is there a plus to him like Smith/Procyszyn/a 2nd?
7.) 30 Apr 2026 17:23:33
@RLF I for the most part agree my man, but… we all understand you need to give to get. If they would like to acquire player/s of Nylander as well as Cowboy’s resumes you have to give. Hence Sennecke, if he’s not coming back, not interested. Sennecke cooled off nearing the end of the season, yes, but this kid is primed to be a difference maker.
Bottom line Nylander would absolutely help the Ducks for the next 5 yrs for sure. Cowboy could turn into an absolute beast we may regret trading but Sennecke is a prize we’re after here. McTavish and Lunneau would be nice pieces maybe even try to swing McQueen in the deal as you said but then Cowboys replaced by someone else. My opinion anyway.
29 Apr 2026 16:38:33
This is a would you.
Ana
Cowan
Tor
McTavish
1.) 29 Apr 2026 17:07:38
Not giving up Cowen. But I do know Anaheim could use a RHD, so using Carlo+ would be more cost efficient.
2.) 29 Apr 2026 19:18:41
Yeah probably. I like Cowboy well enough, but being on this team will destroy his development if they can't get it together.
3.) 30 Apr 2026 17:27:39
Cowboy for McTavish? Nope! I think the jury’s out on McTavish tbh and Cowboy will be just fine. Even on this Leafs team. Changes are coming and I think the new regime will insulate him better. This stint with the Marlies for the Calder is perfect! Watch how much he grows and learns playing these games. Exactly what he needed.
4.) 30 Apr 2026 22:53:14
No way. McTavish gained his fame at WJHC... Hard to say why he’s gonna be. I’ll take Cowan.
5.) 01 May 2026 02:42:15
A lot of proposals seem to fail to take into account the fact that William Nylander turns thirty (30) today.
He is headed towards the end of his prime hockey years shortly (if he isn’t already)?
Why would a young, upcoming team like the Ducks want to sacrifice players like Sennecke, McTavish and Luneau for a 30 year old player?
That’s the kind of trade the Leafs would make that got us into this situation in the first place.
Sorry but I just can’t see it.
28 Apr 2026 18:03:53
Utah could use a better goalie tandem. A goalie with playoff experience would really help. Stolarz does get injured too much, but when healthy, he can win a team games. Easily argued if he didn't get hurt against Florida last year, Leafs win that series.
Utah
Stolarz $3.75
Tor
Beaudoin ELC
I know I will get the - Utah isn't giving up Beaudoin for Stolarz. May be true, but Utah is solid down the middle with Schmaltz, Cooley and McBain. Goalie is there one weaker spot.
Leafs pick up a very good C prospect with a 2C ceiling with good size and physicality.
1.) 28 Apr 2026 17:45:44
The base of this trade is sound Leafs might have to add a bit or maybe give up Woll instead.
2.) 28 Apr 2026 21:25:52
I like the Target Rlf. I like that Beaudoin. I kind of agree with Goat2.0 that to pry him loose it might take something different than Stolarz. I, thinking a advanced prospect (Hildeby) for a up and coming prospect. I like that Beaudoin has played the wing as well and has that, just happy to play no matter where I play attitude. Now yes Stolarz has to be moved somewhere.
I can see Woll and Akhtyamov, as a good tandem but to stock the cupboards for the real super star goalie down the road we have to find a way to pry Trey Augustine away from Detroit. Then we have Depth still at Goalie and have Beaudoin at Centre or Wing. Detroit has Cossa of course but Augustine won't be cheap to obtain.
Any suggestions????
3.) 28 Apr 2026 23:33:25
I would add Nicky Robertson to get this deal done.
4.) 29 Apr 2026 00:50:09
Stolarz injury history should put a quick end to this trade proposal.
5.) 29 Apr 2026 15:37:42
Both Leaf starting goalies have misses a fair amount of time due to injury. Stolarz isn't that old and could help them make the playoffs. That would be big for Utah.
How many goalies of Stolarz caliber will be available? Not many, or any is my guess.
