The Leafs journey to the first Stanley cup since '67. Joining Maple Leaf fans Worldwide !
The Leafs furious start hits a speed bump. The silver lining.
Over the course of a gruelling 82 game season every team does it, they hit the wall, so to speak, as their schedule gets tougher. The Leafs seemingly were off to a record start with Mathews and Tavares ready to score 200 goals between them and Morgan Reilly about to demolish everything Bobby Orr has ever done, they had defeated the Stanley cup champs in their own barn but then Sidney Crosby arrived. The Leafs were quickly reminded that unless Andersen was in top form and ready to carry the team's defense they weren't going to just outscore everyone 7 to 6 as Gretzky and the Oilers used to in the 1980's. The NHL had changed and now teams had defense, good goalies and their own offense. Next came St Louis, a team off to bad a start and hungry to win and win they did, beating the Maple Leafs soundly 4 to 1. The Leafs were off to a very respectable 6 and 3 start but a certain reality had set in. The Leafs were waiting for Andersen to win every game again. They weren't hustling and were waiting for their power play or power fully loaded offense to allow them to cheat other teams in the NHL.
Alas, the Maple Leafs were in the Eastern conference a complete beast that would only get worse as the season progressed. They had the Stanley cup champions Washington Capitals, there was Crosby,Malkin,Murray and former Leaf Phil Kessel, Yzerman's Stanley cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning not to mention arch nemesis Boston Bruins with that damn Chara on defense, not to mention former Leaf Tukka Rask in net. And let's not mention the Leaf's record against improving Buffalo and their loss to a surprising Ottawa Senator ,team. Perhaps the golden bubble had burst after all it was now some 10 games into the season and the other NHL teams would now start finding their game. By game 20 teams have usually worked on their weaknesses and started to gel, playing to their potential, as it were. The Leafs had found their potential early blowing teams straight out of the barn with a high powered offense, a much vaunted power play and some timely saves from goalies Andersen and new backup Garret Sparks.
Kyle Dubas had just flown over to Switzerland to talk to hold out William Nylander with one GM claiming Nylander wanted more than he was worth, rumoured to be $8 Million/yr long term. So Dubas had one chip he might be able to parlay into 2 things the Leafs would need to win a cup. Grit, hustle and defense but at $8 Million per year would there be any GM's willing to gamble on William Nylander and his potential ? It now seemed dubious. You see Dubas now not only had to find a GM willing and able to eat that kind of lunch but that GM must also have a top 2 defenseman he was willing to part with and that would take time. As the season progresses teams become hungry for offense ( see Philly signs JVR) as a lack of it can mean no playoffs, something many owners dread. At that point the pressure goes on the GM to " Do something !" from both ownership, the media and of course, the fans. Advantage Dubas, his team was going to the playoffs and he had until December first to make any hard and fast decision on the future of Leaf forward William Nylander who may have put himself into an odd position. Did any team want Nylander at $8 Million per year ? Could anyone fit that under their cap ? Possibly not and with Kappanen filling in admirably would the Leafs even consider it?
In all of this there was a definite silver lining. Many of the Leaf's support players were not playing upto par yet. Players such as Kadri, Brown, Johnsson, Gardiner all had more to give while Freddie Andersen has a penchant for starting to carry the team on his back around the game 20 mark, yet to come. The Leafs had lacked hustle and the lack of grit and determination found in players such Gilmour, Clark, Tucker, Domi etc. wasn't there. Their defense wasn't as good as some elite teams yet and everyone had forgotten how Andersen single handedly won many games last year while facing more rubber than a Goodyear factory. The Leafs were nowhere near firing on all cylinders and once the scoring machine Mathews and Tavares cooled they were now losing games and their weaknesses were being exposed early in the season. This was a blessing for Coach Babcock and a wake up call for the team. There was more to hockey than a hot power play. It was, in a way, back to the drawing board for Babcock who could now say " You see ! I told you this is the NHL!" and for new GM Kyle Dubas who now had much to ponder with regards to the Nylander situation and the Leaf's needs for the rest of the season and the Playoffs in the Beastly East. After all the Leafs could be facing Pittsburgh, Washington, Tampa Bay or even Boston in the first round. Heaven help the Leafs if they think a questionable defense or a lack of grit and determination would get them past that group. Thankfully the management now knows this and so do many of the Leaf's rabid fans. Stay tuned, this soap we call Leaf Nation should get very interesting soon,as it always does in Toronto the center of the hockey media universe.
Alas, the Maple Leafs were in the Eastern conference a complete beast that would only get worse as the season progressed. They had the Stanley cup champions Washington Capitals, there was Crosby,Malkin,Murray and former Leaf Phil Kessel, Yzerman's Stanley cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning not to mention arch nemesis Boston Bruins with that damn Chara on defense, not to mention former Leaf Tukka Rask in net. And let's not mention the Leaf's record against improving Buffalo and their loss to a surprising Ottawa Senator ,team. Perhaps the golden bubble had burst after all it was now some 10 games into the season and the other NHL teams would now start finding their game. By game 20 teams have usually worked on their weaknesses and started to gel, playing to their potential, as it were. The Leafs had found their potential early blowing teams straight out of the barn with a high powered offense, a much vaunted power play and some timely saves from goalies Andersen and new backup Garret Sparks.
