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RandySears's rumours posts with other poster's replies to RandySears's rumours posts
23 Mar 2026 12:33:56
I want to go on record that trading Matthews this summer would be the wrong strategy unless the Leafs get a boat-load back!
What’s a boat-load? For me it’s 4-5 pieces with 3 pieces producing an immediate return meaning players stepping into the NHL next season and doing well.
Why keep Matthews?
First he’s in the top 5-6 centres in the NHL today along with McDavid, McKinnon, Eichel, maybe Draisaitl when he plays C and possibly Barkov when he’s healthy. There are certainly others who excel but are not world-class like Crosby (who is still close despite his age) and Point and still others that are strong like Hughes, Suzuki and Horvat and of course we need to be aware of Bedard.
Secondly Matthews is a leader but certainly still learning this quality. Players do look up to him, he has good habits and works hard. He’s not perfect, he needs to “put players on his back” and better show the right pathway. That will come; he’s still only 29yo.
And he is still productive overall but his game is changing. Barkov makes the list because of his defensive skills. Matthews is strong defensively, blocking shots, helping the defence, stealing the puck and on faceoffs.
Trading him now, at his lowest, would be yet another mistake by Leaf management.
Let’s avoid that despite him not being perfect.
1.) 23 Mar 2026 13:48:10
How about
Matthews to Utah
Cooley, Weegar (or Sergachev) to Tor.
2.) 23 Mar 2026 14:38:43
Thanks, Gary, but no.
Matthews scored 111g and 96a in his first three years while Cooley has a bit more than half that total.
Cooley is good, for sure, but has a long way to go to catch Matthews.
3.) 23 Mar 2026 16:58:32
I had made a similar proposal a while ago. It really depends on how Dallas does this year. If they fall short again, then they may be looking for a change.
To Dallas
Matthews $13.25M/2yrs
Knies $7.75M/yrs
To Toronto
Johnston $8.4M/4yrs
Harley $10.59M/8yrs
2027 1st
Go big or go home.
I know lots of people give me grief for adding Knies to trade proposals, but this makes sense IMO. Leafs get a potential #1D and a solid replacement for 1C.
Dallas is now ready to go all in next year. They already have a #1D in Heiskanen, so they may be willing to trade Hardy. Matthews playing along side Rantanen & Knies would probably be the best line in hockey.
Thoughts?
4.) 23 Mar 2026 17:54:52
Robertson and Harley are very good players but I’m going home!
Who plays L1C?
There are so many other trades for me that can move us forward.
Don’t see that in this trade, Tags97.
5.) 23 Mar 2026 18:05:20
Wyatt Johnston, not Jason Robertson.
6.) 23 Mar 2026 18:55:48
Sorry Tags, you did say that and I do like him better than Robertson but still reticent to make that trade.
7.) 23 Mar 2026 20:09:45
I would do that trade all day long with Wyatt Johnson. That kid is off the charts. I think he is pretty much untouchable though. Same with so many other teams #1 and in cases #2 centers. Carolina will not part with Aho or Jarvis anytime soon. If you go down the list in the NHL most teams will not part with a number one centre to bring in a number one centre.
They will part with a bunch of lesser parts to bring in a 1 or 1a centre. It is the same with Nylander as a premier right winger. Other teams will not part with their number one right winger but would love to keep that number one and have a 1 and 1A. To trade either of Matthews or Nylander it truly has to be a rebuild not a retool.
Sorry RandySears. I know you don't want to wait and neither do I, but the reality is if we don't blow it up. We are going to get the same frustration next year. I would rather be frustrated watching young guys give their all with some veterans brought in to be there for the pep talks when it feels like nothing is going right. As I said on the Leafs Talk side.
We won't know our dance partners in the trade market until teams start falling by the wayside by not qualifying for the playoffs or as they start to lose round by round, when they all decide their needs.
8.) 23 Mar 2026 20:18:09
I would say ask for Johnston, Harley the 1st and also Emil Hemming from the Barrie Colts. Dallas won't go for it, but if they did, then you have a stud center, a stud D-man, a 1st round pick and a player who was a late 1st round pick that can score and has size.
9.) 23 Mar 2026 21:26:07
No, you're right, I don't want to wait.
