Leafs trade rumours 5

14 Mar 2026 09:12:26
Off-season moves
Extreme Makeover Edition
Tredeadthing bye
Berube bye

Chris Pronger GM
David Carle coach

Canucks
Rielly
Domi
Leafs
Pettersson
2 headaches for 1 ?

Blues
Knies
Quillan
Leafs
Thomas

Ducks
Nylander
Carlo
Leafs
Sennecke
Luneau
Colangelo

Oilers
Stolarz
Robertson
Leafs
Howard
Jarry
Jarry on waivers if not claimed AHL

Draft day Leafs land 3rd overall pick
Keaton Verhoeff

Free agents forwards July 1
Leafs sign
Michael McCarron
Alex Tuch

To Chicago
Joshua
Leafs
6th rd 2026

To Montreal
Benoit
Leafs
3rd 2026

12 forwards mix and match however you like
Howard Matthews Sennecke
Pettersson Thomas Tuch
Grouix Tavares Cowan
Lorentz McCarron Colangelo
Haymes Valis call up if needed

7 defencemen
McCabe Luneau Verhoeff OEL
Sign free agents July 1
Rasmus Andersson
Mario Ferraro
Jeremy Lauzon

Woll
Hildeby

14 Mar 2026 11:28:52
Aside from dreaming, how did we magically get the 3rd overall pick?

14 Mar 2026 12:32:36
So you are going to put in a GM who worked more as a senior advisor to the GM in Florida (It was kind of a fancy title for being a go between from the head office to the players to be a mentor etc. But he has not actually done the apprenticing as a assistant GM which is a huge learning process in getting to that GM spot. And you are inserting a Coach who has only worked in Hockey for two Teams The University of Denver and 2 years for Green Bay in Junior. No excperience at the pro level at all.

So it is obvious that you have won the lottery and bought the team from Rogers because you handpicked the team and the management and rebuild it in your eyes. Harold Ballard has come back from the grave lol.

All in Jest. We need a truly experienced hockey mind who has been hands on. As well as a coach he picks to either be a Stop gap Coach that can teach and be ready to step aside at some point during the rebuild process or a coach that can handle a complete different group for a retool in which case that coach needs to be hired to work hand in hand with the new GM to trade for players that fits their vision of the retool.

Chris Pronger is not a stupid man at all as he has a very successful business career. But he still needs at least a year of hands on GM work running a Minor team while interning at the actual assistant GMs jobs simultaneously with the Main Club.

14 Mar 2026 13:29:49
Jim Nill's contract is up. Make him a Godfather offer. We have his chief scout from a year ago. The guy's a winner from his days in Detroit and built a powerhouse in Dallas.

14 Mar 2026 14:58:32
Here is one that would be even better, Johnny57. Let Keith Pelley be the President of MLSE but again make that extreme ludicrous offer and create a President of Toronto Maple Leafs title and hire George McPhee away from Vegas to fill that and have Jim Nill as the GM.

What a combo of hockey and hockey business minds to have together. Then Pelley could worry himself about financial things and leave operations in the hands of those that know.

14 Mar 2026 16:54:40
Leafsgm78
lol
The fact I need to explain how they got the 3rd overall pick tells me all I need to know about you.

14 Mar 2026 22:02:05
Well 3rd might in fact be possible.

Don’t think they will fall below the Flames or Canucks, however (which makes it the 3rd worst), but the Rangers and Blackhawks have the same objective as the Leafs and have a heads-start on us.

Time will tell.

15 Mar 2026 00:17:45
It’s all about Lottery Luck.

Islanders finished 10th worst last year but won the
Lottery picking #1.

18 Mar 2026 09:44:44
@wb49 Man……… One can only hope and pray ??. I fully expect the boys to embrace the tank now after showing a pulse after the Matthews dissection by goondas. Now, I believe there’s been a enlightening conversation about to little to late and the changes are coming regardless of the life they show now and we lose all remaining games starting with the 3-1 loss to the Islanders last night.

70 pts is our total, boys. Let’s go! I want Verheoff pls, for the love of hockey gods throw us a freakin bone pls…..

12 Mar 2026 19:41:29
Yeah yeah, but honestly I’d rather take Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander to Toronto and send Auston to the Canucks.