Kyle Dubas had just flown over to Switzerland to talk to hold out William Nylander with one GM claiming Nylander wanted more than he was worth, rumoured to be $8 Million/yr long term. So Dubas had one chip he might be able to parlay into 2 things the Leafs would need to win a cup. Grit, hustle and defense but at $8 Million per year would there be any GM's willing to gamble on William Nylander and his potential ? It now seemed dubious. You see Dubas now not only had to find a GM willing and able to eat that kind of lunch but that GM must also have a top 2 defenseman he was willing to part with and that would take time. As the season progresses teams become hungry for offense ( see Philly signs JVR) as a lack of it can mean no playoffs, something many owners dread. At that point the pressure goes on the GM to " Do something !" from both ownership, the media and of course, the fans. Advantage Dubas, his team was going to the playoffs and he had until December first to make any hard and fast decision on the future of Leaf forward William Nylander who may have put himself into an odd position. Did any team want Nylander at $8 Million per year ? Could anyone fit that under their cap ? Possibly not and with Kappanen filling in admirably would the Leafs even consider it?
In all of this there was a definite silver lining. Many of the Leaf's support players were not playing upto par yet. Players such as Kadri, Brown, Johnsson, Gardiner all had more to give while Freddie Andersen has a penchant for starting to carry the team on his back around the game 20 mark, yet to come. The Leafs had lacked hustle and the lack of grit and determination found in players such Gilmour, Clark, Tucker, Domi etc. wasn't there. Their defense wasn't as good as some elite teams yet and everyone had forgotten how Andersen single handedly won many games last year while facing more rubber than a Goodyear factory. The Leafs were nowhere near firing on all cylinders and once the scoring machine Mathews and Tavares cooled they were now losing games and their weaknesses were being exposed early in the season. This was a blessing for Coach Babcock and a wake up call for the team. There was more to hockey than a hot power play. It was, in a way, back to the drawing board for Babcock who could now say " You see ! I told you this is the NHL!" and for new GM Kyle Dubas who now had much to ponder with regards to the Nylander situation and the Leaf's needs for the rest of the season and the Playoffs in the Beastly East. After all the Leafs could be facing Pittsburgh, Washington, Tampa Bay or even Boston in the first round. Heaven help the Leafs if they think a questionable defense or a lack of grit and determination would get them past that group. Thankfully the management now knows this and so do many of the Leaf's rabid fans. Stay tuned, this soap we call Leaf Nation should get very interesting soon,as it always does in Toronto the center of the hockey media universe.
Is it time for the Leafs to consider trading Nylander?
With the signing of star Center John Tavares this summer, the Leafs hieracrchy changed and so did their cap situation, future speak.. they said. "We will manage it" they said. Then suddenly, the Toronto Maple Leaf's cap situation managed them. Did Dubas etc. foresee this ? Most likely. By signing Tavares Dubas gave himself leverage over a younger player who couldn't just walk away. Tavares apparently, only agreed to sign after talking to star Center Auston Mathews about " He better be in it for the long haul !"
So what did this all mean ? Radical culture change. This was now a family with a cause. To bring the cup back home for the first time since 1967, a massive feat, given the history of this franchise that has only been matched by the Chicago Cubs. Alas, William Nylander advised by those not so interested in accomplishing that goal and more in longterm dollars derailed his chance. For better or worse the perception of many Leaf fans was that Nylander and his dad were greedy or Nylander was a spoilt millenial kid who said " I have to look after myself." And he was right perhaps, if one doesn't care about winning silverware. What he doesn't appreciate is that he hasn't really accomplished that much so far in his career. His play in last year's playoffs was underwheming to say the least, especially when you are playing alongside the likes of Auston Mathews, a player who many consider of the highest order. He hasn't shown anyone he is better than say Ehlers of Winnipeg who makes $6.5 Million per year, nor is he any better than The Maple Leaf's Morgan Reilly or Nazem Kadri, who make far less with more impact and a more substantial track record. Nylander is still all potential. His agent looks at Mathews and Mitch Marner and speculates what they might sign for or be worth and doesn't want his client to miss out on his big payday. The problem is Marner grew up dreaming a Maple Leafs cup at night and will never leave without one. Auston Mathews has already given his word to John Tavares who signed below market value to come here. Reilly and Kadri took fair market to be here.This left Nylander, the black sheep outside looking in.
The major point of weakness that will stop the Toronto Maple Leafs from winning the cup is and always will be defense. It is weak and pourous. The only 2 defenseman I wouldn't trade are Morgan Reilly and a young kid in Travis Dermott who is still learning the game. Veteran Ron Hainsey is now 37, Jake Gardiner will be a unrestricted free agent soon. Zaitsev was fresh coming off a brutal injury plagued year that left him as a question mark as was the rest of the whole defense. Everyone keeps saying it is "team defense." it isn't, it is a bad defense, a gambling, offense driven defense. The Leafs have the likes of Timothy Liljegren and newly drafted Sandin in their prospect pool and can't afford to get nothing for Gardiner. Their forward ranks are stacked and Tavares is an upgrade on Nylander supplying both proven experience, loyalty to the cause and leadership for Mathews.
Like it or not, this is a business yet no one should be above the team/ family and Nylander has broken rank. The Maple leafs have no choice now but to try and trade William Nylander and his dad/agent for the badly missing piece on defense. They have the assets to trade with and can throw in the likes of Gardiner, Zaitsev or even a first rounder/ prospects, if need be. I don't see that Dubas has much choice anymore. The season has started and once again the Maple Leafs defense has looked bad to many fans. They are simply outscoring the opposition as Tavares slowly adjusts to his new team, it often takes at least 10 games to gel. As the games get tougher, the need for a defenseman and more grit will get more pronounced. The last thing this team needs is to give up assets such as Gardiner( see JVR) and lose in the first round again. Maple Leaf fans need to brace for it, William Nylander could soon very well be gone and if he is, it is for the good of the team. If he must "take care of himself first." then so must this team. When you consider a trade you must look at many variables and one is, does this player want to be here and win ? The answer is "no !" For better or worse he has put himself above the team at a time they have a glaring need only his value can draw in a trade. No team will give you a star defenseman under contract or of major value for nothing anymore. They are simply too valuable and there is no way Toronto can fit one under cap and sign William Nylander to major dollars longterm. Something must give way and I highly doubt it is Dubas or Shanahan who will do so. Brace for it Leaf fans but unless Nylander and his agent give in, his days as a Leaf are now numbered.
