Current Avatar:
No Avatar image uploaded
No Avatar image uploaded
Leafs Rumours Member Posts
Tags97's Profile
Tags97's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Tags97's Posts
To Tags97's last 5 rumours posts
To Tags97's last 5 banter posts
To Tags97's last 5 rumour replies
To Tags97's last 5 banter replies
Tags97's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Tags97's rumours posts
09 Mar 2026 15:33:10
I don't know how valid the Nemec are, but if true, the Leafs need to make an offer.
To New Jersey
Knies $7.75M/5 years
Carlo $3.49M/1 year
To Toronto
Nemec RFA (probably $8.5M?)
Mercer $4M/1 year
Nemec, a potential top pairing Dman who will be going into his 4th NHL season (saves time on rebuild).
Mercer is a good 2-way player, who also PK's. He could fill that top 2C position for Leafs, instead of wing.
Jersey gets the top 6 scorer they're looking for. Knies also PK's and can be a Power Forward.
Carlo is a solid 2nd/3rd pairing guy, who is also a good PKer.
Thoughts?
1.) 09 Mar 2026 20:17:59
No thanks still. Need to find that D without giving up Knies. Keep your guys that have heart. We keep lacking heart because we keep trading it away when we get it.
2.) 09 Mar 2026 20:19:56
I think you’re going to catch heck for trading Knies.
I like both Nemec’s upside and Mercer’s play!
But Simon hasn’t reached that upside quite yet so there’s risk and Mercer also hasn’t convinced management that he’s a top C based on last contract negotiation.
I think it’s close but I’d probably look for more somewhere else, however I don’t know where that somewhere else is lol.
3.) 10 Mar 2026 01:16:16
@Randy
Agreed.
Mercer is probably more a 2nd/3rd line winger, but he has played plenty of C in his career. We need to fill that 2C spot and this helps it for now. JT can't do it anymore imo, plus he was really never good defensively. Schmaltz will probably re-sign with Utah, plus he's really not great defensively as well.
Nemec hasn't lived up to his billing as well, but he is getting much better and more reliable. He reads the game well imo and is taking on much more minutes. We need a younger 1D, or at least a top pairing D which I believe Nemec will be.
Definitely a gamble trading Knies, but D and C are much more coveted positions that we need.
This would be something I would do if we win the draft lottery. At that point we take McKenna or Stenberg (either will be ready to play right away). Then maybe Leafs can get Raddysh is FA, sounds like Tampa will have difficulty to re-sign him.
Of course, I would look to make some more trades after this. Maybe target Tippett as Clarky likes.
Stolarz or Woll, plus Maccelli jopefully dors it.
Also, I still like Hayton for 3C. Really good on faceoffs, young and defensively responsible as well.
Maybe Robertson & Benoit, maybe add a pick if need be.
If we lose the pick too Boston, then I'd be more open to a rebuild.
4.) 10 Mar 2026 09:27:25
@tags Nice post man, I like how more and more fans are warming to the idea of rebuild as I think that’s the only option. Now, for the McKenna/Stenberg draft targets. I get the choice kinda not really but imo the number 1 we should target is Keaton Verheof! This kid's more well rounded then Schaefer on NYI and he’s off the chain.
Verheof is extremely physical and at 6’4” 215 he has comparable skills to Victor Hedman as well. He’s the true elite #1 defenceman we’ve coveted for 40yrs this is who we draft with our pick. The Leafs have a plan and it’s tank. We lose every remaining game. Maybe one or two wins here and there but tank 26’ here we go! GLG! Lol
5.) 10 Mar 2026 11:49:19
Henry77, thanks bud.
I don't pretend to know too much about the draft stock. Only from what I read and the highlights I've seen. I haven't watched any of these guys live.
There is lots to love about Verhoeff; size and physicality. But, there are quite a few mixed opinions on whether Verhoeff will be an actual #1 defenceman in the NHL. Personally, my big worry is his skating and decision making. I know he is still young and even young in his draft class (June baby, yeah Gemini), but I have slight concerns myself.
