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20 Aug 2026 15:14:39
Doesn't look like Rielly is getting traded at this point, so let's pivot to OEL. OEL definitely would have gotten a 1st plus at the TDL, but Tre missed the boat there.
Guys please go easy on me because I will be targeting Ceci ?
To LA
OEL $3.5M/ 2yrs
Joshua $3.25M/ 2yrs
To Toronto
Ceci $4.5M/ 3yrs
Turcotte $.85M/ 1yr RFA
2027 2nd (I don't think we can get a 1st from them)
LA takes on an extra $1.4M in cap space (they have $1.775M, so they can easily do this cap wise).
LA gets that offensive LD they covet, plus a physical 3rd line winger who is very good defensively and can PK as well.
Leafs get a defensive RHD who can PK, which is something Leafs need. Ceci would slot onto the 3rd pair with Andrae who is a good puck mover. They also get a former 5th OA pick who may rejuvenate his career with a change of scenery. Plus they add a 2nd round pick to future draft capital.
Thoughts?
1.) 20 Aug 2026 16:04:19
No to Ceci. We already have younger and similar styled D-men like Myers and Chadwick, and I'd give Villeneuve a shot as well before spending an asset on Ceci.
2.) 20 Aug 2026 17:35:05
I didn't dislike Ceci as much as others. He's a serviceable D-man for sure.
I think I would probably just rather have OEL than Ceci. OEL was great last year and should be in a smaller role this year making it even easier.
3.) 20 Aug 2026 18:12:39
I agree with LeafsLife, OEL with his friendly contract is one I would not deal unless we were out of it by trade deadline.
4.) 20 Aug 2026 21:02:09
I get it, boys.
I definitely do like OEL better, but I'm trying to sell high on OEL, all while getting younger and building up draft capital. But, I know Ceci really isn't ideal.
Back to the drawing board ?
5.) 20 Aug 2026 22:53:36
If Ceci is the return how is that selling “high” on OEL?
6.) 21 Aug 2026 10:27:27
@Ckps1976
Honestly, I think OEL is going to regress some this year, so I want to try and get ahead of the curve.
I'm taking on Ceci's 'not so great' contract in order to gamble on a former 5th overall draft pick to find his game in a new environment.
Plus getting another 2nd round pick for our scouts to find another good future prospect.
Or Leafs can use that 2nd at the TDL if they are doing well this year and need an upgrade. It's always good to have extra draft capital.
7.) 21 Aug 2026 10:35:08
Ceci has had more than enough time... He’s just not that good. Where he was drafted is irrelevant.
8.) 21 Aug 2026 11:34:48
@Ckps1976, Tags was not talking about Ceci re: where he was drafted. He was talking about Turcotte I believe.
9.) 21 Aug 2026 12:07:19
Yes, I am talking about Turcotte.
10.) 21 Aug 2026 20:36:12
This trade makes us worse. Ceci? We’ve already been down this road. OEL, even if he did regress a bit, is still 10x better than Ceci. OEL’s hockey IQ absolutely blows Ceci out of the water. Let’s not make a trade just to make a trade.
11.) 22 Aug 2026 14:48:47
Joshua for Turcotte, yes. That’s the trade.
14 Aug 2026 18:03:10
To Leafs
Gavrikov $7M/6yrs
To NYR
Joshua $3.25M/2yrs
OEL $3.5M/2yrs
2027 1st (top 10 protected via Colorado)
Gavrikov is not happy in NY, so maybe an opportunity for Leafs to snag a solid defensive top pairing Dman, who is locked in for 6yrs (could be the perfect fit with Raddysh).
Rangers get a 1st round pick back, which they used to get Pettersson. Plus a physical bottom 6 player they are in need of. OEL can step into the 2LD position.
Not sure if the values though.
Thoughts?
1.) 14 Aug 2026 20:01:03
Sound good to me. I’d obviously love to upgrade our defense and the package you put together is one we can easily part with and some guys have said that pick maybe more valuable if Colorado misses the playoffs but I don’t see that happening.
2.) 14 Aug 2026 20:23:06
Nice prop. Big minute muncher in Gavrikov. He has gotten a little more careless with the puck the last 2 seasons, but may also have to do with responsibility given to him. OEL was really good last season and if I was sure we could get two more like that from him, I would probably pass on this deal, but I think the OEL will be hard pressed to repeat last season, so I would probably do this one.