6.) 29 Apr 2026 15:45:34
They already are in the playoffs.
7.) 29 Apr 2026 15:55:36
I get that. I guess I should have put "again". They made it with 92 points which often means missing the playoffs. I am talking about next year. Two years in a row making the playoffs would be big for Utah as they would be establishing themselves as a playoff team. Plus next year they would have that extra experience and once they're in, who knows.
8.) 29 Apr 2026 16:11:04
I believe either Utah or Anaheim is in need of a solid goalie. Whoever gives more u take.
21 Apr 2026 18:32:14
Assume for the sake of argument, Matthews would go to Columbus.
Clb
Matthews $13.25M
Tor
Johnson $1.8M
Olivier $3M
Del Bel Belluz $.860M
Cayden Lindstrom Unsigned
Jackson Smith Unsigned
Columbus has lots of cap space and Matthews/Fantilli down the middle would be one of the best one-two punches in the League. D. They are deep. They have space to fill out the roster.
Toronto would hope for a bounce back from Johnson. Olivier adds the toughness that can take a regular shift. DBB has produced in the A, now hopefully at the next level. Smith is a potential top pair offensive D that plays with physicality and has size. Lindstrom a future power forward centre. Leafs get much younger and even clear some cap space.
1.) 21 Apr 2026 18:54:20
Lindstrom might not be as valuable as once believed, and I don't know if CBJ would want to make a splash like this.
2.) 21 Apr 2026 20:12:40
Again you can’t trade Matthews then have the word hope after it, it’s not smart.
Matthews for Gretzky and hope Gret plays like he’s 20.
3.) 21 Apr 2026 20:31:56
Hoping Johnson can bounce back and saying hopefully DBB (a lower piece in the deal) is ready for the NHL at 22, can't be said. lol
Smith and Lindstrom are the big targets. Olivier and Johnson are next about equal and then DBB.
4.) 21 Apr 2026 21:43:24
If this trade is made and the first time the teams meet. Matthews is cruising up the middle and Olivier, who is now playing for Toronto, smokes him with a hit. Who on Columbus steps up to straighten that out. You can have the most skilled guys on Columbus, but Olivier is one guy who should be a undradeable player from that team.
5.) 22 Apr 2026 00:09:52
@RLF... Who says Columbus has lots of cap space?
6.) 22 Apr 2026 02:18:29
15 players signed and $40+M in cap space would normally be considered a lot of cap space. You can point to players like Fantilli needing to be signed, but $40 mil is still a lot of cap space.
How they use it is up to them. If they had a lot less space and still those players to sign, I would think then they have a problem.
7.) 22 Apr 2026 14:32:42
Well if they did that trade. They add Matthews' contract and subtract Johnson's and Olivier's, that takes $8.5 off that $40 so now they are at $31.5 and down another player, so that is 14 players signed. So if Jet Greaves signs for $5 that brings it down to $26.5 and Fantilli signs in the $9 to $11 range. We will say $9 to help the cap a bit here. That brings it down to $17.5. Now they have 16 signed with 7 more to go.
Your first line stays intact with Fantilli signed. You added Matthews so he has Garland on his one wing. Sillinger is on that 2nd line but needs to be re-signed as a RFA/ Coyle was centreing it but is a UFA if you wanted him to move to 3rd Centre. Third line Marchment & Jenner are UFA's and you traded Olivier away.
4th line: Heinen is a UFA, Johnson you traded away, and Monahan is left.
To keep those UFA's the only one who would possibly take a home down discount is Jenner. So you have to sign those players or find other comparables which is hard with the salaries players are getting now. They will also have to replace Gudbranson on defence who is a UFA and they most likely will not bring back.
That is a lot of major holes to fill with $17.5. So yes on the surface they have money but a lot of spots to fill.
One player I would never let go if I had him on my team is Olivier. He can actually play and he makes your team seem 2" and 20lbs heavier and braver when he is on the ice.