From what I watched, he's not very fast and a bit clumsy on his skates (I get he's 6'4" which makes him a bit more awkward). I just don't see that clear #1D status like I saw with Schaefer (elite skater & hockey IQ).
Again, I know nothing about these guys. But from what I've seen and heard/read Stenberg would be my choice, even though it sounds like McKenna will be the point scoring leader for this draft class.
I would still look to trade Knies in a package to acquire a #1D. Please don't hate me boys!
6.) 10 Mar 2026 22:21:29
You need to watch a lot more footage on Verhoeff, Tags. He is certainly a lot clumsy, and his ceiling is off the charts. The kid really only stopped playing as a Goalie when he was almost 13.
It's a little unfair to compare him to Schaeffer as it's almost to compare anyone at any position to Schaeffer. The kid is a freak. If we tank enough to get a shot at Verhoeff I would take him for sure.
7.) 10 Mar 2026 22:29:07
My choice would be that if Toronto doesn’t get the number 1 pick but still ends up in the top 5, and he’s available, then I’d take Chase Reid. Overall he’s probably the best defenseman in the draft. He can both attack and defend, has great hockey IQ, skates well, and is physical enough. He could become Toronto’s long-term number one defenseman, and on top of that he shoots right. I’d even consider taking him at number 2.
I’ve watched about half of Verhoeff’s games, maybe around 10–15 of Carson Carels’ games, about 20 of Reid’s games, and several of Ryan Lin’s games as well. I’ve been focusing on defensemen, and out of those players Chase Reid looks the most NHL-ready to me. Clear number-one defenseman potential.
The next pick, if he’s available, would be Layne Gallacher, a left-shot center. He has good hockey sense and could be a long-term, pure third-line center for Toronto. He plays a solid two-way game and has a great work ethic. He already plays a pretty mistake-free game, though he still needs to add some weight and strength. With his passing ability he could lead the third line really well.
Time to go into full tank mode… or maybe it’s already started. I’m looking forward to the draft more than Toronto’s games right now, though I do watch some junior games from time to time.
8.) 10 Mar 2026 22:29:44
I meant he is certainly not clumsy!
9.) 10 Mar 2026 23:39:48
OK In response to Thisisit. You have watched half of North Dakota's games this year, 20 of the Soo Greyhounds games, 10 to 15 of Prince Georges games, and several of Vancouver Giants games, as well as some Brantford and Guelph games.
That is impressive, I have to say. The trick in that top ten of the draft isn't who is the most NHL ready now, but identifying who will be the most ready 3 years and 13 years from now.
I have heard Reid compared to Werenski, and have heard Verhoeff compared to Ekblad and She Weber. To be honest, I would prefer the latter type of defenseman to build around. Verhoeff is still relatively new to the position, but is still playing at a great level against players 3 and 4 years older in many cases than him at the moment.
10.) 11 Mar 2026 13:27:32
Yeah, I’ve been watching a lot more OHL, WHL, and college games, scouting potential picks that could fit Toronto. Clearly, a right-shot defenseman who isn’t just a shutdown type is ideal. Between Reid and Verhoeff, on-ice performance definitely leans toward Reid. I also see Ekblad-style traits in Verhoeff, as well as a bit of Evan Bouchard. Reid reminds me of Luke Hughes, and his skating is a big advantage compared to Verhoeff.
Both defensemen would work, but I’m leaning toward Reid, and hopefully Toronto picks him. Often, drafted defensemen step into NHL roles in their first or second seasons, so it’s not always necessary to wait 10 years for their career to start.
The future superstar is Chase, assuming injuries don’t slow his development. He already has elite-level skating and edge work. His hockey IQ is clearly better than Verhoeff’s, though Verhoeff is more physical.