I will leave it to the pundits to speculate on William Nylander's value to another team but you have to admit a package of say Nylander, soon to be UFA Jake Gardiner and a conditional first rounder will get some GM"s attention and I will bet those discussions will now start in earnest.
Update Oct. 22 2018: Dubas feels no pressure to trade Nylander. Both rumours and Nylander can sit. The minute Dubas signed Tavares he had till Dec 1st. Let's put one ice on it. Odds of Nylander being traded right now . Low.
Update Oct 27 2018 : Kapanen is more than filling in for Willy and I doubt he seeks $8M / yr. Kappanen was rated higher than Nylander before the draft, maybe they were right because he scores the big goals consistently.
Update Nov 17th 2018. All is quiet on the Eastern front. The Leafs minus Mathews and Nylander are in first place. The Leafs can now ice Nylander for the year causing a loss of $$$ he will never recoup sending a loud message. Think I'm crazy ? See Bell, NFL: Pitts Stealers.
So what did this all mean ? Radical culture change. This was now a family with a cause. To bring the cup back home for the first time since 1967, a massive feat, given the history of this franchise that has only been matched by the Chicago Cubs. Alas, William Nylander advised by those not so interested in accomplishing that goal and more in longterm dollars derailed his chance. For better or worse the perception of many Leaf fans was that Nylander and his dad were greedy or Nylander was a spoilt millenial kid who said " I have to look after myself." And he was right perhaps, if one doesn't care about winning silverware. What he doesn't appreciate is that he hasn't really accomplished that much so far in his career. His play in last year's playoffs was underwheming to say the least, especially when you are playing alongside the likes of Auston Mathews, a player who many consider of the highest order. He hasn't shown anyone he is better than say Ehlers of Winnipeg who makes $6.5 Million per year, nor is he any better than The Maple Leaf's Morgan Reilly or Nazem Kadri, who make far less with more impact and a more substantial track record. Nylander is still all potential. His agent looks at Mathews and Mitch Marner and speculates what they might sign for or be worth and doesn't want his client to miss out on his big payday. The problem is Marner grew up dreaming a Maple Leafs cup at night and will never leave without one. Auston Mathews has already given his word to John Tavares who signed below market value to come here. Reilly and Kadri took fair market to be here.This left Nylander, the black sheep outside looking in.
The major point of weakness that will stop the Toronto Maple Leafs from winning the cup is and always will be defense. It is weak and pourous. The only 2 defenseman I wouldn't trade are Morgan Reilly and a young kid in Travis Dermott who is still learning the game. Veteran Ron Hainsey is now 37, Jake Gardiner will be a unrestricted free agent soon. Zaitsev was fresh coming off a brutal injury plagued year that left him as a question mark as was the rest of the whole defense. Everyone keeps saying it is "team defense." it isn't, it is a bad defense, a gambling, offense driven defense. The Leafs have the likes of Timothy Liljegren and newly drafted Sandin in their prospect pool and can't afford to get nothing for Gardiner. Their forward ranks are stacked and Tavares is an upgrade on Nylander supplying both proven experience, loyalty to the cause and leadership for Mathews.
Like it or not, this is a business yet no one should be above the team/ family and Nylander has broken rank. The Maple leafs have no choice now but to try and trade William Nylander and his dad/agent for the badly missing piece on defense. They have the assets to trade with and can throw in the likes of Gardiner, Zaitsev or even a first rounder/ prospects, if need be. I don't see that Dubas has much choice anymore. The season has started and once again the Maple Leafs defense has looked bad to many fans. They are simply outscoring the opposition as Tavares slowly adjusts to his new team, it often takes at least 10 games to gel. As the games get tougher, the need for a defenseman and more grit will get more pronounced. The last thing this team needs is to give up assets such as Gardiner( see JVR) and lose in the first round again. Maple Leaf fans need to brace for it, William Nylander could soon very well be gone and if he is, it is for the good of the team. If he must "take care of himself first." then so must this team. When you consider a trade you must look at many variables and one is, does this player want to be here and win ? The answer is "no !" For better or worse he has put himself above the team at a time they have a glaring need only his value can draw in a trade. No team will give you a star defenseman under contract or of major value for nothing anymore. They are simply too valuable and there is no way Toronto can fit one under cap and sign William Nylander to major dollars longterm. Something must give way and I highly doubt it is Dubas or Shanahan who will do so. Brace for it Leaf fans but unless Nylander and his agent give in, his days as a Leaf are now numbered.
I will leave it to the pundits to speculate on William Nylander's value to another team but you have to admit a package of say Nylander, soon to be UFA Jake Gardiner and a conditional first rounder will get some GM"s attention and I will bet those discussions will now start in earnest.
Update Oct. 22 2018: Dubas feels no pressure to trade Nylander. Both rumours and Nylander can sit. The minute Dubas signed Tavares he had till Dec 1st. Let's put one ice on it. Odds of Nylander being traded right now . Low.