8.) 22 Apr 2026 17:29:43
Every team faces this when they have good young talent needing post ELC contracts. Columbus has the 5th most cap space available. i.e., a lot of cap space. I get what you're saying, but every time someone says that a team has objectively a lot of cap space, you check out who needs signing and post, do they though? This could be said for multiple teams every year. They have choices they will have to make - in this case, get Matthews or try and keep every one we have, even though we missed the playoffs - again.
If they wanted Matthews, they would make it work by moving out other contracts like maybe Merzlikins and/or Fabbro.
Reaves has taken over, so a $5.4M backup in Merzlikins.
They could buy Merlikins out at cap hits of $2.58 this year and $1.4M next year. Fabbro is playing 3rd pair minutes at $4.125M. No trade protection.
Olivier is awesome and I doubt they would want to move him. Maybe the Leafs take Voronkov instead. He's no slouch either.
Point is, Columbus has the cap space to make it happen, but yes, they may have to do more work or let some goes go and not re-sign.
9.) 22 Apr 2026 18:34:34
Yeah I looked at a few of the other salaries. Voronkov is actually a pretty friendly cap for them. He still would have been a 42 point guy had he not got hurt or possibly a little more. So again another guy they would have to replace somehow. Merzerklins is a tough contract to move. High price for a backup and I think that is all he will be anymore is a backup. Even with Stolarz injury issues he is a better option for teams to take on at 3.7 than Merzerklins at $5.4. I like Columbus but they are in a quandry of rebuild or retool stage as well.
The team I think that will be active in the Free agent market or possibly a massive trade is Pittsburgh. They have that Big salary cap extra of $46.5 million. What sets them apart from Columbus is that Harrison Brunicke will step into one of their D-men spots at a ELC and one if not more of McGroarty, Zonnon, Horcoff or Koivunen.
Will step into one of the Forward spots at a ELC. Even if only one of them at forward then they have 4 spots to fill with $44 million.
That leaves them room to re-sign Malkin and Manta at roughly $12 between them. Still tons of money and draft picks and prospects to do what they need for that last 2 spots. They will be out of the playoffs early this year but then again they are in the playoffs where everyone said Dubas would not get them there for another few years and Sid would be gone etc. I will give Dubas credit, he stocked the shelves with the draft picks and they might have the deepest depth of any team with prospects.
10.) 22 Apr 2026 21:30:23
Again, that is all good. Pitt doesn't make a big trade. If they go after Matthews, I would wager that a couple of the ELCs you mentioned are headed Toronto's way. Then, likely at least a good roster player.
Now Pitt has to replace those talents and won't be able to depend on ELC salaries. As I said, all teams deal with it and they need to decide, do they want the big fish or stay with what they got.
11.) 22 Apr 2026 22:32:49
Oh Pittsburgh would still be able to do. Not all those names (and they were only 4 out of a lot more outstanding picks would be on Pittsburgh's lineup. I said one of the forwards and one of the forwards. If Pittsburgh did a Matthews deal yes a roster player and a lot of the other top prospects and draft picks would be given up but it still does not affect their roster. The roster player they give up is replaced by Matthews.
And they still have cap left over even if they traded for him. Just saying. We literally only have a few good pieces for prospects to consider going after anyone in a trade of that nature without giving up one of our legitimate stars. No matter what people think or say to do a retool we have to give up a big name and that might not get us into the playoffs. We are at the stage of rebuild and any that don't think so are really dreaming.
12.) 22 Apr 2026 23:13:21
Always good Convo's with you RLF.
13.) 23 Apr 2026 01:03:46
Hey, look who it is. Mr. Positive. Well, Champ... you are more than welcome to join in the convos at any time in a constructive manner. But are probably busy keeping you eye out for ...what was it agai....n hirings that will that will be Detrimental to the retool.
16 Apr 2026 19:29:54
I know some disagree, but I have been done with Robertson for a while. Never saw him as a 25-30 goal guy and still don't.
I don't want the Leafs to pay this guy like $2M+ to stay. Just move on.
CLB
Robertson RFA
Tor
Ceulemans RFA
McCue $.858M
Columbus picks up an NHL player for 2 project prospects.
