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17 Mar 2026 13:35:41
Nash
Nylander $11.5M
Tor
Wood $.950K
Schaefer $.866K
Molendyk ELC
Nash gets a top line winger in his prime. Enough said.
I know I will get that if it's a retool, need same kind of production in return for Willy. Not sure why a team would trade a guy who produces just as much. Or a top pair D etc. Yes, that all works if possible. The other is to get good, young talented NHL ready players and create cap space. The Leafs increase assets as for possible future deals or new team build.
1.) 17 Mar 2026 13:55:51
Not sure Nashville has any interest in Willy.
That are a strange organization.
They seem to be unsure if they want to sign expensive free agents or want to rebuild with young talent…
2.) 17 Mar 2026 14:25:35
Not enough from Nashville. Don’t believe there’s any interest from either team in doing this trade.
3.) 17 Mar 2026 15:14:04
I would hate to see Willy go but I like the potential and size of both Wood and Schaefer and with both being RFAs the year after next they will be hungry to have big seasons. They would add much needed size to the forward lines. I would look at swapping out Molendyk for Hague though. Nashville would like to shed a bit of salary to take on Willy's contract. Hague is tradeable anywhere up until the end of next season then has a limited no trade that starts.
He is very affordable at $5.5 and he is a big nasty defenceman that would make teams think twice about heading to the front of the leafs net. He has one intangible you can't teach 6'-6" and 240lbs lol lol. With a guy like him that makes Carlo expendable in a trade. Then we need to find a landing spot for Reilly to create room for either Danford or Chadwick, whichever one is most NHL ready to begin their apprecticeship.
09 Mar 2026 14:30:45
I think we need a very strong change even if keeping Matthews. The other issue would be, what is Matthews? If going forward he is a 30-40 goal guy playing a strong 2 way game, then Leafs need a young guy that has #1 centre potential, a 1B centre.
If Matthews is staying.
Nylander, Carlo and Robertson to Anaheim for Sennecke, Luneau and Gaucher.
This is assuming that they make the playoffs this year, do not re-sign Carlson and look to take the next step. Carlo would be a great fit there. Nylander gives them a true 1st line RW and Robertson some possible 3rd line scoring help. Leafs pick up a future possible 1B centre. Luneau adds a puck moving RD and Gaucher has never really developed as hoped, but Leafs give the big man a shot.
Leafs clear tons of cap.
Domi and Stolarz to LA for Moore, Brzustewicz and Ziemmer. Domi is cheaper an upgrade on Moore who seems to have been on a continuous decline in LA. LA needs a goalie as there two right now are old. They can look to move one. I don't necessarily want Moore, but I do like that he has no trade protection making him moveable to where ever the Leafs choose. I have mentioned Brzustewicz as a D prospect and Ziemmer before.
Rielly to Chicago for John Mustard and a 2027 3rd. Chicago could be a really good situation for Rielly. He would be the vet D-man on the roster and expectations of him would not likely be too high. Leafs get a decent mid 6 prospect and a future 3rd.
1.) 09 Mar 2026 14:25:33
I can totally support these trades.
All have been on my list as well, though not fully shared on the site.
And your Matthews evaluation might be correct and hence not getting $17m or even $14m.
2.) 09 Mar 2026 19:51:53
Confused a bit RLF. Are you saying with Sennecke that the Ducks don't already have a True RW? And who is the 1B centre you are talking about?
3.) 09 Mar 2026 20:19:56
Not getting that package RLF. I’ve become a Dicks fan and watch these guys frequently. Gauthier and Sennecke already have way more positive impact on the game than Willy does. I don’t think you will get any of them for Willy never mind 2 of them.
4.) 09 Mar 2026 20:31:28
It is a big return and you might be right.
That's the challenge on this site versus real-world negotiations where you ask first if you see a need for something, in this case Nylander. Then understand what need it fills and inquire how much it’s worth to them.
The Ducks might say they’d pay Luneau and Gaucher. We’d hum and haw a bit and then ask for 2026R2 and make the deal.
Both sides walk away happy, like in Walt Disney movies.
5.) 09 Mar 2026 20:50:23
Clarky!!!! He is talking Nathan Gaucher not Cutter Gauthier. Plus I don't see even if Anaheim was to part with Sennecke how they fit Willy, Robertson and Carlo in their salary cap in Anaheim. Anaheim has just under $40 million available for next year. But Karlsoon, Gauthier, Mintyukov and Zellweger are all RFA's so pencil in the first 3 for $7.5 to $8 million and Zellweger $4 to $5 and possibly more. So that is $28 roughly gone and then if they re-sign John Carlson at another $8 that is $36 gone.