3.) 14 Aug 2026 21:23:44
Thanks for the reply guys!
@LeafsGM78
Agreed, I don't see Colorado missing the playoffs unless serious injuries happen.
@RLF
I too like OEL, but don't think he'll have a repeat season. Probably best we trade him while the iron is still fairly hot.
4.) 14 Aug 2026 21:36:43
To go right back to the original post that Gavrikov is not happy in NY. Sorry.... I don't want another whiner here. He signed a 6 year deal at $7 and one year later wants out? Suck it up buddy. Suck it up with the team that you wanted to sign with. Too Bad so sad. So what happens if he gets traded here. He says a year later the same thing. I don't like the direction the team is going just like in New York.
There has to be some accountability. If we are not allowed to trade you because you have your clauses. It does not give you the right to say as a player I a, smarter than the GM and I don't like your direction so trade me. Sorry for the vent rant but enough is enough. I don't want a player like that here.
5.) 15 Aug 2026 12:43:42
Lol we already have a few of those don’t we?
6.) 16 Aug 2026 00:07:42
I like the target, but I dont think we should be trading our 1st yet. Gav would work nicely with Tanev.
7.) 16 Aug 2026 02:00:10
@Suffering, I don't think it makes you a whiner for not being interested in a rebuild that lasts forever.
8.) 16 Aug 2026 15:23:58
To my understanding, he chose the Rangers for money, term and being sold on them wanting to contend. Soon after, they started to trade off their higher profile vets and retool/rebuild whatever you want to call it.
If he is actually unhappy, and it is due to the fact he wants to win, I'm good with that kind of guy on my team. I do agree that we don't need another whiner though. One is gone. More likely need to go.
9.) 16 Aug 2026 15:36:30
Sorry, no way we add that 1st from Col! First post says it, man. Top 10 protected, yes, if Colorado misses the playoffs. Remember when they did for Makar?! I just think we keep that. Ya, we aren’t getting into the top 10, I know, but! But! What if it’s a 12-15 pick? Next year is a strong draft like this one was.
We keep it and possibly get an excellent prospect. Nope, after what I saw this year, we keep that pick, boys. If we move it, it’s for a larger pkg for a stud D and much younger. There’s still a chance Werenski ends up being moved. Not soon, but I’m just saying we have no firsts for 2 yrs now. We need that pick!
10.) 16 Aug 2026 15:43:36
Forever? How have The Rangers been in a forever rebuild? Cause sometimes a retool can take a year or two or even three? Think the Habs rebuilt? No! Was a retool… 4 years of getting assets and getting anchors off the books. Now, sorry for us, they’ve built a team we can’t beat in the standing or in a series for years.
So, it’s not a forever rebuild he signed there; suck it up and play! We don't want that on our team. Had it, kinda think we still might cough Matthews but our retool begins in 2 yrs or sooner. Same as the Habs ;)
11.) 17 Aug 2026 17:18:59
Rangers are actually in good shape if you look at their lineup now. Yeah they god rid if a few vets but they didn’t exactly implode and the few Ranger fan friends I have are pretty excited. They like the balance now rather than relying so much on Panarin.
Perreault. Zibenejad. Dorofeyev
Bjorkstrand. J. T Miller. Lafrenière
Cuylle Lana Raddysh
Kartye. Veleno. Rempe
Gavrikov. Fox
Pettersson Durzi
Robertson Schneider
Shesterkin. Korpisalo
Truthfully after camp and exhibition games 3 rookies could crack the team and it could actually be even stronger. I can see Beaudoin centering the 3rd line with Lana centering the 4th with Veleno moving over to left on the 4th. I can see Greentree replacing Rempe on the 4th on right wing. Not as tall but just as heavy a hitter and actually a better fighter and much better scorer. He could move up to 3rd line eventually but needs to work on the skating. Then…. You have Albert Smits who could take Robertsons spot on D and is very versatile in that he is as comfortable on Left or Right D.
It is a good solid lineup and I think the player to really watch is Gabe Perreault to have a huge year.
Of course let’s not forget Shesterkin.
Maybe Gavrikov has changed his mind because he thought he was going to be big man on campus and with Fox and Durzi and Smits coming.. he will be lower on the totem pole than he anticipated.