Auston’s value probably isn’t something like three first-round picks, a couple of A-level prospects and a ready-made first-line center anymoree.

It’s been a weak season for him, and the GMs around the league have definitely noticed. His slow skating is something other teams’ GMs will be aware of too.

12 Mar 2026 19:57:23
Yes it is.

12 Mar 2026 20:33:41
Come on fellas, this is very silly and bad!

12 Mar 2026 22:00:57
Lmao it's been a weak season for Matthews? But it has been what for Petterson? And Hoglander? Seriously, dude. Don't use the site to propose trades while you are drinking?

13 Mar 2026 14:19:20
Saying that is ridiculous hey? U know AM wants out period but he’s still elite. Watch the medal round in the olympics he makes a tip pass only 3/4 players in the world could. I’m all for trading him but best be getting Beckett Sennecke plus type return back.

He’s still that good. He’s hurt and after that pos coward Gudas knee last night he’s legit hurt where everyone’s knows.

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.

14 Mar 2026 12:50:24
I agree Tags. He has been a dirty player for a long time and sadly one of these times he won't just hurt someone but hurt them bad enough to end their career. The only reason players on his own teams associate and befriend him is because they are grateful he isn't doing that to them.

I imagine even some of them are very conscious of where he is on the ice during practice,

14 Mar 2026 14:26:26
Leafs have one agenda this coming offseason for sure. That’s getting 1 or more beasts that hit everything and drop the gloves for fun. More importantly stand up for their teammates. Next season Leafs and Ducks or whoever employs Gudas circle that game and he gets smoked leaves not on his owe meaning carried off the ice. That’s first!

12 Mar 2026 16:10:42
Tor: Rielly, Maccelli, 2027 2nd

Van: Pettersson

If Vancouver bites with might be decent for both teams. Van gets a younger player and a 2nd, plus a skilled lhd. While Toronto address their #2C.

Tor: Benoit

Ana: 4th

Benoit can be replaced cheaply, or expensively if you target Logan Stanley, so moving him for anything Isnt a loss.

Sign Laine 3yr x4m
R. Andersson 7x8.5m

Most people don't like Laine but, if you look at the raw info, past his injury history, he's a high skilled talent with an amazing shot. He would pair well in a 3rd line with Joshua and JT.

Cowen Matthews Nylander
Knies Pettersson XXXXX
Joshua JT Laine
Lorentz Domi XXXXX

We still have some depth prospects and cap space after the moves.

We could find someone to fill the specific spots marked in X's, now as for defense

OEL Andersson
McCabe Tanev
Stanley Carlo

We can switch up OEL and McCabe for balancince. It everyone plays their natural side. We have the toughness some skill, and a potnetion of Stanley having another strong season like he is now.

And behind that we still have

Stolarz, Woll, and Hildeby. One will have to be moved. I'd predict Woll is the right peice, giving Hildeby 4 years to develop at the NHL level behind stolarz. Philly might be interested

Tor: Woll, Robertson

Phi: 2027 1st (Tor).

12 Mar 2026 17:43:42
I didn't look at cap, but looks like to much with a quick look. I could be wrong though. I don't hate Petterson the way some do, but definitely way over paid. Laine, I think you offered to much. He struggles to get playing time in Montreal.

I would consider him on a show me deal though. As good as Andersson is, I think we will all be severely disappointed giving him that kind of money. He is very good, but at that price I think our fans run him out of town pretty quick.

12 Mar 2026 18:06:36
The thing with Laine is he's averaging only 14m a night because of his injuries. He's an offensive right winger to boost the 3rd line which will compliment JT and Joshua, who can help cover his defensive lapses.

As for the money and term with Laine, the unfortunate part is he will need at least 4m-5m due to the cap increasing.

And at 4-5m for a 7 time 20 goal scorer who will only be turning 28 in April. His career possession numbers are directly comparable to Phil Kessel. And with enough cap space, maybe we can land roslovoc to pay with Petterson.

12 Mar 2026 19:53:47
I don’t mind the first trade, the rest are crap, but Vancouver would have to retain like 3 million for that deal to work for me.