Adding Hemming helps but I'd also want Cameron Schmidt, a Caulfield/Stankoven type with blazing speed instead of the draft pick.
Four pieces for two! Give them another piece if needed. They did like Domi when he was there; helped them in the playoffs.
22 Mar 2026 16:31:16
Here’s my second pass on the 2026/ 27 TML:
L1: Mantha Matthews Cowan
L2: Knies Tavares Tuch
L3: Marchment Groulx Maccelli
L4: Joshua Quillan Greer
Extras: Haymes
D1: Ferraro & Raddysh
D2: OEL & Badinka
D3: Stanley & Murphy
Extras: Pickering & Kypkie
G1: Woll G2: Hildeby
I decided to keep Matthews over Nylander because IMO he’s a better all-around player and a true centre man.
And yes all Leaf players not mentioned are traded but I call it a retool because we will be a true competitor, again IMO and only getting better in the years beyond because of much more depth.
Nylander to the Wild for 3 pieces: 22yo #21 in ‘23 Charlie Stramel 6.3 216 C, 20yo in 9/ 26 #45 in ‘24 Ryder Ritchie 6.2 190 RW and Justin Kipkie, 21yo in 7/ 26 #141 in ‘23 6.3 208 LD.
Rielly traded to CBH who need a veteran presence & salary to get to cap minimum for AJ Spellacy and R2 2026. Spellacy is a 20yo C #72 in ‘24 6.3 204 speedster.
Stolarz to Hurricanes for Badinka, 21yo in 11/ 26 #34 in ‘24 6.3 205 RD from Czechia and Glen Trikozov, 22yo in 8/ 26 #92 in ‘24 6.1 190 right shooting LW.
Domi & Roberston packaged and sent to CBH for 21yo in 10/ 26 #92 in 2024 6.2 185 RW playing in OHL Plus R3 in 2026.
McCabe who is easily replaced IMO to SJS for Filip Bystedt, a 22yo C #27 in ‘22 6.2 187 who is a good AHL scorer and Kasper Halttunen, 21yo in 6/ 26 #36 in ‘23 6.4 205 winger.
Carlo traded to Penguins for Owen Pickering, 22yo #21 in ‘22 6.5 200 LD and Bill Zonnon, 20yo in 10/ 26 #22 in 2025 6.2 190 LW in the Q.
And the rest of my trades for drat picks:
Benoit to Jets (replaces Stanley) for R4 2026.
Rifai to Canucks for R7 2026.
Myers to SJS for R5 2026 and Villeneuve to the Preds for a R4 2026.
I sign as UFAs the balance of the starting lineup at whatever it takes!
Lots of talent for the Marlies and for future backfill.
Draft picks just for 2026:
R1 depends on lottery and finish.
R2 - 1
R3 - 3
R4 - 2
R5 - 3
R6 - 2
R7 - 1
I’m done!
I’m certain there are many other possibilities but I’d be more than pleased going into next year!
1.) 22 Mar 2026 17:48:03
I love JT and he's still a great player, but if he is our 2C next year, we might as well rebuild.
2.) 22 Mar 2026 19:27:05
@Hrenklin
I am aware many on this site feel as you do and if there was any possible way to diminish his role to L3C, I’d probably do it as well.
Given there is no player in our future pipeline or available in free agency unless you put Alex Tuch at center, he’s our L2C.
Take a look at these UFAs and see if one tickles your fancy.
Evgeni Malkin @ 40, Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner, Kevin Hayes, Adam Henrique, Erik Haula, or maybe a younger Jack Roslovic or Phillip Kurashev.
Tavares has never been the fastest on the ice but still carries the puck very well due to his IQ, puck protection and skillful moves. He still produces and will again next year teamed with Tuch and Knies. He shoots the puck well and remains very good on FOs and on PP.
And as much as I like the unproven Groulx I’m okay with him; in 2027/28 it might happen that he is L3C.
21 Mar 2026 14:59:00
Like everyone methinks, I looked at many things online this morning in hopes that something or an answer might jump out at me!
Sorry the answer is NO.
Instead I had two questions that I’d like to pose and receive feedback if you’re willing.