12 Aug 2026 01:59:43
I've already targeted 2 top 6 RWers in pruor proposals, so now let's try a more offence 3C.
To Toronto
Frost $3.5M (20% retained)
To Calgary
Joshua $3.5M
Holinka ELC
2027 3rd
Leafs get a GTA boys and his dad works with Leafs organization. He is a more offensely talented 3C who can score more goals and is also good defensively. Cap hit almost a wash as well with the retention.
Calgary gets a physical middle 6 winger with term. Plus a B/ C prospect in Holinka, along with a 3rd round pick for their future.
Thoughts?
1.) 12 Aug 2026 02:26:29
Sorry
Joshua $3.25M/2yrs
2.) 12 Aug 2026 11:43:16
At Frost’s salary and being there #1 or #2 centreman I don’t see them letting him go and also retaining any salary at all. What’s his dad doing within the Leafs organization? I thought he stopped working with them 10 years ago?
3.) 12 Aug 2026 12:18:56
You're right, Suffering. I thought his dad was still working for the Leafs.
I think Calgary is going into full rebuild, so Frost (final year of contract) may possibly get traded for prospects and draft capital.
Doesn't hurt to put a feeler out there.
4.) 12 Aug 2026 14:23:06
Weirdly, I almost posted something similar. Mine was Frost for Joshua and a 2nd, no retention on either side. But I would also like Frost to have a little time in Toronto, to see if he'd be a good fit as a 2C next year. Have him share duties with Tavares this year.
5.) 12 Aug 2026 20:33:21
I had my eye on Frost before he ended up in Calgary and I believe if not now certainly at the deadline he’ll be made available if even say Joshua and our 1st from Colorado if needs be.
6.) 13 Aug 2026 13:38:07
I am not as sold on Frost as you guys. He has really improved on the dot, but he still needs sheltered minutes and is kind of a PP specialist. He averages only between 25-30 ev strength points even though he is given mostly offensive situations. For comparison, JT gets more assists typically at even strength per season than Frost does total points.
Frost has never been on a really good team either and that plays a factor for sure. But, if he wants a good raise next contract and he is our best option for 2C for instance, I don't see that as a good thing for the Leafs.
7.) 13 Aug 2026 16:22:04
Overrated will never be a 2c. I would pass on him.
8.) 16 Aug 2026 15:52:36
I agree champ! I’m not a Frost at 2C guy. I mean maybe but I strongly doubt it. Only reason we’d consider it is cost factor. Where else could u possibly get a 2C for that cheap? I just think that’s a major issue with this team now and guaranteed in the future so it’s a for sure area we need to address. 2 yrs maybe? Or do we pkg Willy for one at the most convenient time and getter done? I mean when Matthews is moved is it for a pkg of Draft picks and a young stud 1C or how does that shake out cause way I see this we’re just trying to be as competitive as possible til the above mentioned is moved.
Try to keep our lost 1st rounders as high as possible like in the 25 plus is the game plan. Chayka knows we’re not winning with our D or team we have now. Common easy to see the plan and it begins in 2 yrs or less.
06 Aug 2026 19:59:28
I really want the Leafs to get a top 6 forward who is also very good defensively. Honestly, I would love to get Mercer, but not sure we have the pieces NJ needs. So, I will pivot to another good option; although significantly older.
To Toronto
Rust $5.125
2027 3rd
To Pittsburgh
Stolarz $3.75M/ 4yrs
Joshua $3.25M/ 2yrs
Then, Leafs sign Ingram from FA
$2.00M/ 2yrs
Toronto gets a top 6 forward who can help shelter McKenna on the top line with Matthews.
Then they sign Ingram to back up Bob.
Pittsburgh needs to upgrade goaltending and if Stolarz is willing, then I hope a deal can be made.
Thoughts?
1.) 06 Aug 2026 22:02:05
I like it !
2.) 06 Aug 2026 23:45:59
Not for me. Bob was brought in for stability, not run the show. Stolarz is a 6’7” goalie; we just got rid of one in Hildeby. We can’t afford to mess with our goaltending now. Stolarz, when healthy, is awesome, and you know what? I see when a media outlet asks his teammates about him, they all smile and giggle.