Then they would have Willy, Robertson and Carlo at $16.7 with Robertson probably getting another $2.5 and maybe more. So roughly $19.2 more that puts Anaheim over their cap by $15 million and even by subtracting Sennecke and adding 3 Leafs they still need to sign another 6 players. I think Anaheim is going to stick with what they have and plug a few of the prospects in. They are on the right track.
6.) 09 Mar 2026 21:20:47
Not speaking for RLF, but I expect the 1B center for the Leafs was in fact Nathan Gaucher, who I like a lot.
His reference to the L1RW, I believe, is Bennett Sennecke, who no doubt will be him one day if not even with adding Nylander.
In any event, we would all love to see that deal happen, but it’s a very big haul and likely not one to expect.
That would be a great place to start though!
7.) 09 Mar 2026 21:55:00
No, Randy I was saying that Cutter Gauthier is on the first line as RW but Sennecke could be that first line RW as well. They don't really need to swap a RW for a RW. And if you are correct in thinking he was talking at Gaucher as the 1B Centre, I certainly don't see it.
He hasn't played a game in the NHL and in San Diego he is putting up 3rd line bordering on 4th line numbers in the AHL. We will let RLF speak for himself though on which player he meant.
8.) 09 Mar 2026 22:13:24
Since the Anaheim deal is the only thing really getting any attention, I will try and clear some things up in my post.
S1967 - Although Sennecke has exceeded expectations in his first season and may end up a true #1 RW, but that is yet to be seen. On top of the points, he also has 73 giveaways. Most amongst their forwards. I also believe even though he played very little centre in junior, he could be a converted to a centre with his size, skill and skating. Sometimes have to get creative to get a 1B centre or 2C. I did also say assuming they don't re-sign Carlson.
The deal is 3 Leaf NHL roster players for 1 Anaheim NHL roster player and 2 AHL players.
It is not Cutter Gauthier, it is Nathan Gaucher, who as I said, has not developed as hoped and is in the AHL at 22.
As for the Cap, part of that includes the up to $4M Sennecke can earn on bonuses. So you can add another $4M to their cap. They would need to sign a vet D and not getting much cheaper than Carlo. Robertson won't be getting any big raise, if one at all. Willy is a controlled asset as he is signed for years. Yes, they have gyus to sign. Zelleweger gets 3rd line minutes, so not sure he gets $4-$5M. Even at S1967 projected 28M left of the $45 they will have, that leaves them $17M to fit Willy, Carlo and Robertson. Definitely doable and if Robertson wants too much, they can flip him.
9.) 10 Mar 2026 00:26:46
Don't want to be Mr. Negative but I just feel we need to be getting a lot more back from Anaheim to do that deal. We are giving them 3 Roster players. For one Roster player. One player of ours who could probably get this return and maybe a better one by himself. The other players we are getting are crapshoots really. Gaucher seems to be really struggling, and not seeing he will be better, but I think we might have a better prospect in Holinka already than Gaucher.
Luneau has had a big dropoff this year, and with Noah Chadwick and Danford again we might have our own better options. There has to be a better pedigree of prospects or a big chunk of draft picks to make this viable, I think, anyway. Just one guys opinion is all.
10.) 10 Mar 2026 00:41:50
I forgot to add that Zellweger is getting 2nd pairing minutes with Gudas, and even at undersized has really brought his defensive game into step sacrificing the offensive side of his game.
But that is not a bad thing when the team is winning. Now if he was added instead of Luneau and a 1st round pick tossed on top of Sennecke, that would make it easier to think about with Gaucher as a project.
11.) 10 Mar 2026 09:33:27
@clarky buddy I’ve become a Ducks fan too and I agree. Question tho would the Ducks do Sennecke for Matthews? Cause I would. That kid's gonna be a problem so would they? Do the Ducks add? Maybe a D prospect like Solberg? Or is it straight one for one?
12.) 10 Mar 2026 11:44:29
Yes, Luneau's points are down this year. Because last year they played him to his strength, offence. This season they are putting him in a more defensive role to work on that side of his game, although his offensive numbers have started to pick up lately.