Leafs get a good sized, good skating RD that likely needs a change of scenery in Ceulemans. If Leafs can bring him along, he could be a steal. McCue is a gamer. Plays physical. His younger brother Sam, is a Leaf draft pick.
1.) 16 Apr 2026 20:39:09
McCue stats look like he can't quite translate his junior game to the pro level. Cuelemon looks interesting, but not quite enough of a player to trade for Robertson. Like you, I feel Robertson should be traded. I'd personally use him to try and upgrade out 5th overall to land Verhoeff.
2.) 16 Apr 2026 22:50:36
Robertson is a 25 goal scorer...
For the Ducks
Luneau is the return.
3.) 17 Apr 2026 00:58:43
The writings been in the wall for the last two years.
4.) 17 Apr 2026 01:32:29
We give Robertson the minimum qualifying offer we need to offer. If he accepts great... then we package him up to somewhere else. If he doesn't accept, then let someone else sign him and we take either the 3rd or 2nd round pick in compensation. But I don't like either player coming back. We have others in our own system that can fill their needs.
You said Ceuleman needs a change of scenery. You know what? If you are picked 25th overall 5 years ago, your change of scenery better have been with the team that drafted you, not 3 years straight with the farm team with not one call up to the NHL. We don't want him.
5.) 17 Apr 2026 02:01:50
Just Curious, is your buddy one of the Amateur Scouts, Pro Scouts or one of the Regional Field Scouts?
6.) 17 Apr 2026 13:12:35
Sorry that was meant for another poster.
7.) 17 Apr 2026 13:28:36
Suffering. Who's giving the Leafs a 2nd for Robertson?
As for Ceulemans not being in the NHL. So, should the Leafs walk away from Akhtyamov (24), Peksa (23), Rafai (28), Hirvonen (24) and Villeneuve (24) as well then? They are all older and most drafted in 2020. You are going to probably split hairs and say you said not one call up even, so it's different. Columbus has had great defensive depth during Ceulemans years. That is relevant.
Ceulemans is just 22 (I know, 23 in May). Spent two years in the NCAA first. The skills are there. He hasn't put it all together. He has the size and skating. McCabe was 22 before he was full time with the Sabres. Tanev 24. Benoit 23. How about from some other teams. Soucy 25. Mayfield 25. Borgen 25. Lauzon 23. Just a small example of guys many have said the Leafs could now use that weren't full time NHLers at 22. Not uncommon for NHL D-men not to be in the NHL in their 22nd year. Should the Ducks, who have great D depth start thinking about walking away from Warren next year if he doesn't make the team? What about Luneau if he isn't a full time NHLer next year? Montreal has tons of D depth, if Reinbacher, former 5th overall pick, who turns 22 in October, isn't fulltime next year, should nobody want him? Engstrom is already 22, should they dump him if he can't carve a fulltime position?
I also did not say Ceulemans would be a top 4 D.
I said if he puts it together, he could be a steal. Meaning I don't think Robertson has much value, so if Ceulemans can become a regular NHL D-man, that's a steal for the Leafs as 6'3" Right shot D are the rarity.
McCue is also only 23. McCue would be great for the Marlies. Plays hard, sticks up for teammates and can play a regular shift. If he can work his way into a 4th line NHLer that hits, fights and plays well defensively, that's a plus.
One of the main reasons for doing it is that the Leafs would also be clearing Robertson's cap hit, whatever that will be. I would wager he wants a raise and I hope the Leafs don't keep him and give him one.
8.) 17 Apr 2026 13:29:30
I also have no idea what you are talking about with the scout buddy comment. I've never claimed I have a scout buddy.
9.) 17 Apr 2026 13:40:04
I see you have now said your comment about a scout buddy was meant for another poster. That wasn't there when I posted. Thanks for calrifying.