First is one many have raised so I’ll first give a definition and then pose the question.
A re-build and retool both do the same thing meaning to reconstruct but the difference is one of how long it takes. The rebuild is longer while a retool is much shorter. Without putting a specific time window I’m simply going to cite the Bruins this past year and perhaps the direction NYR are going.
So the question is which strategy are you proposing?
My second question is no doubt linked to this but are you proposing to trade at least one of Matthews or Nylander or both or neither?
No need for details on the trades I’m interested in a “straw poll” on these two issues.
If you’d like to support your vote with rationale that would great but right now I’m more interested in the vote results.
Thank you to all who wish to hear the site’s overall view.
1.) 21 Mar 2026 15:43:46
Rebuild
Trade Nylander
2.) 21 Mar 2026 15:47:07
Thank you Golftown!
Will be interested of course in others.
3.) 21 Mar 2026 16:31:55
Rebuild. Trade Matthews first, but if a crazy offer came in for Nylander then trade both.
Perfect world... Marty McFly and Doc come by and take us "Back to the Future" and we don't have Carlo but we have Minten and our 1st, we never had Laughton but we still have Grebenkin and our 1st.
Then we could rebuild or retool or by having those 2 players we never would be in the position we are in now anyway. One can dream, right Randy??? lol.
4.) 21 Mar 2026 18:31:00
Yes dreaming is allowed and that would be a good one for certain.
And yes, quite possibly, not having to go through this upheaval.
5.) 21 Mar 2026 19:41:41
Both options are possible, but realistically we are much closer to a year down rebuild than a retool. We have minimal strong assets to retool, with the best option wing Knies to fill 1 of the 2 major glaring holes we've never filled, we never replaced Kadri @ 3c or get a top pairing dman.
The tear down will be a long and tenuous journey. We'd have to move everyone not nailed down. But moving Matthews and Nylander will bring in emense amounts of assets to speed it up a touch but poor asset management over the previous 5 years still leaves up not being ultra competitive till 32-35 (the Yzerman timeline).
We would start ditching Matthews, Nylander and even Knies got nothing but futures. Take bad contracts and sign people wanting to extend their careers with promises to try and trade them to contenders as their contracts come to and end. This is where we need to stop doing the #1 thing the Leafs are notoriously bad for. Make the hard decision to move a fan favourite asset to bring in better controllable assets and fill out needs (think Rantenan for Necas).
I'm all for a rebuild, if it's done properly, and I just don't think Rogers understands that.
6.) 21 Mar 2026 21:25:05
32-35? You mean 2032 to 2035?
7.) 21 Mar 2026 21:29:06
So still hoping for more responses from Leafland.
For me it’s a retool, something much shorter than a rebuild.
The simple reason is I’m 73yo and I cannot seem to get as excited or emotionally connected to any other team. Yup, that’s it!
The Matthews/Nylander question is a tough one for me but I’ve resigned myself to one has to go.
I think we get more for Matthews primarily because he’s a center, is younger and has more leadership impact than Nylander. He plays better defensively and is willing to block shots.
I don’t see Matthews wimping out on going into battles in the corner.
Nylander is enigmatic and quite a bit more frustrating to watch sometimes.
I’m still not sure though who I trade. To answer that I’m going to spend some time structuring a couple of trades for each. This might help me decide.
8.) 21 Mar 2026 21:36:17
Thank you Hrenklin.
You are correct that a rebuild could take that long.
I believe a retool is 1-3 years and a rebuild is 5+ years.
Unfortunately I don’t think I came wait that long.
I now wonder if Golftown and Suffering want to wait that long?
But again thanks for sharing; it’s interesting to hear different viewpoints.
9.) 21 Mar 2026 22:37:00
Full rebuild if we scoop draft picks and prospects that are knocking on the door on other teams we are pretty much there in 3 to 4 years. Only if we have a GM (Not the current one lol) that does not trade any of our first round picks that we own from 2028 on.
That way we actually are in a position to do a couple of RFA offers because we would actually have our own picks still in the system for compensation to fill a couple of big pieces when the time is upon us in 3 years and 4 years to do those big moves.