Update Oct 27 2018 : Kapanen is more than filling in for Willy and I doubt he seeks $8M / yr. Kappanen was rated higher than Nylander before the draft, maybe they were right because he scores the big goals consistently.
Update Nov 17th 2018. All is quiet on the Eastern front. The Leafs minus Mathews and Nylander are in first place. The Leafs can now ice Nylander for the year causing a loss of $$$ he will never recoup sending a loud message. Think I'm crazy ? See Bell, NFL: Pitts Stealers.
Life is great for Leaf fans as media "crys the blues."
It was the worst of times for the media types in Toronto, times had truly changed. For the media types it was the worst of all news. You see for decades they had made their living pouring their derision on the lowly but loyal Leaf fans who suffered through some of the most inept management and trades ever seen in professional sports. But one day, everything changed. Rogers Cable bought the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Ontario teacher's pension plan who were content just to cash in on the regular season gate receipts and didn't seem to care for playoff glory or it's riches in Toronto. Rogers hired Brennan Shanahan and then suddenly after decades of being the laughing stock of the NHL the fans were turning the tables on their evil oppressors and mocking them for hating the Leafs and her fans. The Leafs, other than unloading Phil Kessel were no longer making bad moves. They had Mike Babcock at the helm and finally got their star Center, Auston Mathews, number one overall in the NHL draft. Another turning point was when the Leaf's GM Lou Lamorello landed Fredrick Andersen for a very good price and out of nowhere Connor Brown and Andreas Johnsson appeared from the long forgotten Burke era. If that wasn't enough, Timothy Liljegren got mono and free fell through the draft allowing Toronto to take him 17th overall in a weak draft class. Was that enough? Hardly. Mitch Marner(4th overall) and William Nylander(8th overall) started to rear their heads as well giving Toronto the best collection of forwards since the Oilers. At the same time the stubborn coach Mike Babcock got through to Morgan Reilly who finally emerged as a bonafide top 2 defenseman while Travis Dermott made huge strides in 2018 as well, all the way from the 2nd round in 2015. How could it get any better? Well, New York Islanders star Center John Tavares(former 1st overall pick) woke up one day and said " I'm going home to get a cup!" Thus the nightmare for the Toronto media who had for years made their living laughing at the Leafs and their fans had begun with a thunderous roar. To make matters even more delicious The Leaf's farm team the Toronto Marlies won the AHL's Calder cup giving The Maple Leafs a stream of soon to be ready NHL prospects for years to come. There was precious little for the Toronto media to pick apart anymore, how would they survive these lean times ? They couldn't just join the rabid Leaf fans who could smell a cup coming from miles away, so they told them to calm down and not get excited.
Consider this, Toronto's Center is 4th ranked Auston Mathews, 10th ranked John Tavarres and their 3rd line Centerman is none other than Nazem Kadri, the guy who shut down and crushed Connor McDavid and scored 2 goals in the process. Their wingers included the likes of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Connor Brown along with sniper Andreas Johnsson and speedster Kappanen not to mention veteran scorer Patrick Marleau.It is doubtful Toronto has ever had such a skilled group of forwards and still they added Tyler Ennis to the group while hard working Hyman brought up the rear. The Leafs also have some promising winger prospects such as Carl Grundstrom,Jeremy Bracco,Yegor Korshkov and Pierre Engvall marinating in the minors. In a word, Toronto is "Stacked!" The Leaf fans need apologize for nothing. This is an incredibly exciting team entering the 2018 NHL season and with the addition of a defenseman to play with Morgan Reilly becomes the cup favorite. So rave on Leaf fans, you have every right and you have earned it! Dubas has the assets and needless to say when the right offer comes he will add the needed pieces. I smell a cup within 2 seasons in Toronto and if you don't think this is one of the best teams in NHL hockey then you must be half blind.
Consider this, Toronto's Center is 4th ranked Auston Mathews, 10th ranked John Tavarres and their 3rd line Centerman is none other than Nazem Kadri, the guy who shut down and crushed Connor McDavid and scored 2 goals in the process. Their wingers included the likes of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Connor Brown along with sniper Andreas Johnsson and speedster Kappanen not to mention veteran scorer Patrick Marleau.It is doubtful Toronto has ever had such a skilled group of forwards and still they added Tyler Ennis to the group while hard working Hyman brought up the rear. The Leafs also have some promising winger prospects such as Carl Grundstrom,Jeremy Bracco,Yegor Korshkov and Pierre Engvall marinating in the minors. In a word, Toronto is "Stacked!" The Leaf fans need apologize for nothing. This is an incredibly exciting team entering the 2018 NHL season and with the addition of a defenseman to play with Morgan Reilly becomes the cup favorite. So rave on Leaf fans, you have every right and you have earned it! Dubas has the assets and needless to say when the right offer comes he will add the needed pieces. I smell a cup within 2 seasons in Toronto and if you don't think this is one of the best teams in NHL hockey then you must be half blind.
Latest trade rumours. Toronto Maple Leafs . TD Fizzle...
Jan 12 2022: Most plausible rumour. Sandin, Robertson and our first rounder for Jeff Chychrun. Very plausible.
Jan 10 2022
Kyle Dubas most likely realizes the Leafs need a top 3 defensive defenseman for the Leafs to make any real noise this year in the playoffs. All roads to the cup lead through Tampa Bay but Tampa has the cup and a better defense. Sandin and Liljegren have progressed well but aren't ready for top 3 minutes just yet. Dubas has many issues cap wise and will have to make a lot of decisions based on free agency, cost to his cap and who he can even resign. All we can do is look at his options but letting guys just walk for zip year after year needs to end. The prospect pool is middling and Sandin and Liljegren were two of your more NHL for sure type prospects.