10.) 17 Apr 2026 14:31:19
To address the Robertson thing first. He is earning $1.825 million if we don't offer him anything he walks and we get nothing at all. If we qualify him at that price and he decides to go as a RFA and gets minimum that same price (And he will as other teams need guys who can score 15 to 20 a year) we get a 3rd round pick in return for them signing him. If he has multiple teams bidding and he gets $2.3 - to $4.6 (I think he gets $2.5 from the right team looking to add scoring on their 3rd line or possibly the 2nd with the right linemates. Then we get a 2nd as compensation.
As far a Ceulemans.... No we should not give up on some of our later drafted guys or Undrafted guys.
I am not doing the full deep dive into every name but I can almost guarantee most of them at least got call ups from the minors a few times before they cracked the lineup full time.
The thing that stands out with Ceuleman is this stat. In his draft year that he was a first round pick. Of the top 10 defensemen taken from #1 to #35 in that draft. He is the only single one to have not played a game in the NHL at all. Carson Lambos from Minnesota has only played 1 but the other 8 have all at least had call ups or found a regular spot in the line-up.
I'm Curious on How much you would offer Ceulemans as a RFA?
11.) 17 Apr 2026 16:32:58
I already noted that you would likely say, not one call up makes a difference. Neither has Warren in Anaheim. You wouldn't take him? Soucy had none by 22 either. 3 NHL games at 23 and then the next full year back in the A. Mayfield had 5 games as a 21 year old and 6 as a 23 year old. Then 25 as a 24 year old. The rest of his time spent in the A. Borgen had 4 as a 22 year old, 10 as a 24 year old. These are the closest comparables of guys I mentioned, and I only really looked at guys that come up on this site or with the Leafs.
So Soucy's 0 games by 22, Mayfield's 5 and Borgen's 4 somehow make them more valuable than Ceulemans? Pretty sure I could come up with more if I actually tried. To me, and no offense, it seems kind of a short sighted thing to say about a 22 year old D "he hasn't ever been called up, so don't want him."
As for the draft. Ceulemans at 25th and 0 games. Lambos 26th, 1 game. Mailoux 31st. Only 8 games before this season and the only reason is because he was traded to STL and got an opportunity (Like I am saying for Ceulemans).
Allan 32nd. 43 with the Hawks last season when they stunk and nothing this year and they still stink. Buium the 11th d-man taken at 36th. 0 games. Chayka the 12th taken at 38th. 0 games. All these D were taken within 13 picks of Ceulemans. I would offer the minimum to retain his rights.
As for Robertson. I am not sure what you are talking about as far as how his RFA status goes and the Leafs qualifying him. IIRC, if they qualify him, they retain his rights. If he turns it down, he can elect to go to arbitration. Only the team can walk away under certain circumstances, the player can't. If the team walks away he becomes a UFA. What do you mean if he decides to go RFA and gets the same price we get a 3rd and if it's more we get a 2nd? He can't negotiate with other teams. Are you talking about an offer sheet? Are you suggesting teams will offer sheet Robertson?
Anyhow. I don't really agree, but Good convo.
12.) 17 Apr 2026 19:40:06
I personally think that Robertson and the Leafs will part ways. I think they will qualify him at the minimum they have too. Then I think they will actually not request Arbitration because it could backfire on them. If a trade is not done with another team for his rights that is. Keep your eye on Pittsburgh. They want Jason Robertson and he and Nick together switched agents this year. Dubas wanted to try and trade for Jason Robertson but also didn't want to give up the package Dallas wanted. There have been very few offer sheets done of late. A lot was due to teams Salary restrictions and their inability to have the necessary picks to give the required compensation.
Dubas has the Highest available Salary Cap for nexct year of all the teams $46,7 million and only has to fill 6 spots. He also has the draft compensation available to go after both Robertsons at $12.5 and $2.5 and still have 2nd and multiple 3rds next year. They would still have almost $32 miillion left to fill 4 roster spots.
If anyone could pull off 2 offer sheets it would be Dubas.