He is a presence. Toronto would have beat Florida had it not been for his injury by way of KO crease crash. His frame, his ability, his place in the locker room, he’s the 1a so absolutely no way in trading him today.
3.) 07 Aug 2026 01:52:41
@LeafsGM78
IMO Bobrovsky was brought in to run the show, not just be part of it. He has played over 50 games per season over the last 'x' number of years.
And we all know the saying,
"The Best Ability is Availibility"
Something Stolarz knows nothing about unfortunately because he is a good goalie when healthy.
I think Leafs just need a pure BUG (cheaper AAV & shorter term), not a 1B who cost $3.75M.
I see Bob playing at least 52 games, back up playing 25 and maybe AA playing 6/7.
4.) 07 Aug 2026 14:24:30
Interesting. Definitely worth considering from the Leafs standpoint. Although I am concerned about not if, but when the wheels come off on Bobrovsky. When it happened to Brodeur, it seemed quick.
5.) 07 Aug 2026 18:19:44
Silvovs is still young and not ready to be a #1 goalie that can play over 50g that’s for sure. His numbers were pretty bad last season 3.07ga and a .888 save percentage. Their back up is a 22yr old who has 5 NHL games of experience. They could definitely use Stolarz.
Would u guys do this?
Tor
Rust $5.13m
Karlsson $9m($1m ret)
Pitt
Stolarz $3.75m
Rielly $7.5m
Joshua $3.25m
Domi $3.75m
$14.13m in.
$18.25m out. $4.12m in cap space Would u guys consider that? Then sign Ingram to a $1.5-$2m aav for the next 2 seasons. Lorentz either traded or waivered. So u will have the cap space to sign Ingram.
Knies Matthews Rust
McKenna Tavares Nylander
Cowan Paul Roslovic
Duhaime Blueger Sissons
McCabe Raddysh
OEL Karlsson
Andrae Tanev
Stetcher
Bob
Ingram
6.) 07 Aug 2026 18:47:23
I like it.
If Bob goes down, no cups for this team with Stolarz anyway so who cares.
7.) 07 Aug 2026 18:57:31
Reilly would have to agree. Domi would have to be healthy, and you’re gambling the future of Matthews on Bob and Ingram. If you could get a better backup, I’d think about it, but IMO Stolarz is the backbone this season.
8.) 08 Aug 2026 09:31:32
I didn’t include AA in the scenario but I believe this kid is the future for Leafs sooner rather than later. He’s waiver exempt which is why they got rid of the other 2 guys in trades. I believe if there is a trade for Stolarz that brings in something they need they will pull the trigger on it. There’s already talk of the 3 (Domi Joshua and Lorentz) forwards that will be pushed out are the 3 guys mentioned in the trade I proposed.
There is no more room for these guys. LGM, this guy is the backbone of nothing. He’s made of glass, just like Woll, hence why he’s gonzo. The reason Stolarz will be gonzo as well. Ingram will do the job just fine at a fraction of the cost. If he goes down or Bob does, the Russian super kid will step in.
9.) 08 Aug 2026 14:45:16
Agree to disagree I guess I know he’s a really good goalie we’ve seen what he brings as for made of glass if you played on a team that allows guys to crash into you full speed with no repercussions what would you be made of. I’d really love to see someone run our goalie and all five guys on the ice get ejected for once
10.) 08 Aug 2026 19:38:42
I agree with Champ. Sadly Stolarz is made of glass. His issues were happening even way before he joined the Leafs. He is just undofrtunately one of those guys that for one reason or another has a body that keeps giving out.
Even prior to coming here, he had played in a total of 108 games and missed due to injury or illness 122 games. Then here is was 60 games played in and 28 games missed to illness or injury. It is worrisome.
11.) 08 Aug 2026 21:18:30
Weird. I have no idea how it came up those numbers I typed in the exact ones which are.
108 games played in prior to Toronto
122 Games Missed to Illness and Injury
60 games played in in Toronto
67 Games Missed to Illness and Injury
So in his full career he has Physically played in 168 Games and missed 189 games to Illness and Injury.
12.) 08 Aug 2026 21:46:53
I personally think Stolarz is one of the best goalies in the league when healthy but IMO you can’t be 240 lbs and be a goalie in this league with no injuries. It’s just too much weight and pressure in your joints and at top speed. If he dropped 20-30 lbs, it may go along way for him.