Yeah, those two defensemen would be the top pair. The next pick should ideally be a center.
11.) 11 Mar 2026 14:10:09
@S1967
My comment made towards Schaefer was more in response to Henry77. Not meant to be disingenuous.
Anyways, I just don't see Verhoeff as a #1D. He would be an amazing #2 IMO.
I do like Reid's play style more, but I do agree Verhoeff would be the better choice.
12.) 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.
03 Mar 2026 15:47:51
It's sounding like a buyer's market. I think the new rules with no double retention and being cap compliant in the playoffs are the cause of this.
It's unfortunate that when the Leafs are in sell mode, it turns into a buyer's market ? so Leafy!
Anyways, I still think Edmonton is our best trade partner, they are still so tight against the cap and we have a couple UFA's with very low AAV's.
To Edmonton
McMann $.675M (@50% retained)
Laughton $.750M (@50% retained)
To Toronto
Mangiapane $3.6M/ 1 more season (cap dump)
2027 1st
2026 2nd
Akey, Beau ELC
I think this is a pretty fair deal all around.
Edmonton clears some cap and picks up 2 needs. They get some scoring in their top 9 and some more defensive/ PK help.
Toronto trades both their UFA's and can possibly revisit a signing in the off-season.
They restock their draft cupboards and pick up a young Dman who has some good upside (I would have like Howard, but I don't think Edmonton parts with him).
Thoughts?
1.) 03 Mar 2026 16:14:53
@Tags, would you trade Woll or Stolarz for Tippett?
2.) 03 Mar 2026 16:56:04
@Clarky
I'm not very high on Tippett.
He has great speed and some offensive pop, but lacks defensive awareness imo. We already have Nylander (who I know you don't like).
Instead, Leafs need someone more like Tuch, who I hope he makes it to FA.
I would much rather trade Woll or Stolarz for defensive help. Montreal may need a goalie. I would look at their young defencemen and see what type of deal they could make.
3.) 03 Mar 2026 17:57:19
Tuch will get almost double what Tippett gets $$$ wise. And you can’t compare Tippett and Nylander at all. At $6 million Tippett likes to forecheck and plays a physical game. Nylander, well ???.
4.) 03 Mar 2026 19:44:06
Any trade with Oilers needs to bring back Howard.
5.) 04 Mar 2026 12:36:14
It's probably pretty close to fair with the Leafs getting paid to take on Mangi.
6.) 04 Mar 2026 22:54:19
I just love that you put, Akey, Beau.
03 Feb 2026 01:47:48
To Toronto
Mangipane $3.6M
Isaac Howard
To Edmonton
McMann $.675M @ 50% retained
The Leafs get a promising young A- prospect for taking on Mangiapane AAV (cash dump) and giving Edmonton more cap space to make another move.
Edmonton gets the 3rd faster skaternin the NHL who can score and play in their top 6.
Win/ win for both sides IMO.
Thoughts?
27 Jan 2026 18:00:42
To Toronto
Sean Walker $3.6M
2027 2nd
To Carolina
Stolarz $2.5M
Walker signed for 3 more years at $3.6M. He can definitely play on the 2nd pairing and also play on the PP.
Carolina needs some goaltending & Stolarz is signed for another 4 years at $3.75M. I believe the Leafs can also get a 2nd round pick because Carolina really needs goaltending (would take a 2027 3rd, if the 2nd is too much to give up for Carolina) .
1.) 27 Jan 2026 18:51:27
Be nice if they could get it.
2.) 27 Jan 2026 23:53:05
Tags this is a very good trade. Makes most sense for both teams compared to most trades on this site. I just think if Stolarz could stay healthy and get back to his game, he is one of the best goalies in the league. Almost like I’d like to let the goalie situation play out and make a move like this for Woll or Stolarz in the offseason.
3.) 28 Jan 2026 12:43:57
Solid deal. The issue for the Canes I see on the Cane side is, who replaces Walker in their lineup? The guy logs 22+ mins a night for them, which is too much already imo, but shows how little confidence they have in the rest.