Re: Defenceman stuff. I'm not going to keep a back and forth going here. It's not about age. It's more about how quickly the team acknowledges giving you a look, Especially if you are a 1st overall pick. I appreciate the research you did on these players you listed on ages etc. There are obviously as you pointed out some factors in cases with teams depths on why players don't get the call. For instance the reason Soucy had 0 games at 22 is because he was in University and Still did one more year after that so he could get his Business Management Degree. Another for instance was Chayka, he was just a terrible draft Pick by Vegas. They saw him play when he was 17 in Guelph then during his draft year which was Covid he went back to play in Russia and regressed and they never got to see him much so Vegas rolled the dice. They rolled Craps. Anyway have a great weekend and yes....good convo.
13.) 21 Apr 2026 00:33:07
Robertson was put on the top line for I think 10 games and he was ppg. If Robertson goes to a bad team and gets 1st or 2nd line minutes I gurantee he scores 25.
RLF's banter posts with other poster's replies to RLF's banter posts
02 May 2026 13:37:21
Well Suffering, Marner came through big in a series clinching game with 2 goals and an assist. Most on here would wish he did it for Toronto as well.
Torts said it was his best game of the series and that he looked comfortable on the ice.
I guess Torts wanted him to do more offensively after all, since his best game is the one he produced in.
1.) 02 May 2026 12:47:31
@RLF We sure Mitchy doesn't check this site? Lol.
I watched a lot of that game and he looked better than I have ever seen him in Toronto. If he keeps playing like that night in and night out he will win a cup in his career for sure.
2.) 02 May 2026 13:27:13
LL. Apparently he was checking into the Vegas sites for the last 3 years. lol
3.) 02 May 2026 14:37:43
Make fun of him all you want. He did something incredible this year though.... He outscored the whole complete team of the Leafs in the Playoffs by himself. lol lol
4.) 03 May 2026 05:44:31
@auffering, who made fun of him?
I commented that he will win a cup because he played such an epic game and I wish he did so with the Leafs. Where in that comment did you read any degradation towards Marner?
I enjoy your insights on many things, but you need to calm down with the high strung comments.
RLF and I made a joke about the guy, after commenting about his amazing game.
Chill buddy.
5.) 03 May 2026 11:24:49
I’m chill. My post was also in jest hence the lol. I wasn’t poking fun at you it was in reply to RLF with the checking the Vegas sites comments. I followed a fun poke with a fun poke. I have no issue with you guys at all. Now a few others on here make me roll my eyes. All good dudes. Enjoy the weekend.
16 Mar 2026 12:49:47
Roy 5 games 2 goals and a fight with Colorado 12:58 ATOI.
McMann 2 games 3 goals 2 assists with Seattle 18:50 ATOI.
Laughton 5 games 2 goals 1 assist with LA 16:10 ATOI.
Only Roy getting less ice time than he did with the Leafs, as Colorado is possibly the best team in the League.
Laughton avg 13:40 in Toronto.
McMann had avg 15:19 in Toronto.
So yes, it is a Leaf problem.
1.) 16 Mar 2026 11:58:31
Meaning Berube?
2.) 16 Mar 2026 12:11:09
Rsears. Could be. Also could be the culture in that room from all the long standing Leafs.
They remind me of the Senators in the Alfredsson days. Mostly skill then tried to change and get tougher etc. The big difference, the Sens actually had playoff success before it all went down hill.
I said this back at the start of the season. These Leafs are mentally broken. The guys around a long time have let the playoff losing get to them and lack confidence. They play and look defeated.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 14:36:13
I do understand culture, an important intangible that can easily translate to a willingness to deliver at your peak 100% of the time.
Not winning for 58 years has, in part, created that. Knowing how to win is part of the needed culture change.
That was part of my rationale for sending Cowan to the AHL.
4.) 17 Mar 2026 01:01:15
@RLF I think Laughton wasn’t used well in this lineup. Roy was solid for us but was streaky, and McMann same thing. When we look back at this year's roster, I think it will come down to the fact that this team wasn’t built to be successful in a Berube system.
He wanted to play dump and chase hockey, but the problem is they were and still are too slow of a team… I also think you can chalk it up to the fact that our defence as a whole has been awful.