12 Mar 2026 21:23:05
Laine is a tough one for me!

He’s been on three teams already which is often a tell-tale sign that there’s a problem.

Injuries have been a problem, addiction was a problem (has he conquered is perhaps unknown) and he has shown unhappiness before.

Those are the minuses I guess. The positives are how impactful he can be when he’s healthy (both physically and mentally), motivated and in shape. He can change a game on his own.

I’d have a chat with his agent when it’s allowed to get the down-low. If it’s positive I might offer 1-year @ $4m “show me” contract. If it works the GM is a hero, if not c’est la vie.

12 Mar 2026 21:57:22
@randy I'm really banking on Laine being that impactful player who would compliment JT's offense and gritty side. I was truly hoping the Leafs would have traded for him (still could before the season ends once he's ready to come off LTIR) as the sample run.

We have the cap space to take on the cap hit and get a not terrible asset for helping Montreal cap situation.

13 Mar 2026 14:50:22
Hrenkin, I feel bad for you. You’re a soccer player trying to make hockey trades. Laine and Petterson. ? While we’re at it why don’t we get Huberdeau too. Joker.

13 Mar 2026 20:01:27
Clarky, you're just a goof.

14 Mar 2026 12:20:49
I would expect all teams are having discussions about Laine; contemplating what would their walk-away position (AAV & term) be for his talent.

If a GM doesn’t have him on the radar and doesn’t plan to have a dialogue with Laine’s agent in the allowed window just prior to opening UFA signing period, they are not doing their job.

15 Mar 2026 00:23:30
The problem with Laine, besides all of those mentioned above is that he is a one way player who doesn’t play defensive hockey, at all, ever.
No thanks.

12 Mar 2026 14:13:01
Out Toronto sends: William Nylander ($11.5M) + Matthew Knies ($7.75M)
IN: Robert Thomas ($8.125M) + Jake NeighBours ($3.75M*) + Pius Suter ($4.125M)

Toronto would give Berggren $2M/ year for 2–3 seasons and let Robertson go. Berggren and Suter wouldd then skate together again on the third line.

TheN
Ufa Signing: Rasmus Andersson
Contract: 6 Years $7.5M aav.

And Jake NeighBours would take the first-line RW spot, while Thomas takes the 2C role, and Suter adds some penalty kill expertise on third line.



------If Toronto got rid of Auston, Thomas would take over the 1C spot.

It would be great if Toronto could land an additional second-round pick in 2027, though it's not strictly necessary.

**I know it sounds wild, but it's a wild idea worth a shot**.

12 Mar 2026 15:28:35
Lol, the city of Toronto would burn down if that was the return for Knies and Nylander. Also Nylander would never accept a trade to STL.

12 Mar 2026 15:53:18
Would be nice to get Andersson for 7.5m. As for the original trade, that haul would get Nylander alone. Wouldn't need to include Knies.

12 Mar 2026 21:24:18
I’d love Andersson at $7.5m! And maybe even for 7 years!

12 Mar 2026 21:31:19
But I would not do deal#1. We lose two star players for a small return in my view.
I do like Thomas though.

12 Mar 2026 22:05:48
I would not do any deal This is it suggests. Just being honest.

12 Mar 2026 22:54:39
I guess a lot of them lost me but the Number one was.... Lets replace William Nylander at right wing with Jake Neighbours as our number 1 right winger.

12 Mar 2026 01:17:55
Toronto:

Jake O'Brien Centre
Jagger Firkus LW and can play RW
Tyson Jugnauth Defense
1st in 2027 Seattle's lowest one
2nd in 2027 Seattle's lowest one

Seattle:
Matthews and Reilly

This trade allows us to stock the cupboards in a large way with prospects and picks. Also give us $20 Million and Change and a chance to add either through Free agency or by utilizing other Leaf Roster players and Picks to take on a higher end player with larger salary, with the freed up cash from those Contracts.

It allows Seattle to fill 2 of the 3 Roster Spots they need to fill without losing Roster players in the trade and still leaves them $13 million to fill that last roster spot.