Not sure Canes would feel giving up their minute muncher for a goalie is worth it. Might need to look at a prospect like Cerrato and a 2nd or something like that.
4.) 29 Jan 2026 01:38:06
Now that’s a good trade! Borge approved.
5.) 29 Jan 2026 16:36:50
Another over 30 guy signed to his mid 30’s. Sorry no thanks. Already have too many of those.
23 Jan 2026 17:20:17
Apparently, Stolarz is starting tonight with no game action since his injury. He was sent down to Marlies for a conditioning stint, but did not play in any games.
Cyou can't make this sh*t up ? It's going to be a gong show tonight.
Hope I'm wrong though.
Anyways, I hope the Leaf fans boo Marner out of the building. Candy a** cry baby ??
Sorry boys, I'm a little bit bitter how Marner left and played the victim as he always does.
1.) 23 Jan 2026 20:57:55
100% agree on the Marner aspect. Some people say the fans ran him out of town, i hope it's for real tonight.
2.) 23 Jan 2026 21:22:48
Leafs suck without him
So…
I guess that makes him the scapegoat
Lol
You guys are so weird.
3.) 24 Jan 2026 02:23:44
Stolarz starting tonight without one game with the Marlies after sending him down for a conditioning stint is the dumbest move I’ve ever seen. Then ppl say can’t blame management or coaching staff for the things that go wrong with this team. Are they deliberately trying to sabotage? Cause if u were looking to trade this guy and show he’s still valuable why would u throw him back into the lions den without at least a whip. Thus stunt proves to me that Trev and berube for agreeing to do it need to get the F out of town. No logic in this move when u have 2 good goalies up and ready.
4.) 24 Jan 2026 04:32:07
Yea, because Marner was all heart and soul. lol.
5.) 25 Jan 2026 00:29:37
Berube made it clear that starting Stolarz was NOT his decision!
6.) 25 Jan 2026 13:03:06
Is it not a huge problem when the coach who got the support of his GM just a little while ago is throwing him under the bus to cover his own ass. These guys are both bad at their jobs. Plain and simple. I was hoping the 50 stitches would have been exactly what he needed to change his ways but I think it’s made him even worse ???. Olympic break will tell us the direction this franchise is headed. Either keep relying on these 2 ? and let the ship sink into the abyss or send them off packing and put a new GM and coach to steer this ship out of dangerous waters ???.
Tags97's banter posts with other poster's replies to Tags97's banter posts
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.
12 Nov 2025 14:32:43
Hopefully Matthews is okay after that hit from behind by Zadorov (POS).
Anyways, this was tweeted out last night:
Matthews percentage of time on ice vs elite competition
24/25 (Berube): 48%
23/24 (Keefe): 40%
22/23: 31%
21/22: 30%
McDavid last season 34%
MacKinnon last season 35%
Even Barkov last season at 42% and he is a two way center with much more limited offensive ability.
Berube is treating Matthews as ROR instead of the elite offensive player he is.
I doubt Berube gets fired now, but I wouldn't be opposed to it.
Not sure what other options are out there other than DeBoer.
1.) 12 Nov 2025 18:37:26
Tags, was this stat all situations or 5 on 5. If it is 5 on 5, that is brutal considering the leafs have had a lot of home games. If it is all situations, then Matthews will see elite competition every time on the PK. Either or, that is too high. He should be used to take advantage of weaker competition. Didn't the Leafs in sist on getting Roy, just for the purpose of using him against the other teams top players?
2.) 12 Nov 2025 19:35:45
Not sure to be honest. It was from a tweet, which I can no longer find.
3.) 12 Nov 2025 20:18:32
Saw this too I thought this is why we brought in guys like Roy probably why when nylander is playing up with Matthews his numbers dip.