Zellweger's defensive game is coming along. He has averaged 15-18 mins a night pretty much all year. That is not 2nd pair and Gudas averages the lowest mins a night other than Moore. Zell averages about the same minutes as Helleson. Trouba and LaCombe minute munch big time. Yes, they have a rotation of about 4 guys who play a 2nd/3rd pair depending on the night. But 17+ mins (Some on the PP) a night is not a 2nd pair. They could use Carlo as he can give them true 2nd pair minutes is the point.
Sennecke looks great so far guys. It's not just Nylander for Sennecke. Some of the value of Carlo would be added to that. I think Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now and Carlo should have more value than Luneau.
13.) 10 Mar 2026 18:18:35
Zellweger is 4th in TOI average for their Defence. But he has not really been playing the power play; they have been putting Mintyukov on the PP and using Zellweger a lot on the penalty kill. They are finding, even though he is smaller, his anticipation and skating has transitioned a lot better to the penalty kill than Mintyukov, plus they already know he is pretty good on the PP so he is a good option in that regard too. I'd love to have him in Toronto.
I have to kind of grin at your comment about Robertson and Gaucher are about a wash right now. Let's see. One has scored 8 goals last year in the minors, and another 8 this year, and never played a game in the NHL. The other scored 15 goals in the NHL last year, has 13 goals in the NHL this year and, hopefully, if he is utilized better will get more ice time down the stretch. That is not a wash.
This deal needs a way better return from Anaheim.
14.) 11 Mar 2026 12:53:30
Wow suffering, you're an expert on everything aren't you. You're well informed on every team, prospect, player, contract negotiations, trade evaluation, player evaluation, what coaches and GM's are thinking. It's remarkable really.
For one, I never said Zellweger is not 4th in TOI. I said 15-18 mins a game is not 2nd pair minutes and he gets about the same minutes as Helleson. Which he gets 11 seconds more a game on average. Most people would say that is about the same. Helleson is a 3rd pair D. I also said they have 4 guys that depending on the night, get 2nd or 3rd pair minutes behind the two minute munchers on the D. What about that isn't true?
It's you that claimed Zell is playing 2nd pair with Gudas, not me. Gudas is 5th in D TOI and averages under 17 mins a night, about 15 mins EV, which is 3rd pair minutes. Both things can't be true. Plus Zell has played only 45 mins all season on the PK and 56 on the PP. HIs zone starts are also weighted in the O-Zones favour. You say Minty is now the PP guy and Zell is the PK guy. Then why does Zell have more PP minutes and 3 times less PK minutes than Minty? Why are Minty's zone starts also slightly weight on the D-Zone side if Zell is the guy they lean on Defensively.
How do they know Zell can PP. Is it the 3 PP points he has all season that tells them that. Of course, I forgot you know what the coach and GM are thinking and all of their player strategies.
As for your little shot at me with the "kind of grin at my comment". I am sure with your superior hockey knowledge it did make you grin and chuckle, but insults, which you tend to default to, don't win debates.
So Robertson is worth a lot more than Gaucher huh?
For one, have to look at age. Robertson 24, 25 this year. Gaucher 22, 23 this year. Robertson was just getting his feet wet in the NHL at 22 and was often scratched. He is actually on a worse pace this year, two seasons later, than he was his first partial year, even though he is playing every night. He hasn't actually showed any real improvement points wise in 3 seasons. He has also doubled his giveaways this year in less games than last season. 2 of his 13 goals have come on the PP. He doesn't PK. He is not trusted in tight games to help close it out. He is also one of the worst puck possession players of all Leaf regular forwards.
People have been claiming his whole time in Toronto, "if he is utilized better and gets more ice then watch what he can do." He's 3 seasons in. At this point he is an approx 15 goal scorer, 30 point bottom winger who doesn't PK and needs some PP time to produce. Not great for a guy who needs to produce to be effective. He is also small and easily knocked off the puck even though he is willing to battle. He is not a fighter, never will be. You know who has had a very similar career to Robertson so far? Jarnkrok. Very similar stats. Similar type of player. But Jarnkrok is better defensively, can PK and doesn't give the puck away like Robertson.
Right now, Robertson may be worth a 2nd round pick, most likely a 3rd is what I would think reasonable.