10.) 23 Mar 2026 09:24:02
@RandyS It's been a journey man. Since 16’ and prior. The Sundin era, the Clark/Gilmore days. Looking back, those team/players were warriors and serious competitors compared to the guys today. Imagine someone hitting Mats or Dougie like Goofas hit Matthews and what woulda happened!!! Long story short I'm for full rebuild. To be done right, it starts at the head. Bye Tre and so on.
With the assets we get back for Matthews and Nylander, tbh I believe it may be a shorter timeframe than others. Only bc who were trading and the fact they're in their prime. Done right, and potentially drafting Verfeoff or Reid for our number 1 Defencmen moving forward, I think we could be looking pretty decent in a couple years. Maybe even battling for a playoff spot! Sorry for the book, guys.
11 Mar 2026 21:55:06
To recap trade and UFA proposals and share what might be my opening day lineup:
L1: M. Mantha #34 A. Holtz
L2: #23 #91 #63
L3: M. Marchment F. Bystedt N. Gaucher
L4: AJ Greer P. Kurashev #18
Extra forwards and AHL prospects: Cowan, Quillan, Haymes, Groulx and Valis plus the new adds John Mustard, Kasper Halttunen, Kai Uchacz, Felix Nilsson and Ryder Ritchie
D1: P. Mintyakov & Raddysh
D2: OEL & Carlo
D3: Stanley & Connor Murphy
Extra D include Benoit, Myers, JB Docker, Thrun, Villeneuve, Chadwick, Danford, B. Smith and Tarin Smith and Webber
G1: J. Woll
G2: D. Hildeby
Stolarz was part of Predator trade with Joshua and Niemela rights to get Felix Nilsson.
Easier exercise on paper than real life of course but it’s a team that I’d like to see.
New adds were selected based on youth, skill, skating speed & agility, physicality, IQ and compete. Not saying that every add has all these but many.
Might be a few deals I modify going forward but ready to share.
10 Mar 2026 21:59:18
Let’s look at our forward, player by player and do first draft of off-season plans.
Perhaps the very first questions deal with Matthews and Nylander. Do we keep both or just one?
I don’t care much whether we call it a retool or rebuild but if we trade both then the debate is clearly settled.
I am choosing to keep Matthews because he’s the more rounded player. So L1C.
We trade Nylander to the Ducks for Mintyukov, Gaucher and Tarim Smith.
Keep Knies for now. L1LW or L2LW.
Keep Tavares as L2C. I think he deserves another year here give his FO ability and offence.
Trade Domi to the Wild for 19yo RW Ryder Ritchie who was drafted #45 in 2024, is 6.2 190.
Resigning Maccelli at a small raise to $4m x 2 yrs. If he wants more I trade his RFA rights. He has shown his skill of late so I think he adds to the team’s ability to score.
I would try and trade Joshua (failing that he would be the L4C) along with Rifai and Niemela’s RFA rights to the Predators for 20yo C Felix Nilsson #43 in 2023 who is 6’ 192 and plays the game right in all three zones.
Obviously Jarnkrok leaves, for me at least.
Robertson is trade due to redundancy with Cowan and Maccelli. Have a new proposal to send him to Vegas for Alexander Holtz and Kai Uchacz. Both these players have had problems so these are risky for sure. But with risk come great upsides.
Holtz is a 24yo RW 6’ 198 and a #7 pickin 2021. A speedster who can score with opportunity and the right linemates. Uchacz is a 22yo C who is 6.1 209; he was undrafted not because of ability but racial comments made to a teammate. He is took time away from hockey and racial education. I’d be willing to trade for him IF the interview went well.
Lorentz I’m keeping as L4RW.
Depending on training camp Cowan may start at L3 RW or get plenty of ice in critical moments in AHL.
Quillan is resigned along with Haymes and Groulx and at camp.
Each gets a good look.
Keep Valis and invite to camp as well. Holinka gets an invite as well.
I try to sign the following UFAs. Again I’m looking for players that have skill but on reasonable contracts thereby yielding multiple signings and forward depth.
I want to sign Anthony Mantha ($4m x 3), Mason Marchment ($5m x 3), AJ Greer ($1.3m x 2) and Phillipp Kurashev ($1.2m x 2).
That’s it for today.