Alex Kerfoot. Alex is a UFA next summer and only making $3.5 Million. With all the guys Dubas has to sign, Bunting, Soup 1 and 2, Kerfoot will get a raise elsewhere. Because the Leafs have Marner , Dubas will have to look at a trade if a package lands him a top defenseman.
Pierre Engvall. With Soup back his days are numbered . If Dubas got offered a 3rd rounder at TD, he would take it.
Jake Muzzin. It isn't likely he gets moved at all. The cost to eat his contract would be a first rounder and Dubas will want that for a bigger type deal and just hope Muzzin picks it up come playoffs one last time.
Nick Ritchie. He just cleared waivers. Next.
T.Dermott. This could happen in a package with Kerfoot for an upgrade on defense. If it was a young stud defenseman Dubas could throw in his first rounder and go all in.
J.Holl. You might get a respectable upgrade on defense with Kerfoot but it would cost you your first as well. Highly unlikely he gets moved before summer.
Nick Robertson. He has only played 2 games and many will think he is a Dubas castoff since they can't gauge his game fully. Will not get traded before TD nor till he puts a half decent amount of games in a row.
Rodion Amirov. He hasn't done much in the KHL yet and is 2 years away. GM's will want a player who can either help now or next season whereas Dubas can easily sit on him for 2 years because he is overstacked on the wings, if he resigns everyone. Worth more to Dubas than other GMs. Highly unlikely he goes anywhere unless its a monster deal and the other GM inists on having him.
Topi Niemela. People will ask for him but Dubas won't listen. It will take a deal Dubas can't refuse, which is overpay me time. Dubas could look really stupid in 2 to 3 years if he trades this guy and doesn't get top return.
======================================================================================= Jan 10 2022 Potential targets.
Ben Chiarot the 30 year old 6 ft 3 inch 234 lb defenseman is a UFA at the end of the year playing for Montreal. He could really help in the playoff battles and stabalize the defense. The price will be a first rounder and someone will pay it at TD. Given it's Montreal and that he will walk at the end of the year, he won't be Dubas' first choice. Dubas will want youth first when he is shopping for defensemen since Muzzin is starting to show his years.
Jakob Chychrun: The Leafs would love to get their hands on this guy who is only 23 and could help their p.p with his shot and offense. The problem is so would a lot of other GM's. If Dubas gets in a bidding war the price would be Sandin a first rounder and a very good prospect. While it's a nice thought Dubas will seek cheaper options, especially if the prospect is Niemela.
Mark Pysyk. The 6 ft 1 inch 200 lb 29 year old defensemen plays for the Buffalo Sabres who likely will be sellers. The cost ? Most likely a 2nd rounder or a good prospect. This one is very plausible.
Scott Mayfield is a 29 year old,6 ft 5 inch defenseman with the NY Islanders who may not be sellers.
TOMAS HERTL is a 28 year old 6ft 3 inch center with the San Jose Sharks. While it may happen, it isn't likely because of the cost and the fact Toronto has Kampf and Spezza. Center isn't the Leafs weakness but the cost of Hertl would be high. Most likely media speculation.
Dylan Strome. A rumour creeping around but again, who does he replace ? He makes $3 Million per year, making this one armchair GM fodder, not likely.
Jan 10 2022
Kyle Dubas most likely realizes the Leafs need a top 3 defensive defenseman for the Leafs to make any real noise this year in the playoffs. All roads to the cup lead through Tampa Bay but Tampa has the cup and a better defense. Sandin and Liljegren have progressed well but aren't ready for top 3 minutes just yet. Dubas has many issues cap wise and will have to make a lot of decisions based on free agency, cost to his cap and who he can even resign. All we can do is look at his options but letting guys just walk for zip year after year needs to end. The prospect pool is middling and Sandin and Liljegren were two of your more NHL for sure type prospects.
Alex Kerfoot. Alex is a UFA next summer and only making $3.5 Million. With all the guys Dubas has to sign, Bunting, Soup 1 and 2, Kerfoot will get a raise elsewhere. Because the Leafs have Marner , Dubas will have to look at a trade if a package lands him a top defenseman.
Pierre Engvall. With Soup back his days are numbered . If Dubas got offered a 3rd rounder at TD, he would take it.
Jake Muzzin. It isn't likely he gets moved at all. The cost to eat his contract would be a first rounder and Dubas will want that for a bigger type deal and just hope Muzzin picks it up come playoffs one last time.
Nick Ritchie. He just cleared waivers. Next.
T.Dermott. This could happen in a package with Kerfoot for an upgrade on defense. If it was a young stud defenseman Dubas could throw in his first rounder and go all in.
J.Holl. You might get a respectable upgrade on defense with Kerfoot but it would cost you your first as well. Highly unlikely he gets moved before summer.
Nick Robertson. He has only played 2 games and many will think he is a Dubas castoff since they can't gauge his game fully. Will not get traded before TD nor till he puts a half decent amount of games in a row.
Rodion Amirov. He hasn't done much in the KHL yet and is 2 years away. GM's will want a player who can either help now or next season whereas Dubas can easily sit on him for 2 years because he is overstacked on the wings, if he resigns everyone. Worth more to Dubas than other GMs. Highly unlikely he goes anywhere unless its a monster deal and the other GM inists on having him.
Topi Niemela. People will ask for him but Dubas won't listen. It will take a deal Dubas can't refuse, which is overpay me time. Dubas could look really stupid in 2 to 3 years if he trades this guy and doesn't get top return.
======================================================================================= Jan 10 2022 Potential targets.