5.) 17 Mar 2026 12:09:34
Goat. I think the idea was/is that any team can play a Berube style game, but they have to want to, and commit to playing that way. Too many Leafs don't want to. I don't think Berube is a bad coach, but I still think the most logical thing to do is remove him end of year.
The real problem isn't the McMann's or Roy's, it's the original build this team was based on. Your top players also have to buy into playing a playoff style game. The Leafs top players don't. No playoff success under Keefe either, who coached a completely different style. I have never seen Matthews, Rielly and even JT look so defeated as they do this year. And I don't mean now, I mean all season. Leafs can changed the complimentary players all they want. They can get players with more speed and less size and physicality, but I think they already tried that. It's on the top players when it comes down to it.
How often do we see Matthews, Nylander, Rielly or JT take their frustration or anger out on the other team (or Marner)? We don't. That's the problem to me. Your leaders have to lead. The Leafs leaders are passengers who wait for someone else to lead. Even Matthews said it, although we are not sure who he was referring to, I knew who I am referring to, and he's one of them.
As for Laughton. When we got him and going into this season, I thought he should be the 3C, I didn't get a lot of support back then or for this year. Many called him a 4th liner even before he got here. No many say he was misused, even though he was slotted where they thought he should be (not saying you). Roy was Meh. But at least he got turned into a 1st round pick+. McMann was great value and played with a little edge, but not all the time. That is where I wanted him to be more consistent.
6.) 17 Mar 2026 14:51:01
RLF, I agree with your McMann assessment. Liked when he had the edge and that was when he would score on a consistent basis. He would go to the net hard and take the body hard with his speed. Where he would hit the slumps is when he thought his speed meant he was in McDavid or McKinnon territory.
Yes he had similar top end speed as them but he doesn't possess those same hands and skill moves. I think with the right coach that harnesses that physicality with the speed he will be more consistent in the point production.
7.) 17 Mar 2026 22:43:02
You could tell already in preseason the Leafs were in trouble this season.
26 Feb 2026 03:33:10
I turned the game off about half way through the 2nd after JT lets his man go and get a breakaway and it seems OEL is the toughest Leaf on the ice. They should be ashamed at that compete level by many tonight.
1.) 26 Feb 2026 07:04:37
You and I stopped watching at the same time. I was going to go into work late to watch, but changed my mind and just listened to it in the car getting riled up lol
2.) 26 Feb 2026 13:07:42
LL. I would wager that I have turned a Leaf game off out of frustration less than 1/2 dozen times in my life. One thing they can control is their compete and will. This team is broken as I have said many times before.
28 Jan 2026 19:06:21
Time to talk about the REAL elephant in the room. Yes, McCabe has been playing awful by his standards and we have injuries etc. The coach and GM are also getting major blame etc.
To me, the real elephant in the room is that this is a team that do not believe in themselves. I know sone will say "You can't know that. " And true, I cannot say for certain, but there are typical indicators when a team doesn't believe in themselves, and the Leafs display them.
1. Too many times the other team scores at the start of a period or end of a period. Generally at the start of the period, Leafs are timid, don't want to make a mistake and therefore let the other team take it to them. At the end of the period, they play "hold-on" hockey and just try to defend. Both those scenarios can, and often do, indicate a lack of confidence
2. Going into the 3rd with a lead they sit back and just try to defend. Confident teams try and put the other team away. Teams that lack belief, just try to hold on and defend.
3. Body language. They can say they have believe in themselves, but their body language often looks like defeat. They rarely look angry at the other team, instead they look frustrated and defeated.
4. Double covering. Too many times a Leaf leaves their own coverage in front of their net to help another Leaf they think is in trouble behind the net. That's panic. Instead of protecting the danger area, they double the guy in the non-danger area. NHL pros don't do that when they are playing confidently because the non-danger guy doesn't worry them as much as the guy in front.