1.) 11 Mar 2026 04:28:08
You lost my vote (??) when you resigned Maccelli.
He has scored some points but is completely a non impact player who you don’t know is on the ice unless he gets a point.
I don’t think any team in the league is taking Domi and sending back an asset.
Trade Matthews and Nylander for the most young assets we can get.
Signing UFAs over 30 years old for 3 year terms is not how to rebuild a team.
2.) 11 Mar 2026 11:38:22
Thanks for the response, WB.
I was certainly not a fan of Maccelli early on but his recent play has IMO shown his value.
At $4m he would be a decent value; I think he can be close to a 50 point puck carrier and playmaker for us.
I’m open however to hearing a proposal. Where would you trade him and for what?
You’re a bit harsh on Domi methinks; I’m pretty certain some team could use him; he’ll reach 40pts, is a good skater with toughness.
Lol, retool! Three years is enough time for our newly traded-in players plus several kids in the pipeline (Holinka, Danford, Chadwick, Valis and a couple of others) to make the jump.
But thanks for input; the Matthews/Nylaner situation will be much talked about for awhile yet.
RandySears's banter posts with other poster's replies to RandySears's banter posts
25 Mar 2026 12:14:22
Leaving today for 6 weeks.
Visiting my daughter with my two grandsons and her husband in Southern France. Then to a resort in the Canary Islands for 12 days.
Yeah, sun and warmth!
I will check in from time to time and want to pose the question about UFAs.
Who do you folks want to go after and at what price?
How many should we target and do you have a second choice if one doesn’t work out?
I’ll start the ball with Tuch and Raddysh.
If I don’t sign Raddysh for 5x5 I go after Andersson.
If I don’t get Tuch at 10x4 I go after Nick Schmaltz.
There are 4 or 5 others I’d go after as well.
Your turn. Thanks.
1.) 25 Mar 2026 12:25:33
Nick Schmaltz is not available, Randy. He signed 2 weeks ago with Utah for $8 and 8 years.
2.) 25 Mar 2026 23:47:33
Raddysh is one of those trap contracts. He’s had one good year and he want 6+ million. I’d rather the Leafs stay away.
3.) 26 Mar 2026 16:55:13
I agree, Goat... Raddysh has not shown signs of being this player before so it is a real crapshoot to gamble if it's a one off.
4.) 26 Mar 2026 19:08:23
The interesing Dilemma for Tampa with Raddysh is that they would like to keep him at $4 to 5 million. There are a few teams that are looking to offer him $7 to either get him or to force Tampa to use almost have of their Small salary cap available for next year to have to offer him $6 million which with no state tax works out to about the same Take Home pay for him.
The dilemma is now that they still have to fill a couple roster spots which at the League average salary around the forecasted $3.85 next year leaves them with literally $0 of Salary cap.
Other than asking a major player to waive a trade right (Which they don't want to do) the only player with any major value in the league with one more year that they can trade him is J.
J. Moser. This is where the major part of the Dilemma comes in. J. J. Moser is the reason Raddysh is having the season he is having. He is elite at covering for Raddysh Defensive liabilities. So what do they do? Keep Moser and find a new young partner at Entry level salary and let Raddysh go and keep their Salary cap in check or keep both and put their back against the wall for Salary, or Trade Moser?
23 Mar 2026 12:58:01
I do mostly like the draft picks we have made over the last few years.
Perhaps because I read about the players.
I’m hoping Hopkins, like Holinka, get to Fraser Minten’s level or a bit more.
Hopkins has the best speed of the three while Holinka is described as an average skater but positionally strong.
Holinka is perhaps slightly more offensive but at least on par while Hopkins is the least skilled in scoring but was the youngest to play major junior.
1.) 23 Mar 2026 19:25:03
My nephew has Season Tickets to the Oil Kings, and he says the scouting on Holinka's skating is not as nagative as some make it. He said his top end speed is slightly above average, but for a guy 6'-2" and 200 lbs he said Holinka's foot speed quickness in traffic, and his hands are insanely good.
He is not as big as Tage Thompson, but he compared him to him in that "He could stick handle in a phone booth" lol Buffalo announcers us that to describe Thompson. But I know that saying was stolen from the legendary Bob Cole talking about Mario Lemieux in the Playoffs.