12 Mar 2026 13:52:54
The issue with moving either Matthews or Nylander is that they are the only two real goal scorers the Leafs have (Knies might be 30-35 guy), so if we don't get goal scorers back, the Leafs better find some in free agency or in the trade.
I like O'Brien, but there are no real scorers here coming to the Leafs. When considering there are two guys about to turn 22 (Firkus, Jugnauth) and never played a game in the NHL, by your own evaluations, that makes them less valuable than a Nic Robertson.

Doesn't seem like much of a return when the picks are the lowest they have as well.
Is the idea the Leafs are kind of paying Seattle to take Rielly and his full contract? For the picks, is it lowest (worst one)? Or highest (best one)?

12 Mar 2026 22:32:09
Thing is every one of those players keeps progressing at every level they play year by year. Highest (best) one. My trade suggestion in this post is to get rid of Matthews and Reilly, keeping Nylander and keeping Robertson. Stocking the cupboards with good prospects, draft picks and salary.

Biggest things I saw in these prospects wasn't just their regular season stats, but how they step up in the playoffs. I might be wrong with O'Brien but this year's OHL playoffs will be his proving ground. I just see a good step up with Jugnauth and Firkus in their past in the playoffs and a progressive adaptation to high levels as they go forward. My past evaluations on other players that have not played in the NHL are players whose stats are meager in comparison. How are we paying Seattle to take Reilly's contract? If we were to break it down, which when it is a package deal we shouldn't need to do, I would say Matthews for the 1st, Jake O'Brien and Jugnauth, and O'Reilly for the 2nd and Firkus.



This is not a retool. This is a rebuild-start trade. If you want old used-to-be goal scorers in return then yeah go for free agency and waste money. Stock up on young potential that can score at each level as they progress. We have to suck it up for that growth. Yes I said it was worth keeping Robertson ahead of another trade prospect only because that prospect has not shown the ability to keep that productivity. It's not a tried and true science and I might be wrong but I would rather have a young scoring team than one that doesn't. We suck no matter what this year at scoring.

No problem with the criticism. Just given that Seattle is one of the few teams that can swing a deal like this. Give some alternatives

13 Mar 2026 12:28:44
It wasn't criticism, it was questions.
You said lowest of the 1st and 2nd pick, which are the worst ones. I questioned if that is what you meant. If so, the return is less than what you actually meant. If you value two prospects less than Robertson, again, not much value there coming back.
I questioned how you value the two prospects based on some of your previous comments on prospect evaluation. You've explained. You didn't just suggest keeping Robertson over a previous prospect, you said it made you grin and explained they weren't even close to about even value wise.
So, you value Jugnauth and Firkus as more than Robertson then? Trying to gauge how good you think these prospects are.


Otherwise the deal is;
Matthews for the 1st, Jake O'Brien and Jugnauth(less value than Robertson), and O'Reilly for the 2nd and Firkus(less value than Robertson). If you add that originally your post had the two picks were the worst they had, doesn't like like much for Matthews unless Leafs are kind of paying Seattle to take Rielly. Hence the questions.
You said keep Robertson after this deal. Are you not concerned about the lack of size in general as two of the prospects you are bringing in lack size and keeping Robertson (and Cowan I assume).

13 Mar 2026 18:52:30
So to clarify. The picks would be the best 1st and the best 2nd that Seattle has. And as far as keeping Robertson as well as Nylander. I think Robertson with the right younger linemates with speed could thrive with a more freewheeling offense.

I'm not that concerned about the size as much as the want to win and the ability to turn it up a notch at each level of hockey as they advance. Minnesota is the smallest team in the league height-wise and even though most teams were looking for big forwards at the deadline, in two of their deals they got Bobby Brink and Robby Fabbri. Two smaller guys, which, considering their GM Bill Guerin was a big power forward, maybe speaks a little towards teams now looking at different factors in regards to size.

Interesting part is that Firkus is compared to Debrincat and Kaprizov and Jugnauth is compared to Quinn Hughes.

Hey it's all subjective opinions we all have and no-one really knows until it's all said and done. I just see Firkus in the NHL next year and Jugnauth no later than the following year, with O'Brien possibly going right from junior to the NHL. If that was the case I would rather see them in the Blue and White developing than in another team's NHL lineup.