Ben Chiarot the 30 year old 6 ft 3 inch 234 lb defenseman is a UFA at the end of the year playing for Montreal. He could really help in the playoff battles and stabalize the defense. The price will be a first rounder and someone will pay it at TD. Given it's Montreal and that he will walk at the end of the year, he won't be Dubas' first choice. Dubas will want youth first when he is shopping for defensemen since Muzzin is starting to show his years.
Jakob Chychrun: The Leafs would love to get their hands on this guy who is only 23 and could help their p.p with his shot and offense. The problem is so would a lot of other GM's. If Dubas gets in a bidding war the price would be Sandin a first rounder and a very good prospect. While it's a nice thought Dubas will seek cheaper options, especially if the prospect is Niemela.
Mark Pysyk. The 6 ft 1 inch 200 lb 29 year old defensemen plays for the Buffalo Sabres who likely will be sellers. The cost ? Most likely a 2nd rounder or a good prospect. This one is very plausible.
Scott Mayfield is a 29 year old,6 ft 5 inch defenseman with the NY Islanders who may not be sellers.
TOMAS HERTL is a 28 year old 6ft 3 inch center with the San Jose Sharks. While it may happen, it isn't likely because of the cost and the fact Toronto has Kampf and Spezza. Center isn't the Leafs weakness but the cost of Hertl would be high. Most likely media speculation.
Dylan Strome. A rumour creeping around but again, who does he replace ? He makes $3 Million per year, making this one armchair GM fodder, not likely.
Feb 6th 2020:Confirmed trade. The Maple Leafs trade winger Trevor Moore, a 3rd rounder and a conditional 3rd rounder(2021) for 29 year old LW Kyle Clifford and goaltender Jack Campbell.
Jan24th: There are somewhat credible rumblings the Oilers and Leafs may be sizing each other up.Names like Johnsson, Kerfoot and Kapanen are being kicked about. On the Oilers side the Leafs are talking Adam Larsson or Darnell Nurse, if Reilly is out till playoffs.Oilers could use some secondary scoring after the Taylor Hall trade, on the wings. The Leafs will want a RH Defenseman under contract longer than just this year.Jeremy Bracco with the Marlies becomes sweetner as Dubas picked OHL's scoring phenom Nick Robertson(2nd round), so he won't blink if that fixes the deal up tight.
Another name that keeps popping up is Brett Pesche a RHD on the Carolina Canes but the price might be steep.
Well, it has been a while and as of 16th of Jan, there were no real credible rumours. With Morgan Reilly now out for 2 months with a broken foot and Andreas Johnsson coming back from injury some credible rumours are emerging.Teams are calling Leaf GM Dubas about his desire for a defenseman, most likely a right hander.One rumour I could believe is Buffalo who themselves are fighting to even make the playoffs. The rumour is Andreas Johnsson and Tyson Barrie for Buffalo's Montour or Ristolenien.I could see this one making sense as Barrie will be a UFA and the Leafs have wingers to spare with the emergence of Engvall and Micheyev and possibly Korshkov next season.They also have some sweetner such Bracco and Timashov. Likelihood for this rumour,5 out of 10.
November 3rd 2019: As of this writing there are no concrete rumours floating around but coach Mike Babcock recently benched William Nylander for indifferent play. He is the most likely to be traded but GM Kyle Dubas is a stumbling block. His inexperience and lack of humility may not allow him to admit his mistake. In overpaying Nylander he opened the flood gates and put himself into cap hell. The recent headhunting of star Center Auston Mathews along with the injury to Jake Muzzin has shown that teams see the Leafs much as agents view Dubas, "soft as butter".
The Leafs play has raised concerns but it is doubtful Dubas is listening. The Leafs are playing uninspired hockey and many think this team won't go far in the playoffs with the current lineup.
Their defense has not improved nor have their special teams and their effort is sub-par, struggling to get wins against teams they should have no problems with.
Well it is that time again, to decipher between grass concocted fantasies at the bar/work or reality driven murmurs from those in the supposed know. This is the net, so please take it with some salt.
July 21 2019: Well, it's the dog days of summer and the only rumour Leaf fans want to hear is what is going on with star Mitch Marner? I'm sure other teams want to offer sheet RW Mitch Marner but I'm not sure he would sign them. This is now more akin to the William Nylander situation last year and we are in a Mexican standoff. My best guess is that GM Kyle Dubas doesn't want a repeat and neither does Marner. Marner wants a cup now and knows if he misses half the season it could cost us and him a real chance next summer in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I have no idea but my best guess is Marner gets signed at $10.5M on a 5 year deal and saves face as he is now close to star Center Auston Mathew's paygrade and he must know Toronto is now cap strapped with no real room for improvement via trade route. We will be counting on our younger guys maturing and just plain playing better next year, being a year older and wiser. Any improvement will come internally or perhaps at TD, although Toronto has no more room to offer up first rounders in TD trades in my opinion. As good as Kyle Dubas is at drafting, sooner or later a strong draft comes along and you need those cheaper prospects down the line.I see no more major changes to this lineup at this point. The Kadri deal having already been done and bringing in Right handed defenseman Barrie and 3rd line Center Kerfoot from Colorado.
May 2nd 2019: The rumour is Mitch Marner and his agent want $9M/ year and that Leaf GM Kyle Dubas has said " Take a lap." A different tone may have set in after Dubas didn't appear to look good on the Auston Mathews and the William Nylander negotiations.
August 12th: weak rumour of Tyler Myers being traded to the Leafs.
Fake Twitter rumour : August 3rd- The Maple Leafs sign William Nylander to a 6 year contract at an average of $6.575 Million per year.