13.) 09 Aug 2026 19:24:40
Agreed Clarky, Stolarz is a stud when heslthy, but he is so rarely healthy it really doesn't matter to me. If Bob goes down long term or is just bad, it's lights out for this team unless AA has some kind of miracle run.
14.) 09 Aug 2026 22:45:58
@LeafsGM You said "Bob was brought in for stability, not run the show." Really? You thing Stolarz should be the #1 and you brought in Bobrovsky at $7 million a year to not run the show? If they were appointing Stolarz as #1 I am sure they would have saved the $7 Million and brought in Talbot or Reimer as backups that could have provided Stability and allowed AA to get starts as well.
That is $7 million that could have tralsnlated into some major moves elsewhere in the lineup. He was brought in to run the Show for as long as he possibly can.
15.) 11 Aug 2026 20:46:54
Yup, that’s what I’m saying. He, if the crap hits the fan with our goaltending, Bob at 38 years old was brought in to deflect the crap. 7 million was the price to pay for the best available.
16.) 13 Aug 2026 21:48:42
Bob has been an iron man in the league played 52 games 37yrs old oh ya and Stolarz played 26g at 32yrs old. They traded Woll and Hildeby cause no one wanted Stolarz at his cap hit for the next 4yrs cause they know he won’t play 100g in those 4 seasons glass man ?
04 Aug 2026 12:43:13
I still think New Jersey should be our trade partners.
Let's try this.
To NJ
Stolarz $3.75M/ 4yrs
Joshua $3.25M/ 2yrs
Rielly $6M/ 4yrs (20% retained)
To Toronto
Rittich $1M / 1yr
Mercer $4M/ 1yr RFA
Kovacevic $4M/ 4yrs
Not sure who adds draft pick and/ or prospect to balance out proposal.
Anyways, Jersey will now have a much improved 1A/ 1B goalie tandem.
Jersey get a 2nd pairing offensive Dman, who can be more sheltered at a reasonable $6M cap hit.
Jersey gets a more physical, defensive reliable winger who can score 15 goals.
Leafs downgrade their goalie situation, but I'm still comfortable with Bob, who is Mr. Reliable and healthy. Also, door opens up sooner for AA.
Leafs get a more physical, defense first 3rd pairing Dman to play with Andrae
Leafs finally get a RW who can play top 6 and who is also defensively responsible.
Plus they are now cap compliant without using LTIR.
Line up
McKenna Matthews Mercer
Paul Tavares Nylander
Knies Sissons Cowan
Lorentz Blueger Duhaime
Roslovic (just because)
McCabe Raddysh
OEL Tanev
Andrae Kovacevic
Stecher
Bobrovsky
Rittich
Thoughts?
1.) 04 Aug 2026 14:29:03
I'm not sure the Devils are that uncomfortable with Daws as the backup. Rittich seemed to be signed as insurance and we all know Stolarz injury history and bringing him in means Daws either gets waived and claimed, or doesn't play unless an injury happens.
I don't know if their D needs another puck mover, but with how they play, maybe they would like that.
There is give and take from both sides, I am leaning that NJ says no.
2.) 04 Aug 2026 21:07:24
We could always take Hamilton back in this purposal if Jersey retains instead of us and throw them a draft pick.
3.) 05 Aug 2026 00:03:48
Better chance of a trade with Pitt than Jersey.
Tags97's banter posts with other poster's replies to Tags97's banter posts
12 Jul 2026 12:53:26
Just my 2 cents with the NMC's.
I hope in the next CBA that NMC's are limited to half the contract term. The second half would be a M-NTC with a maximum 10 team no trade list (both team & player will have a say).
What else I hope for:
If a player such as Larkin with a full NMC demands a trade & only limits the trade to 3 or 4 teams. That player should lose his NMC status once the trade had been facilitated. Players can't have their cake and eat it too, there has to be some sort of repercussions IMO.
1.) 12 Jul 2026 12:39:21
Totally agree.
2.) 12 Jul 2026 13:09:04
@Tags97
Definitely got my attention ?
3.) 12 Jul 2026 13:40:55
Absolutely Tags!! This league is turning into the NBA. NHL is now more popular than NBA because of the garbage they are letting the players get away with. It’s a circus over there, let’s stop it now before it gets to that point. Nice post Tags.