Gaucher, as I said, hasn't developed as hoped, but big power forwards can take longer, so he isn't a bust yet. Teams are willing to pay for 6'3" 225lb forwards who play centre and a two way game. For one, centres are worth more than wingers. He brings size and a physical element. He can fight and sticks up for teammates. Pretty good speed for a big man. He PK's. He is a defensive centre with physicality, the opposite of Robertson. He has typically played 3rd line C in the AHL, not what you would call a point producing position. He is more like Nic Roy, but more physical and willing to drop the mitts. 8 fights in the last 2 seasons.
Is he still worth the 22nd overall pick where he was taken. No. Most likely going to cost a 2nd or 3rd round pick to get him though. Or equivalent player or prospect.
Seems like a wash to me.
Of course this is just my opinion and I don't posses your hockey knowledge obviously, so who knows. Funny how all of a sudden you're not getting all those likes on your posts you claim were from others liking your posts. lol
07 Mar 2026 15:23:58
I am not trying to defend Tre.
But honestly guys, take a look at the returns for players this year. Weegar didn't even get a 1st in the return. Panarin didn't. There were only about a handful of 1sts handed out and many are conditional.
Like it or not, the returns the Leafs got were on par to the higher end of returns for comparables.
1.) 07 Mar 2026 14:35:50
Mr. Positivity. Defend him all you want. He is the reason we’re in this. And it started from getting Maccelli last off season. If you couldn’t get a 1st for Bobby then why not resign him?? Missing that guy is gonna be huge next year. This team is slow and heartless. He built that. Where is the toughness? He promised a change in identity but we didn’t know it was gonna mean softer and slower.
Let’s call this what it is RLF, he is good at making team friendly financial deals for sure. But he is not a hockey mind. He doesn’t know what it takes to make a team well rounded and whole. He is like my wife, if it’s a good enough sale he buys it, doesn’t matter what the product looks like. Berube and Tre need to go as fast as possible. 0% creativity in any of his moves.
2.) 07 Mar 2026 15:13:21
Roy did right, got a 1st for him. No excuse why we didn’t for McMann — absolutely ridiculous. Why not sign him at that point and trade him later. Honestly, can’t remember a GM who’s set a team back more in my lifetime and I was born in the 70’s.
3.) 07 Mar 2026 16:27:36
@RLF,
I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree.
Roy deal was great (even better than what he paid for Laughton last year).
OEL strategy was perfectly fine. Tre sets a price and sticks to it till the end of TDL day. And this works because OEL has term, so not desperate to trade him.
McMann & Laughton (both UFA's).
Again, perfectly fine to set a price for them. But, you don't wait till end of TDL. He became desperate at that point and took whatever he could get ffs.
He had to set his own deadline way before 3 p.m., especially seeing the way the day was going.
Set a 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. deadline and take your best offer at that time.
McCarron (a pure 4th liner) gets a 2nd. You trying to tell me Laughton couldn't have gotten a 2nd minimum (without condition)?
IMO Tre backed himself into a corner and got what he could at that point.
He traded what he had to trade, which I will give him some credit for (but he definitely lost out on possibly another 2nd or even 3rd for McMann and a definite 2nd with I believe a 4th for Laughton).
Unfortunately, the retention angle for contracts just wasn't out there this year, even though we had ample cap space.
4.) 07 Mar 2026 16:32:09
Clarky. I started with "not defending" him, so saying "defend him all you want" and taking your little shots is ridiculous.
I don't care if you blame Tre 100%.
My point was strictly on the returns he got. You say McMann was easily worth a 1st. Then Tre would have taken that offer. Obviously no one was willing to give one.
5.) 07 Mar 2026 16:49:28
People might disagree with me and I am sure some will and some won't. Considering Weegar had control over where he would be traded, I think the Flames did extremely well with the trade. Castagna is playing quite well for Cornell and has good size.
Maatta was a good strategic pick up as he has had great career analytics as a true defensefive defenseman and wirth the Flames have Parekh looking to play fulltime with the team I can see Maatta being his partner and Parekh forgets what "Defense" part of Defenceman man means the majority of the time.
Now.... the 3 2nd round picks they got were awesome especially the Rangers 2nd that Utah possessed. If the season ended today that is the number 35 overall pick and the Flames also have the number 34 pick that is like having 2 late first rounders almost. So with the 3 2nd round picks and already having their own along with 2 1st round picks. The Flames now have 8 of the first 66 picks in this years draft. To put into perspective. Right now our first pick is #75 right now.