Rumour: August 1st 2018 - The are rumours Toronto has some interest in St Louis' Defenseman Colton Parayko. Hard to believe because St Louis is in win now mode and the price would be very high. I would imagine the bid starts with William Nylander who is apparently asking for $8M/yr to sign.We will follow this one as it would greatly help the Leafs defense but try not to lose any sleep as I would rate this one as not very likely to happen.
Nothing tangible to report on Nylander deal. We may be starting the season without him at this point. Thankfully we signed Tavares.
October 6 2018 : Rumour is William Nylander seeks $8.5 M and isn't budging on his demands. To me it looks like he will not be signed. The reality is Ehlers on Winnipeg makes $6.5M and there is nothing in Nylander's game set that implies he is better or even as good as Ehlers. If Winnipeg called and offered me Ehlers for Nylander straight up right now, I would take it. Odds are now good he will have to be traded, we simply can't make those numbers work with the group we have. Kadri, Andersen and Reilly all make about $5M each. I would now rate it above 50 percent he is traded and most likely for a defenseman. If that happens Gardiner(UFA soon) comes into play.
Dumping McIheney may very well come back and bite us, cost cutting measure or not. Sparks needs to win some games and not get blown out or we may be looking for another backup G.
October 13 /18 : There is a rumour Colorado may offer sheet Nylander 6 yrs for $48M which would cost them four first rounders. Stay tuned.
October 20th :Rumours are that the Leafs won't be signing Nylander longterm for the money he wants rumoured to be $8M/yr. They will now negotiate on short term. No sign of a trade as of now.
October 27th 2018 :Another one bites the dust? It was about to be announced within days,William Nylander was no longer practicing in Austria, new bridge deal... Not! Dubas has been taking in games and the most likely trading partner is... Carolina. They are on fire with a good young team and have the defense to barter with. I could also see a team like NYR being willing to pay Nylander his asking price. But do they have the pieces?
* retarded talk of the month; Leafs will trade Kadri to make room for Nylander. Odds now zero, Mathews is injured again, Kadri goes nowhere.
November 3rd. Toronto just thumped Pittsburgh 5 to 0 with Morgan Reilly now off his leash and starting to look every bit the impact defenseman we always thought he would be. Odds are now very high Nylander gets traded. Dubas has been seen scouting other teams and December 1st gets closer. This was always going to happen. At $ 8M/yr. Nylander played his hand, fans must accept this but Toronto had no plan for this and made their move when they signed Tavares. Toronto needs pieces for the playoffs and Nylander is the collateral teams want and need, offense. The Leafs are plentiful offensively and something had to give and it did, Nylander opted out of Toronto in his own way, " I need to take care of myself." I don't blame him but we cannot afford him and to win a cup a price must be paid. 87 percent chance now Dubas is getting ready to pull the trigger, his hand has been forced but in a way he must have known that when he signed Tavares. Nylander wants to be front and center and paid that way, he can never do that in Leafland. With Mathews, Tavares, Marner and Reilly in front of him he needs to go to a team where the competition to be spotlight is far more sparse and of course the GM thinks his 41 pts. playing with Mathews is worth $8 M/ yr. Like it or not but Kapanen now replaces Nylander and life goes on just as did for the Oilers after Greztky went to L.A.. that's hockey.
November 23rd 2018 : The rumour is Dubas will have words on the William Nylander situation by 5pm today. My guess is bridge deal at this point. Stay tuned. OK and after 5 pm... keep staying tuned ?
Nov 28th 2018 : Auston Mathews returns vs San Jose Sharks and mercifully Nylander has a date with December 1st coming up.
November 29th: Nice Rumour. The Flyers may be shaking things up soon and one player I could see Dubas and Toronto having interest in is Wayne Simmonds. The Leafs could sure use a guy like him in the top 9 and he could have surprising impact in this lineup. The price a good young player who can play soon, perhaps our first rounder 2018 and winger Ygor Korshkov a former Hunter 2nd overall pick.
December 1st 5:03 pm Word is William Nylander has signed with the Leafs at 6 years / $6.9M.
Dec 3rd 2018: Josh Leivo goes to the Canucks for an unknown undrafted winger called Carcone. The Canucks win this one and I hope there are some future considerations in there. Leivo could pot 20 goals someday but with William Nylander to make room for, his days were numbered. Best of luck and you did well Josh!
Dec 12th 2018: Bad rumour alert. Alex Pieterangelo may be up for grabs after St Louis is off to their worst start since I don't know when. The Leafs have the pieces but it is doubtful they will pay the price. Right now The Leafs have Gardiner and Zaitsev to contend with and quite frankly, they don't have the cap nor the desire. Pure media speculation at best. Won't happen... Apparently Pieterangelo needs to go for hand surgery.
Dec 23rd: This one may have some legs. The Leafs may have some interest in Kronwall as a rental, especially given his history with Mike Babcock in Detroit. I'm not sure of the price but if it is reasonable such as a 2nd rounder it is very plausible at TD.
Jan 1st 2019 : The rumour that won't go away. Pieternagelo. Rumour is the Leafs have some interest but what is the cost?
Jan 6th 2019 : Leafs add veteran goalie Michael Hutchinson from Florida for a 5th rounder in 2020. Hutchinson looked solid in his first Leaf game getting a shut out versus the Canucks in a 5 to 0 thrashing.
Rumours are Simmonds is not happy in Philly and it doesn't look good for Philly making the playoffs thus year. JVR has not panned out either. A player such as Marlies Jeremy Bracco is bound to get their attention but will Dubas pay that price ?