15 Mar 2026 20:05:57
So I’ve been looking the bargain basement bin of this year’s UFA list looking a lustre-less “gem” to polish up.
Could we find a surprise or two?
Thinking about several actually.
Not in any specific order so what about Matej Blume?
He’s a 26yo left shooting RW with explosive speed, hi-energy with a great wrist shot. At 6’ 205 he plays in a pest-like manner & described as a “compact power forward”. He’s played 17 NHL games over three seasons.
Or Riley Tufte, a 6.6’ 233 28yo LW, who was drafted #28 in 2017 and has been a very good AHL scorer who plays a strong physical game. He’s also a decent fighter.
And finally on RD how about Jacob Bernard-Docker, 6.1’ 196 26yo in April and drafted #26 in 2018. A very good skater who plays on 3rd pairing with DRW.
I’d give them all a 1-year contract at $.85m. If they don’t work this year they go the Marlies or put on waivers.
Why not?
1.) 15 Mar 2026 20:30:05
I like Bernard Docker more than most. I'm surprised he didn't end up better.
2.) 16 Mar 2026 00:35:12
I would go after Ryan Suzuki as a low end Free Agent. He isn't his Brother for sure, but.... he is not a bad hockey player and is buried in Carolina's deep system and had some injuries in first few season that slowed down his development. He is on a $1m two way contract and could maybe get him for not much more than that maybe if he was going to a team he had a chance to crack the lineup on.
Nice part is he can play Centre and Left WIng. So he could be a 3rd line left winger that could bounce to Centre if Tavares slows down another gear.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 00:39:22
Sorry Suzuki is only earning $775,000 so for sure he would be interested in a team than he truly had a shot with. For a rasie.
4.) 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.
5.) 16 Mar 2026 12:05:28
Yes, Suzuki could be another player to sign as well. I’m in.
He will be 25 in April, is 6.1’ 190 C, drafted #28 in 2019, and has been a very solid AHL scorer.
Very smart, mobile player who has 2-way skill like his brother, but needs to be stronger on the puck.
6.) 16 Mar 2026 14:43:40
I also like Cole Schwindt for sure.
Heinola has had difficulty breaking the Jets lineup and is a good Dman but is an RFA.
7.) 16 Mar 2026 16:36:31
Another Free Agent to target that isn't a pro player is T. J. Hughes. Could be a bit of a diamond in the rough and has got better every year at Michigan. Thing I like about him as well as his point production is his commitment.
It takes a lot to do the full 4 years at College when you see people around you turning pro for the $$$ every year.
8.) 16 Mar 2026 16:57:09
Good stuff guys, turn over every rock.
Just looked at the KHL.
How about Vitali Pinchuk, a 6.3 190 24yo C who is strong KHL scorer. This year in 63gp he has 31g & 33a.
Another possible gem!
9.) 16 Mar 2026 18:49:21
Pretty sure Heinola is going to be UFA. I could be wrong.
10.) 16 Mar 2026 21:25:45
Here is my out of left field free agent signing suggestion. He is making roughly $1.5 U.S. in the KHL once bonuses are added in. Josh Leivo.... He can flat out put the puck in the net. The poor guy got messed around with the Leafs during the Babcock years, then had Travis Green and Darryl Sutter that thought they would turn him into a Two way 3rd or 4th line winger.
Sorry but this guy can bang with the best of them but he is a goal scorer. I would take a flyer on him and bring him back to finish out his days in North America with the Babcok less Leafs. It might be the KHL but the fact you hold the season record for goals in it speaks for something.
11.) 16 Mar 2026 22:51:44
You know, I always liked Leivo and felt he never got a fair chance.
Why not offer a PTO if the Leafs don’t want to sign a contract?
12.) 16 Mar 2026 22:57:39
RLF
You’re right about Heinola.
He will likely become a Group6 UFA because he’s 25yo and has played less than 80 NHL games.
Good catch; I looked at only PuckPedia.
13.) 17 Mar 2026 01:05:19
@Randy What about just using the guys you drafted and developed… isn’t this the reason why the Leafs always end up with bad contracts? Let’s use Quillan, Haymes, Valis, etc.