6.) 07 Mar 2026 17:35:10
The problem with the returns are they were all next year. My issue really was Laughton; he’s worth more than a 3rd, plus he hung onto guy in this blueline. Why Kampf got a pick, Jarnkrok couldn’t fetch that. When it comes down to it, Tre should of made the moves at Christmas, not at 255.
7.) 07 Mar 2026 23:39:37
Sherwood went for 2 2nds. Foegele who scored over 20 the two previous years went for a 2nd. McMann a 2nd and 4th.
Sherwood hits more and also pk's and having a career year so got a bit more. Foegele having a down year, so he got less. If Sherwood didn't get a 1st we'll before the deadline, why was McMann a guaranteed 1st?
I'm not defending Tre, and I fully expect him and Berube to be fired.
What makes me laugh is all the guys pretending this isn't the kind of team they wanted and when the season went bad, acting like this isn't what they wanted.
05 Mar 2026 18:34:10
There has to be a deal possible with either Ducks or Sharks. Some say Sharks won't add. Why not? They are just a couple points out with games in hand.
Anaheim bleeds in goals against. They could use an experienced RD that is steady defensively and a vet defensive forward would not hurt.
Ana
Carlo $3.485M
Laughton $1.5M
Tor
Strome $5M
Luneau ELC
Gaucher ELC
2026 1st
Leafs get extra value for taking on Strome at full cap hit.
1.) 05 Mar 2026 19:49:47
After what we just got for Roy from the Avs I don’t think we need to take anything to get back value. It just goes to show how ppl here are undervaluing Leaf players. I like the package but don’t have to take back Strong to get it.
2.) 05 Mar 2026 23:49:51
Good deal for both parties.
Taking back Strome is just part of doing business.
3.) 06 Mar 2026 09:17:37
Business we don't need. Look at these trades happening Carlson straight up for a two picks.
4.) 06 Mar 2026 12:42:55
Unfortunately picking up Carlson means this has no chance - like it ever did anyway. lol
Carlson got what he did because he still plays 22 mins a night and puts up almost a point per game. Can't really compare him to Carlo.
5.) 06 Mar 2026 19:27:13
Most people always talk about Karlson's offensive talent. Other thing that John Karlson brings to the table that a lot of people don't realize is that once he blocks 4 more shots, he will be all-time career NHL leader in blocked shots.
Great shooter, great passer and skater and one durable dude to play as long as he has at the level and still is blocking shots 13 in his last 5 games. Great pickup by Anaheim.
04 Mar 2026 21:10:39
So Laughton, McMann and OEL are being sat out.
OEL and McMann to San Jose for Mukhamadullin, Chernyshov and a 2026 4th (becomes a 2nd if McMann re-signs).
Laughton to Anaheim for my favourite D target, Luneau.
1.) 04 Mar 2026 20:24:47
I’m in!
2.) 04 Mar 2026 22:34:22
I like these deals but that 4th I think should be a conditional 2nd, the market seems to be insane right now.
3.) 04 Mar 2026 23:43:26
Great post RLF
4.) 05 Mar 2026 00:49:01
You think they can pull out a 1st?
5.) 05 Mar 2026 01:21:10
The trade looks good from the Leafs prospective, but I dont think the Sharks need to be in buyers mode right now.
Their rebuild is shaping up nice. They kind of remind me of the Leafs in Matthew's rookie season, when I thought we were on the right track and tried to speed it up to early based off one nice playoff round against the Caps.
6.) 05 Mar 2026 01:56:51
They say once the Deadline is done then Chernyshov is probably going to get called up and McMann might be out of the mix for the Sharks as they signed a new contract with Sherwood today.
7.) 05 Mar 2026 04:36:46
I like this one a lot. Well done.
RLF's banter posts with other poster's replies to RLF's banter posts
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.
19 Jan 2026 15:39:44
An RD that doesn't get much chatter here anymore, but did when he was in Jersey, is Severson. 20 mins a night. Can play point on the PP. lots of term left at $6.25M. Will be 32 this summer.
I really haven't given any thought to what it would take for Columbus to move him. Just throwing a new name out there. I would think it would start with a potential goal scorer and go from there.
1.) 19 Jan 2026 23:01:49
Still a big fan of Severson if he is available. Would fit the role needed perfectly.
2.) 20 Jan 2026 09:06:18
Problem is that’s a player that comes with a big price tag truthfully tree built a decent blueline but with the age of these guys and the condense schedule they don’t have the legs you can clearly see that with McCabe as of late.