4.) 12 Jul 2026 15:25:18
Agreed. I would like to see them doing something about offer sheets as well. There is nothing good that came out of that Carlsson offer sheet. It was within the rules, but the rules need to change. As others have mentioned, the NHL is heading in the direction of the NBA and that's not good for hockey and the fans.
5.) 12 Jul 2026 15:48:21
@RLF
100% agree w you. This shouldn’t be a problem during the next CBA as Everyone sees the problem here.
6.) 13 Jul 2026 02:21:43
@RLF I don't see an issue with offer sheets. This is a one off and won't happen again.
Before this happened we all wanted offer sheets for the excitement. Those are fine.
The NMC cannot be changed in how it is now.
Players don't want to play in a certain place, you can't force them.
Take away a NMC and they will just refuse to play (Vince Carter). Doesn't change anything.
7.) 13 Jul 2026 13:51:24
LL. I actually was never a proponent for offer sheets. Especially anything that is way above a players actual value. When a team gives an under point per game player $18M per season to make him the highest paid player in the League and a 3rd line centre $4.75M, who is coming off a 25 point season, to me that singles a change in direction from GM's. The cap is expected to go up about $9.5M per season over the next 5 years. I have no desire to see players getting offer sheeted $22-$28M per season over the next 4 years. Carlsson was only 5 years and Hayton 1 year.
It is just creating more player greed and going to make it even more difficult to develop and maintain your own picks/prospects. I can see future stars just letting their ELC's run out and wait for the highest bidder through an offer sheet. Personally, that situation doesn't appeal to me. Top guys are already making well over $100M for their career. Do they really need more than $200M for a career?
See how everyone feels in 3 years if McKenna signs an offer sheet for $25M per and the Leafs have to match it.
8.) 13 Jul 2026 17:54:05
@RLF Good points, but if offer sheets are taken away you would need something to replace them in some way. Players will never be ok just being trapped in a place with no way out for that long.
If McKenna puts up 150pts in his final ELC year and offer sheets don't exist, just tell him to sign for 8x8 or sit and watch for the next 5 years.
9.) 13 Jul 2026 18:36:30
LL, That's fair. There must be a compromise though. Maybe something based along the lines where an offer sheet can't happen unless a players sits out 1 full season without being signed. This way the player loses a years salary if he sits out and if the team wants to lowball him too much, the player can make up the money difference if he is willing to wait a year without pay in order to get his max contract offer sheet.
I know there are issues with that kind of scenario as well and it wouldn't necessarily work well for mid level or lower level players.
Maybe just make it for max compensation contracts. Anyhow something has to change or every high end player will just wait for a bidding war as an RFA. It would though that teams will have to hold onto 1sts to make sure they have compensation and if they do so, TDL will get pretty boring unless GM's are willing to trade pending UFA's for nothing (which may not be a bad thing). But if players are just going to get offer sheeted, why bother with RFA status at all.
10.) 13 Jul 2026 20:17:13
@RLF Maybe I just don't see it the same way. Leo is fresh in everyone's mind currently, but he was offered a contract that only locks up RFA years, as the highest paid in hockey and he was a sub 70pts player who is overrated defensively (imo) AND the Flyers offered 4 first rounder (all unprotected) in exchange. Briere lost his damn mind in my estimation and no other GM would do this.
Bedard, Gauthier, Robertson, lots of RFA's right now and none are receiving offer sheets. Hayton was another one I saw as complete insanity.
When the cap stops rising so drastically we will stop seeing such silly things in my estimation. We all know GM's go insane as soon as they see extra money to spend. That's really the oy reason we don't like it currently.
If you were in Verbeeks spot, would you not have been ok with 4 unprotected firsts instead of 5 years of Carlsson at that price? I personally would have let him walk.
11.) 14 Jul 2026 12:31:08
I would have taken the 4 1sts as well. I think Carlsson will still get better, but that $18M is only for 5 years, so even as the cap goes up, I don't think it ever becomes a "really good contract."
As for the rest, I hope you are right. Because if players start really running the show and just always going to the highest bidder or demanding trades (which seems to be on the rise), I'm going to lose interest.