14.) 17 Mar 2026 13:08:47
@ Goat2.0, I think you just highlighted Randy's point of this post. He is saying we should look for some diamonds in the rough. The three players you mentioned are a perfect example. None of the 3 were ever drafted. The Leafs signed them as undrafted players. We are not saying to not use those guys, some might stick with the team and some won't. But it is worth beathing the bushes looking for similar types of players that might pan out.
The farm team still needs to be restocked every year and right now we don't have high end draft picks to do so, so adding guys on affordable 2 way contracts might be the way to find one or two that can crack the lineup and 2 or 3 serviceable to call up to fill in for injuries.
15.) 17 Mar 2026 13:26:45
Well put suffering. That's how I feel about it as well.
16.) 19 Mar 2026 19:30:51
Restocking is exactly what we need to do and that’s why I was looking for lustre-less gems aka diamonds-in-the-rough.
Inexpensive UFAs is a great way to possibly add an unexpected talent to the Leaf lineup.
As is giving Haymes and Valis a camp invite.
When we lack draft picks signing NCAA players like Borgesi and Buhr makes good sense. Maybe find another McMann which people are already saying Buhr is.
Big body, explosive speed with physicality! Difference is Buhr scored much more frequently in the same college league than McMann.
Here’s to hoping we find a surprise!
13 Mar 2026 14:01:08
Sorry in advance for this epistle.
But I’m quite pissed that we won last night!
In life, as in business, it’s important to have goals or objectives.
Otherwise how do you measure success?
In planning a trip you have a destination; without a destination any road will get you there.
The Leafs objective SHOULD now be to finish the year no better than 28th. PLAIN & SIMPLE.
Now the question becomes what do we do and how do we get there?
And the answers should center around strategies and tactics that support or are connected to that objective, like resting the injured & weary plus giving AHLers a chance to prove their worth.
I am okay with rotating Woll and Stolarz to see who we keep/ trade. We know Hildeby will be our backup next year.
Groulx and Quillan are two solid prospects that should be given every chance, if only to give them experience for this year’s playoff run by the Marlies.
Why are we playing Jarnkrok, Benoit, Carlo, Rielly, McCabe every game?
Give them some starts but let’s see if Valis and Haymes can give us a hint of what to expect as forwards.
Let’s see what Villeneuve and Thrun can do and maybe even see if Webber’s stellar defence is real.
What about giving Chadwick a game or three? Or, if available, Danford!
Aren’t all these moves helping the team achieve our “new” objective for this year?
Will it not help to assess key prospects?
Honestly I’d send Cowan down to the Marlies for two reasons! His personal confidence will get a needed boost and he will not watch his teammates give up in the face of adversity.
And bless Cowan’s soul for fighting Lacombe! Funny but very telling about his willingness to be a good teammate, unlike others when Gudas purposely kneed Matthews.
And speaking about Matthews, I think he’s facing a HUGE let-down that is likely very difficult for him.
He just left the Olympics with a Gold medal and “on-top-of-the-worl” and is now trying to contribute on a failing team. After each season in his career, he was competing in the playoffs and now this reality.
Please don’t forget, Matthews is only human and still young; I hope he will learn from this harsh reality and, through it, become a better player.
I personally think he has the right character but time will tell.
Thanks for reading and allowing me to vent.
1.) 13 Mar 2026 20:00:06
Loved the way Groulx played. Which shows that we need to start bringing up more Marlies. They have a positive impact in this team. Would love to see Haymes this year too along with Marlies tough guys and some D. This should be a tryout the rest of the year but also try not to win.
2.) 13 Mar 2026 21:17:59
Agree with most of this and good writeup.
Matthews is the one exception for me. He has not looked right in 2 years now regardless of linemates. I am leaning towards chronic injury.
3.) 16 Mar 2026 11:37:21
Be careful what you wish for if you want to tank. Playing Marlies are playing guys that have something to play for. They want an NHL job and NHL pay. They will be working their a** off to prove they belong.
06 Mar 2026 21:49:54
I was out all day and just got back.
Went to Trade Tracker and felt some excitement to read what we’d added only to be utterly shocked.