3.) 20 Jan 2026 17:17:36
Age is a factor here. Although, I don't see McCabe's age being a factor in his legs, it's his decision making and poor execution that is costing the Leafs imo. He chases when he shouldn't. He gives the puck away more than normal. Poor passes. Just poor decisions overall.
18 Mar 2026 12:53:18
The difference of opinion on these two players is quite something.
Robertson has 2 goals in his last 19 games. When that was Maccelli, Domi, anyone else, many wanted them gone, but because it's Robertson, we need to keep him? I don't get it. I know he hustles, he works hard, but if he doesn't score, he doesn't bring much else but hustle. Jarnkrok hustles, rarely scores, and most want him traded for nothing.
Maccelli has more goals and points than Robertson. And let's face it, if Robertson started to heat up when the games meant nothing, some would be singing his praises and claiming he just needed the opportunity. With Maccelli it's, sure he heats up because the games mean nothing and he is playing for a contract.
Neither player is irreplaceable imo.
If they both go, so be it.
At the right price would I keep Maccelli, I probably would. For one thing, he didn't moan and groan when they sat him out all those games, and when he came back, he was a much better player and has been pretty consistent since. Robertson has moaned and groaned in the past. Asked for a trade when he wasn't put in the lineup. Has never lived up to the hype some have given him. He is finishing his 3rd season and not likely to crack 35 points in any of those seasons. How is he a guy we have to keep unless he was great defensively (he is not), or big and punishing hitter (he is not), or a physical deterrent/fighter (he is not).
The love for Robertson and complete hate for Maccelli makes absolutely no sense to me. I don't love or hate either.
13 Mar 2026 12:28:44
It wasn't criticism, it was questions.
You said lowest of the 1st and 2nd pick, which are the worst ones. I questioned if that is what you meant. If so, the return is less than what you actually meant. If you value two prospects less than Robertson, again, not much value there coming back.
I questioned how you value the two prospects based on some of your previous comments on prospect evaluation. You've explained. You didn't just suggest keeping Robertson over a previous prospect, you said it made you grin and explained they weren't even close to about even value wise.
So, you value Jugnauth and Firkus as more than Robertson then? Trying to gauge how good you think these prospects are.
Otherwise the deal is;
Matthews for the 1st, Jake O'Brien and Jugnauth(less value than Robertson), and O'Reilly for the 2nd and Firkus(less value than Robertson). If you add that originally your post had the two picks were the worst they had, doesn't like like much for Matthews unless Leafs are kind of paying Seattle to take Rielly. Hence the questions.
You said keep Robertson after this deal. Are you not concerned about the lack of size in general as two of the prospects you are bringing in lack size and keeping Robertson (and Cowan I assume).
12 Mar 2026 14:07:01
That's a tough one Tags. I'd definitely be tempted. Also depends on wat the rest of the plan was for Matthews and Nylander.
12 Mar 2026 13:52:54
The issue with moving either Matthews or Nylander is that they are the only two real goal scorers the Leafs have (Knies might be 30-35 guy), so if we don't get goal scorers back, the Leafs better find some in free agency or in the trade.
I like O'Brien, but there are no real scorers here coming to the Leafs. When considering there are two guys about to turn 22 (Firkus, Jugnauth) and never played a game in the NHL, by your own evaluations, that makes them less valuable than a Nic Robertson.
Doesn't seem like much of a return when the picks are the lowest they have as well.
Is the idea the Leafs are kind of paying Seattle to take Rielly and his full contract? For the picks, is it lowest (worst one)? Or highest (best one)?
11 Mar 2026 16:00:20
Tags. You're not the only one that found Verhoeff's skating looking a little "awkward" at times. It's not all the time, but I think it is a work in progress and will improve to be more a fluent first steps and edge work.
That said, for sure I would consider him as the 1st overall. He has the size, frame, skills and drive from what I have seen.
17 Mar 2026 13:26:45
Well put suffering. That's how I feel about it as well.
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.
16 Mar 2026 18:49:21
Pretty sure Heinola is going to be UFA. I could be wrong.
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.
16 Mar 2026 12:01:50
I'd add Cole Schwindt to the list. Only 24. Big body, right shot. Never given much of a real opportunity at the NHL level but has produced decently at the AHL level.
Ville Heinola could be worth a gamble on D if looking for an Offensive D-man possibility. Only 25.
I'm just looking at young guys who may still have potential.