These guys are making millions per year, playing in the best League in the world under the best treatment conditions (trainers, medical, hotels, chefs etc) and they still complain. They are basically employees whether they like it or not. People can complain about the owners, but without owners, players have no job and there is no NHL. I'd like to see some loyalty from both sides come back into the game.
25 Jan 2026 20:14:42
Time for Berube to go boys!
22 Jan 2026 17:25:30
As I've said before, I have less and less confidence in Berube. He seems to making making the most bone head moves.
I really hope he's not back next year.
That's all I want to say.
1.) 22 Jan 2026 22:15:41
I really liked bringing Cheif in at the time it was announced, but I am starting to sour a bit. Some of the decisions he's making have lost me as well.
Most recently, Woll is a tandem goalie. Whenever he has to many starts in a row he looks like poo. Why is he not trading off with Hildebeast who has been great?
2.) 23 Jan 2026 13:06:12
I am not for letting him go yet, but agreed that some decisions are real headscratchers.
3.) 24 Jan 2026 12:38:59
Yeah, they are head scratchers for sure AND Berube has a winning pedigree as coach.
Unfortunately for him, he’s tied to Tre who will be replaced at the end of the season if the Leafs miss the playoffs.
And the new GM will seek another with whom he is comfortable.
23 Dec 2025 19:28:26
I'm not saying that I would fire Berube, but I think the Savard firing is just to appease the heat/noise around the team.
I'm not sure if this really changes anything, because I'm sure Berube and all the assistant coaches were involved in trying to fix the struggling PP. I think they actually need to bring in a new PP coach now, instead of having Lalonde (plus other coaches) run it moving forward.
Maybe bring in Boudreau, he is known more for being an offensive style coach (hopefully he would be able to help).
Accountability
This really reminds me of the same kind of accountability shown towards the players. Top guys safe and play major minutes, even though they're not playing well at all. And then they scratch bottom 6 guys and cut their minutes. All nonsense ?
If they seriously wanted to show accountability and make a change, then they should have fired the Head Coach.
25 Nov 2025 14:09:08
Someone wrote this from another site I visit, and it kind of makes sense, even though Leafs are playing with losts of important injured player's.
Comments from Armstrong (2 years ago after firing Berube) and Tre last week to be interesting and revealing.
Berube is a dead man walking:
Armstrong: "It's uncomfortable when you go to the arena every night and you're not really sure what your team is going to look like."
Treliving: "A large part of the frustration is you don't know how it's going to look like (every night)."
____________________________________
Armstrong: "There were more nights than not where I felt we didn't win the game. . Not by the score, but by the eye test of 'you were a better team'
Treliving: "I think far too often, even in games that we've won, we haven't won the game."
___________________________________
Armstrong: "I don't know if we're a better team than our record indicates, I really don't."
Treliving: "I think, as we sit here today, our record is indicative of how we've played."
I have supported keeping Berube for a bit longer, but it doesn't look like his style is changing at all. Leafs can't just be a North/South team 'dumping & chasing'.
They need some kind of hybrid system with the 'dump & chase' along with possession. A 'Cheefe' style if you will.
What do you guys think now about firing Berube now, another week after we've last visited this discussion?
Sure sounds like Berube will be gone soon.
1.) 25 Nov 2025 15:16:08
Let's remember, Berube was into his 6th season with the Blues before he was let go. That's a pretty good tenure for a coach and yes, sometimes a new message is need after that amount of time. He isn't even a year and a half in Toronto and a new message is needed? He did well in STL for years before they needed a change.
This is a team that seemed mentally broken for game 1. That can't be the coaches fault. How did Berube create that?
What I see, is too many mentally weak top players (JT the exception) . Too many players that aren't willing and don't want to play the way to win. We can blame Berube and change the system, but end of the day, too many of these guys won't play a hard physical game that is necessary.
We can blame Tre as well. He inherited these guys, but also extended their contracts. In all fairness to Tre, hard to trade guys that had existing no trades when Tre took over if they don't want to go. Muskoka 5 comes to mind.
Here is the thing, do we actually think this group will play completely different and start to battle under a new coach and start to play a playoff winning style of hockey? If Berube and Tre can't get them to, why should we believe a new coach and possibly GM can. Players need to develop some "want to" instead of the current mentality of I don't want to and not going to.