Really a tough pill to swallow. Glad the MLB will be starting soon; hopefully the Jays will help me forget this pathetic result.
Give us back Dubas and Keefe please!
1.) 06 Mar 2026 22:32:25
At least Dubas knows how to sell off players.
2.) 07 Mar 2026 14:31:05
Dubas and Keefe? Lol. Geez.
04 Apr 2026 07:31:35
Conceptually I would agree Hrnklin but I’d like to see that deal first.
I’m sure the Sabres would like to and intend on resigning Tuch but they will have a challenge in that regard.
They are at $88m with 6 UFAs and 3 RFAs so money could be tight.
Has next year’s cap been announced? $100m?
03 Apr 2026 18:22:44
I’m okay with most of this.
Similar to what I proposed a few weeks back.
The trades focus on ‘26 and ‘27 while I focused more on D+1 or 2 to shorten the retool.
The UFAs are essentially the same except I also cited Mantha and not Dickinson.
I think Robertson also deserves a 2nd.
24 Mar 2026 13:57:28
And yet you want to trade him!
24 Mar 2026 12:11:29
Forgot to add that I’d take Busch but, given his youth and upside, not sure the Panthers bite.
24 Mar 2026 12:08:42
You might be right Suffering.
I certainly have posted Stolarz to the Canes frequently. I still see them as a target but the Panthers and Penguins could also be targets.
I don’t see Carolina resigning Freddy and Bussi has only 33 games in the NHL with GAA of .896. They may wish someone with more experience.
In my event the Leafs need to finally elevate Hildeby and keep Woll IMO simply because he’s younger.
I’ll take Sandis Vilmanis from FL, a 22yo 6.2 192 winger who wins board battles, hi hockey IQ and is a sniper. Add a R5 in 2026 and I’m good.
Or send him to the Penguins for 6.5 LD Owen Pickering and a pick in 2026 and I’m also good.
Pickering was #21 in 2022 and has played only 29 games. Unfortunately for him, Karlsson, Letang, Girard, Wotherspoon and a couple of others ahead of him.
01 Apr 2026 09:44:28
Agree with each of you; this is a perfect time to view various AHL players from Barbolini to Villeneuve.
Seven games left: insert 3 players for 3-4 games each and you’ll know better what you have.
Haymes, Valis, Tverberg and King up front and Villeneuve, Webber and Thrun on D would work for me.
23 Mar 2026 21:51:33
Okay let's follow that logic for a moment.
Let's agree the Leafs need three pieces from trades and not signing a UFA.
Sometimes addition is made with subtraction so I'll propose trading Rielly, Stolarz and Robertson for this exercise.
I still believe the Hurricanes are a good destination. Since you think, at 31 this past January, he won't get us much. I like Dominik Badinka.
Because I'm in a generous mood I take Jesperi Kotkaniemi off their hands.
Next I trade Rielly CBH who really need a veteran on D now that Murphy is gone. Rielly thrives in a new market away from the media and is two hours closer to Vancouver. Leafs get AJ Spellacy and another player on their reserve list, perhaps Mustard.
The last of the trades is sending McCabe to SJS for Filip Bystedt and Kasper Halttunen. I still believe McCabe is easily replaced; helped will be 33yo in October and has 4 years left at $4.5m.
I'm happy with these returns; I'm sure there different trades for these same players that I could embrace.
I think 2 for sure will be in our opening lineup and with luck one more. The year after they could all be there!
22 Mar 2026 20:39:25
I have liked his recent play.
He will get better and contribute offensively.
I think his energy is excellent but needs to reduce needless penalties and giveaways.
I’d also like to see him get faster; he’s quick but needs a bit more top speed.
22 Mar 2026 13:04:36
I agree this is a good strategy for all.
Quillan and Cowan get to excel in important playoff games and helps Marlies and Leafs but with different reasons.
Now gives Haymes and Valis a chance to experience the NHL and send Jarnkrok packing so Tverberg gets the same opportunity.
Good for the Leafs in their quest for 28th or as you suggested bottom three to secure a R1 this year.
21 Mar 2026 21:42:25
I’m onside with giving him a chance as well if for nothing else than you push the tank along.