11 Mar 2026 23:58:35
Would you guys make this one?

To Seattle: Nylander

To Tor: Berkeley Catton, Vince Dunn, 2nd rd pick 2027.

12 Mar 2026 00:02:51
Not a chance,
Trade Rielly, Robertson, and Cowan
to
Seattle for Shane Wright & a 3rd round pick.

12 Mar 2026 00:29:00
I love Catton. That kid took whatever ice time he got this year and really applied himself to the defensive side of his game. His offense will not be a problem once they raise him in the lineup. However, Seattle would have to up that 2nd to a 1st to wet get my interest.

Good lead player to go after though, Clarkly with Catton. I just posted another Seattle proposed one as well. They have so many good assets.

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.

11 Mar 2026 12:07:57
Off season
Sign Schmaltz 8.5 mill per year
Tavares moves to 3rd line C

Package Knies for Ep40

Ep40 Am34 (Cowan?)

11 Mar 2026 12:47:42
Meant to continue
Pettersson Matthews Cowan
Joshua Schmaltz Nylander
Quillan Tavares Domi
Lorentz ??? ???

McCabe Tanev (hopefully)
OEL Carlo
Benoit ????

Buyout Reilly if no trade partner.
Sign Logan Stanley, Ferraro, or another D.

11 Mar 2026 13:37:26
Ur joking right???? Knies for EP!! Bud he sux! Knies is having a down year but isn’t and shouldn’t be going anywhere. Power forwards like him aren’t a dime a dozen. Now overpaid has beens like Elias Peterson’s are hard pass!

11 Mar 2026 14:23:45
Like Schmaltz and Stanley as targets ship Benoit out as well.

11 Mar 2026 16:15:49
Too late for Schmaltz. He signed for 8 yrs in Utah

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 22:05:09
I heard
Knies, Benoit, Groulx
Hage, Rienbacher

Yours makes more sense.
I would do either.

12 Mar 2026 09:57:47
I heard that Kaiden Guhle was on the table in a Montreal–Toronto trade, with Matthew
Knies going to Montreal. Toronto reportedly rejected the offer, which apparently included Guhle.

Personally, I would have tried something like this: Knies and Max Domi to Montreal, with Guhle and Josh Anderson going back to Toronto.

The cap hit would be almost even, and Toronto would get more physicality for the third line with Anderson. Guhle could shut down the opponent’s top players, and Morgan Rielly would have more freedom to play almost like a fourth forward while Guhle provides defensive coverage...

12 Mar 2026 14:07:01
That's a tough one Tags. I'd definitely be tempted. Also depends on wat the rest of the plan was for Matthews and Nylander.

11 Mar 2026 09:44:52
Well let’s mix up these teams a bit. Everyone has Willy going to ANH and Matthews to SJ. What if it was the other way around?

To ANH: Matthews, Reilly

To Tor: Sennecke, McTavish, Mintuykov


2nd:
To SJ: Nylander, Domi

To Tor: Misa, Ferraro (resigned 6M X 3)

11 Mar 2026 13:41:30
Clarky, absolute yes to both! If we could actually get that for AM and Nylander make it happen whomever and let’s go! Leafs with the cap space could still add some depth and we’d most likely make the playoffs next year.

Ntm drafting Keaton Verhoeff this year as well! This team would be ridiculous good if not right away but in a couple years look tf out!

11 Mar 2026 14:16:23
Like your enthusiasm, Henry77.

11 Mar 2026 14:27:24
I'd have to think Nylander gets more than an unproven first rounder and a bottom pair Dman alone.

11 Mar 2026 14:34:36
First trade, great for the Leafs.
2nd trade, I would think Nylander can get more than that. I assume you're taking off value for Domi, but Ferraro is a UFA, so I don't think the sign and trade carries a lot of value either as Leafs can just wait to offer that if he is willing to take it.

11 Mar 2026 15:15:18
Here’s why I shoot down this Anaheim trade. Why would the Ducks move cost-controlled young guys currently outplaying Matthews for a quick go-for-it move? Matthews is 28 with only two more years.

The Ducks with their young core could create a dynasty. It’s a great trade for Toronto, but I just don’t see the Ducks selling Senneke after they took so much crap for picking him 3rd overall.