2.) 25 Nov 2025 20:44:35
@RLF I'm going to counter that a bit.
Sometimes it isn't that the coach is bad, it's that the team that was built cannot or will not play his style.
They liked Keefe and hated Babs in part because they refused to play hard and wanted to dance around the perimeter. Berube isn't going to change Nylander or Mathews now. They'll be what they are until retirement.
3.) 25 Nov 2025 22:35:20
LL. That's my point, if the players won't now, then why would they under a new coach or management. They won't.
The problem is that the original construction of stars by drafting are void of "do whatever it takes" mentality. That's on Dubas and Shanny.
Tre and Berube were pretty much doomed after they lost last playoffs. Leafs stars played as physical as they ever had, they couldn't get it done. Now they don't want to because why battle and take a beating when they can't do it well enough to win. Tre would need to get guys with no moves to waive them. Doubtful that is going to happen.
4.) 26 Nov 2025 01:11:17
@RLF so it's a full rebuild with new guys or a new coach and pray for the best.
Bruce boudreau being the guy that fits this team.
5.) 26 Nov 2025 13:14:37
LL. The other option is to get healthy, play it out and hope they get so tired of losing that they dig in. If they won't, look t make moves at the TDL and maximize returns. Going to the players now and asking them to waive when they aren't out of it yet, probably gets a no. If they just keep falling off, they may be more willing to waive as it gets worse, should that be the case.
I think they need a guy like Klapka etc. Someone who will come in and set a tone when needed. Get a young wrecking ball like L'Heureux who will hit and has some talent.
26 Aug 2026 12:29:31
Aitcheson would be a great target, but I don't think Islanders make that trade heads up. Leafs would need to add IMO.
21 Aug 2026 12:07:19
Yes, I am talking about Turcotte.
21 Aug 2026 10:27:27
@Ckps1976
Honestly, I think OEL is going to regress some this year, so I want to try and get ahead of the curve.
I'm taking on Ceci's 'not so great' contract in order to gamble on a former 5th overall draft pick to find his game in a new environment.
Plus getting another 2nd round pick for our scouts to find another good future prospect.
Or Leafs can use that 2nd at the TDL if they are doing well this year and need an upgrade. It's always good to have extra draft capital.
20 Aug 2026 21:02:09
I get it, boys.
I definitely do like OEL better, but I'm trying to sell high on OEL, all while getting younger and building up draft capital. But, I know Ceci really isn't ideal.
Back to the drawing board ?
19 Aug 2026 22:15:35
@Suffering
Leafs definitely will have to trade some other players for draft pick. I definitely could see Joshua gone to stay status quo with 49 SPC's.
@RLF
Yes, I don't think this goes through from Nashvulle perspective. Maybe Leafs adding a draf pick or Holinka to bridge the gap?
28 Jul 2026 15:24:21
@LeafsLife
My buddies nephew played on the Marlies with Robertson for a couple of years. He says Robertson is a selfish player, he's all about himself and just looks to score for himself. Btw it's not just his nephew who feels this way, many other players on the team have said the same thing.
Anyways, Robertson is now gone and I wish him the best of luck.
Roslovic is another story, and I'm not high on him either same as you guys feel. I would have loved Arvidsson, but that ship has sailed.
Let's hope Chayka has a couple more bullets in the chamber. We need another solid piece or two.
28 Jul 2026 02:50:34
I don't know whether Roslovic will be better or not, but I'm happy Robertson is gone. He's a ME first player, not a team first guy.
26 Jul 2026 00:55:11
Yes, I liked Beaudoin in that 2024 draft, and Solberg as well.
I think Leafs had their heart set on Hage and once Montreal picked him at 21 the Leafs traded down their 23rd pick.
25 Jul 2026 21:45:48
Sorry Suffering, but I have to steal Helenius as well. I really like him.
I'll take a longer shot with Tig Iginla. Not sure if he plays many NHL games this year. I heard they are trying to prep him into a Centre. I'm curious to see how this experiemnt pans out.
25 Jul 2026 09:32:43
Marner's perspective of being a local boy is my point.
What would you do if you were Marner and you had no knowledge of what Ferris was going to say?
This is not a good look for Marner. He clearly should fire Ferris, eat the commission and distance himself from this situation as quickly as possible.