5. Slow to react and read plays. The Leafs as a team I don't think are slow, but their reactions and reads are. That often happens when you second guess if you should or should not. When a team is confident and cohesive, they know what to do and where to be. The Leafs are often a split second too late and a step behind. It's not a speed issue, it is a puck watching issue. You watch the puck too much when you fear who has it is the danger and not where it will end up. It's the guy cross seam for an open look at the net is the danger and they are often too late to see it.
Anyhow. Change the coach and GM if it will actually help. I don't think it will though. Can they reset during the Olympic break. I guess it's possible. But they will be very fragile if things don't go really well after they return from the break.
1.) 28 Jan 2026 19:29:20
I think you have accurately captured the reality of our plight.
Unfortunately I see no reset in sight so tear it down and get back what you can.
As a strategy I might favour players already drafted in the last 2 or 3 years to shorten the rebuild.
Also focus on UFAs that are not past 30yo.
2.) 28 Jan 2026 21:35:50
I really don't have much to add here. Well put.
This is not a situation I see getting better with the current "leadership" or Berube (although I think he's checked out as well) .
I would bring in a new coach, try and retool on the fly for one year and if it does not work, then pull the chute and just say it's a rebuild.
3.) 29 Jan 2026 08:54:54
Hard to disagree I think leafs should leave the coaching staff intact for the rest of the year then replace them all in the summer. Fire tre now and get the new guy in before the deadline or have the 5 assistant gms do the job.
4.) 29 Jan 2026 12:32:04
I said earlier that Berube’s future rests solely on whether the Leafs keep Tre.
All GMs pick their coach.
27 Jan 2026 14:17:23
I think the Leafs need 8pts minimum out of these next 5 games before the Olympic break and no matter what, don't add anything. If they get less than 6 pts, it's time to sell off. Jarnkrok, Robertson and whoever else they don't intend on re-signing. McMann, Laughton, Maccelli, Stetcher and guys like Benoit and Roy that don't have a lot of term left.
05 May 2026 13:37:31
Thanks for the breakdown. My first thought was Buffalo says no. Still what I would believe after the breakdown.
To me, a top 2 D is worth more than a power winger. Maybe not by a big margin in this case, but still more.
Then I don't see Carlo and Maccelli equaling Benson and Krebs. Carlo may be their #4, but they are giving up their #2 to get him, which I can't see them doing as they rely heavily on their top 4 D-men.
Now the cap issues. They have $13.1M for next season. Knies makes $1.5M more than Byram.
Hardly a wash for a team that only has $13M in cap space imo. Add the $3.5M for Carlo and they are down to about $8M and still need to sign Maccelli and Kesselring. There is no way they keep Tuch (if he is looking for even $8M+) as well, unless they sell off other parts and find cheap replacements.
For comparison. You told me the Ducks, who have over $40M in cap space, can't take on Nylander even if they move out $4-$5M in salaries, yet Buffalo with $13M can take on salary and keep Tuch. Can't see how that makes sense.
04 May 2026 19:15:27
Can you break down how you worked out the values when figuring out the prop?
30 Apr 2026 22:20:45
Guys, it's not about what I want, I said what they might be willing to do if the deal revolves around Wright and O'Brien for Willy. What I would like is different.
30 Apr 2026 14:56:06
I don't know if Seattle wants Rielly, and not sure they want to give up Montour, who logs the most ice and is on the PP.
If Wright and O'Brien are coming the Leafs way for Nylander, I could see maybe Seattle willing to add Lindgren.
Nice thing for Seattle is they have no immediate cap issues to deal with either.
Nylander for Lindgren, Wright and O'Brien.
30 Apr 2026 14:41:20
Goat. I agree about Anaheim. Anaheim is one I have been looking at for trades for quite a while. So let's say they won't include Sennecke, but the rest is good. Who/what is added from Anaheim's side to replace Sennecke?
Is McQueen enough? Or is there a plus to him like Smith/Procyszyn/a 2nd?
02 May 2026 13:27:13
LL. Apparently he was checking into the Vegas sites for the last 3 years. lol
02 May 2026 00:18:11
Nice try. I'm done.
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.
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.
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.