11 Mar 2026 17:50:04
If you could get that haul in the first trade then yes. But realism always has to poke its nasty head up lol. To be honest, performance-wise of Matthews and Reilly of late and between them carrying $20.75 million of salary. That trade stands a lot better chance of flying with the year Nylander is having and with him and Domi bringing $5.5 less salary with them.



That second trade.... I agree with RLF, Nylander gets you way more than that just on his own. Right now he is still producing at 100 point season if he had not been hurt. Matthews value keeps dropping the longer that goal drought continues. 1 in his last 16 is not a real marketable player at the moment.

11 Mar 2026 18:20:50
In fact..... If the Ducks had a momeny of Insanity and did that first trade. Don't do the second trade. Put McTavish in the Middle and Sennecke on the left (He can play both sides) and Willy on the right. Now there is a line I could watch all season.

11 Mar 2026 23:45:09
Wow, this one got a lot of good feedback. Maybe Willy gets more, but I’m also paying to take Domi. I love that Sennecke kid. Plays like Knies did his first year. Seems to never run out of energy. Hits, scores and battles. I don’t think Anh would move him, but if they do, Matthews might be the one to change their mind.

12 Mar 2026 13:14:56
I’ve said it before and now again…. I would trade Matthews straight up for Sennecke. Especially how Matthews has played the past two seasons. Get the value while we can for him. I mean, maybe try for Solberg too as that’d be a nice 1 2 him and Verheoff ;)

10 Mar 2026 23:30:42
If Toronto were able to move Auston, LA would be an ideal trade partner. In a deal like that, LA could send Brandt Clarke and Quinton Byfield, plus a 2027 first- and second-round pick.

Another option would be if San Jose made an offer for Auston. Toronto could get Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, and a 2027 first-round pick+second round too in return.

Misa is a natural first-line center. Sam Dickinson, thanks to his strong shot, could also be a power-play threat from the blue line. Toronto hasn’t really had a defenseman with a true bomb of a shot in a long time, so it would be about time to get one.

Byfield could also work as a legit first-line center, and Clarke would be a true offensive defenseman on the top pair and a big asset on the power play as well.

10 Mar 2026 23:56:42
Ok ok I am not a mean, nasty guy but some on now. You had one post saying trade Matthews for 1 1st and Cayden Lindstrom with his measly 10 points at Michigan State.

And now this? My head hurts at how you go from one scenario of giving him away to asking for the Farm. Please explain your logic of reversal of value of Matthews in your mind.

11 Mar 2026 13:36:02
I’m not a worse guy either. Yeah, that Lindstrom post was kind of off, sorry about that. I was thinking about Auston’s current value and what you could realistically get for him. I don’t consider him a top-30 center anymore; his skating is a bit slow and I notice some lack of motivation, so I was ready to trade him in a weak scenario where only Toronto would really lose, even though Auston isn’t a star center anymore.



Not many people really know Auston’s current value, but it’s trending downward. Soon, you’d probably only get a decent second-line center in return.

11 Mar 2026 14:39:14
Thisisit
I've basically said the same thing about Matthews. If we keep him and he is now a 30+ goal two way centre, then the Leafs need a 1B, high end 2C as well. The 2 spot will need to be a much higher talent if Matthews is not going to be even close to 50 a year and not as dominant as in the past.

And of course, as you said, his trade value will reflect who he is, not what he once was.

11 Mar 2026 18:08:07
I still think the team that has the best group of prospects and still would have the cap to do a Matthews deal without affecting their roster drastically would be Seattle. They only have to fill 3 roster spots and have $33 mil in cap space. San Jose has tons of cap at $49 mil but has to fill 11 roster spots. Anaheim has $39 mil with 8 spots to fill. Matthews carries that $13 and change contract. So some teams I am sure would be hesitant to give up their young roster players that are playing well to get him.

As not they get that salary, but then also, if they give up 2 or 3 roster players, have more roster spots to fill on limited cap. So do they come out ahead or behind? That's why Seattle who has some bonafide Prospects not yet on the roster and draft picks are a great option. And.... Auston certainly likes his money as well so that salary of his in Seattle being one of those glorious tax free states, translates into him taking home roughly $2.2 million a year more.

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.

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.

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.