13 Mar 2026 15:16:16
I hear Gudas is only getting a phone meeting, which means 5 games maximum.
Gudas is a dirty player, hands down.
DoPeS are a joke, Parros needs to be replaced.
11 Mar 2026 18:42:55
Knies should only be traded for a top pairing Dman or a young 2C.
Not sure what rumors you guys heard for the Knies TDL with Montreal.
I heard
Knies, Carlo & Benoit
For
Hage, Guhle & WiFi
If this is the deal and it's re-visited in the summer - would you do it?
11 Mar 2026 14:10:09
@S1967
My comment made towards Schaefer was more in response to Henry77. Not meant to be disingenuous.
Anyways, I just don't see Verhoeff as a #1D. He would be an amazing #2 IMO.
I do like Reid's play style more, but I do agree Verhoeff would be the better choice.
10 Mar 2026 11:49:19
Henry77, thanks bud.
I don't pretend to know too much about the draft stock. Only from what I read and the highlights I've seen. I haven't watched any of these guys live.
There is lots to love about Verhoeff; size and physicality. But, there are quite a few mixed opinions on whether Verhoeff will be an actual #1 defenceman in the NHL. Personally, my big worry is his skating and decision making. I know he is still young and even young in his draft class (June baby, yeah Gemini), but I have slight concerns myself.
From what I watched, he's not very fast and a bit clumsy on his skates (I get he's 6'4" which makes him a bit more awkward). I just don't see that clear #1D status like I saw with Schaefer (elite skater & hockey IQ).
Again, I know nothing about these guys. But from what I've seen and heard/read Stenberg would be my choice, even though it sounds like McKenna will be the point scoring leader for this draft class.
I would still look to trade Knies in a package to acquire a #1D. Please don't hate me boys!
10 Mar 2026 01:16:16
@Randy
Agreed.
Mercer is probably more a 2nd/3rd line winger, but he has played plenty of C in his career. We need to fill that 2C spot and this helps it for now. JT can't do it anymore imo, plus he was really never good defensively. Schmaltz will probably re-sign with Utah, plus he's really not great defensively as well.
Nemec hasn't lived up to his billing as well, but he is getting much better and more reliable. He reads the game well imo and is taking on much more minutes. We need a younger 1D, or at least a top pairing D which I believe Nemec will be.
Definitely a gamble trading Knies, but D and C are much more coveted positions that we need.
This would be something I would do if we win the draft lottery. At that point we take McKenna or Stenberg (either will be ready to play right away). Then maybe Leafs can get Raddysh is FA, sounds like Tampa will have difficulty to re-sign him.
Of course, I would look to make some more trades after this. Maybe target Tippett as Clarky likes.
Stolarz or Woll, plus Maccelli jopefully dors it.
Also, I still like Hayton for 3C. Really good on faceoffs, young and defensively responsible as well.
Maybe Robertson & Benoit, maybe add a pick if need be.
If we lose the pick too Boston, then I'd be more open to a rebuild.
14 Mar 2026 13:28:51
@Randy
You're welcome.
Go be dangerous ?
13 Mar 2026 23:46:21
Yes, we can go up maximum 10 spots and down maximum 2.
So yes, to guarantee a top 5 pick, we need to have the 3rd worst record. This will probably not happen though, so we will be relying on the lottery.
13 Mar 2026 19:21:12
@Randy
I'm not sure what you're saying about Toronto having to finish 28th or worse.
Do you mean points wise?
Who owns the 1st is determined after the draft lottery is complete, not before.
25 Feb 2026 03:55:35
@Goat2.0
You got the trade details wrong.
It's Girard, plus a 2nd
For
Kulak
I think Dubas did well here and Colorado is definitely opening up some cap space for a bigger move.
23 Feb 2026 11:37:34
It's an easy straight forward decision for me.
If Leafs and McMann can agree to a fair contract before the TDL, then Leafs resign him.
If no agreement, then trade him.
No waivering back and forth.