Jan 28th :
December 2020: There is a rumour floating that Leaf GM Kyle Dubas is entertaining offers for goaltender Frederick Andersen who is on the last year of his current contract. If he wants a raise, it is doubtful he will get one from Toronto and they may not want to let him walk away for nothing. The strongest rumour, so far, is The Carolina Hurricanes may have some serious interest.
Jan24th: There are somewhat credible rumblings the Oilers and Leafs may be sizing each other up.Names like Johnsson, Kerfoot and Kapanen are being kicked about. On the Oilers side the Leafs are talking Adam Larsson or Darnell Nurse, if Reilly is out till playoffs.Oilers could use some secondary scoring after the Taylor Hall trade, on the wings. The Leafs will want a RH Defenseman under contract longer than just this year.Jeremy Bracco with the Marlies becomes sweetner as Dubas picked OHL's scoring phenom Nick Robertson(2nd round), so he won't blink if that fixes the deal up tight.
Another name that keeps popping up is Brett Pesche a RHD on the Carolina Canes but the price might be steep.
Well, it has been a while and as of 16th of Jan, there were no real credible rumours. With Morgan Reilly now out for 2 months with a broken foot and Andreas Johnsson coming back from injury some credible rumours are emerging.Teams are calling Leaf GM Dubas about his desire for a defenseman, most likely a right hander.One rumour I could believe is Buffalo who themselves are fighting to even make the playoffs. The rumour is Andreas Johnsson and Tyson Barrie for Buffalo's Montour or Ristolenien.I could see this one making sense as Barrie will be a UFA and the Leafs have wingers to spare with the emergence of Engvall and Micheyev and possibly Korshkov next season.They also have some sweetner such Bracco and Timashov. Likelihood for this rumour,5 out of 10.
November 3rd 2019: As of this writing there are no concrete rumours floating around but coach Mike Babcock recently benched William Nylander for indifferent play. He is the most likely to be traded but GM Kyle Dubas is a stumbling block. His inexperience and lack of humility may not allow him to admit his mistake. In overpaying Nylander he opened the flood gates and put himself into cap hell. The recent headhunting of star Center Auston Mathews along with the injury to Jake Muzzin has shown that teams see the Leafs much as agents view Dubas, "soft as butter".
The Leafs play has raised concerns but it is doubtful Dubas is listening. The Leafs are playing uninspired hockey and many think this team won't go far in the playoffs with the current lineup.
Their defense has not improved nor have their special teams and their effort is sub-par, struggling to get wins against teams they should have no problems with.
Well it is that time again, to decipher between grass concocted fantasies at the bar/work or reality driven murmurs from those in the supposed know. This is the net, so please take it with some salt.
July 21 2019: Well, it's the dog days of summer and the only rumour Leaf fans want to hear is what is going on with star Mitch Marner? I'm sure other teams want to offer sheet RW Mitch Marner but I'm not sure he would sign them. This is now more akin to the William Nylander situation last year and we are in a Mexican standoff. My best guess is that GM Kyle Dubas doesn't want a repeat and neither does Marner. Marner wants a cup now and knows if he misses half the season it could cost us and him a real chance next summer in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I have no idea but my best guess is Marner gets signed at $10.5M on a 5 year deal and saves face as he is now close to star Center Auston Mathew's paygrade and he must know Toronto is now cap strapped with no real room for improvement via trade route. We will be counting on our younger guys maturing and just plain playing better next year, being a year older and wiser. Any improvement will come internally or perhaps at TD, although Toronto has no more room to offer up first rounders in TD trades in my opinion. As good as Kyle Dubas is at drafting, sooner or later a strong draft comes along and you need those cheaper prospects down the line.I see no more major changes to this lineup at this point. The Kadri deal having already been done and bringing in Right handed defenseman Barrie and 3rd line Center Kerfoot from Colorado.
May 2nd 2019: The rumour is Mitch Marner and his agent want $9M/ year and that Leaf GM Kyle Dubas has said " Take a lap." A different tone may have set in after Dubas didn't appear to look good on the Auston Mathews and the William Nylander negotiations.
August 12th: weak rumour of Tyler Myers being traded to the Leafs.
Fake Twitter rumour : August 3rd- The Maple Leafs sign William Nylander to a 6 year contract at an average of $6.575 Million per year.
Rumour: August 1st 2018 - The are rumours Toronto has some interest in St Louis' Defenseman Colton Parayko. Hard to believe because St Louis is in win now mode and the price would be very high. I would imagine the bid starts with William Nylander who is apparently asking for $8M/yr to sign.We will follow this one as it would greatly help the Leafs defense but try not to lose any sleep as I would rate this one as not very likely to happen.
Nothing tangible to report on Nylander deal. We may be starting the season without him at this point. Thankfully we signed Tavares.
October 6 2018 : Rumour is William Nylander seeks $8.5 M and isn't budging on his demands. To me it looks like he will not be signed. The reality is Ehlers on Winnipeg makes $6.5M and there is nothing in Nylander's game set that implies he is better or even as good as Ehlers. If Winnipeg called and offered me Ehlers for Nylander straight up right now, I would take it. Odds are now good he will have to be traded, we simply can't make those numbers work with the group we have. Kadri, Andersen and Reilly all make about $5M each. I would now rate it above 50 percent he is traded and most likely for a defenseman. If that happens Gardiner(UFA soon) comes into play.
Dumping McIheney may very well come back and bite us, cost cutting measure or not. Sparks needs to win some games and not get blown out or we may be looking for another backup G.
October 13 /18 : There is a rumour Colorado may offer sheet Nylander 6 yrs for $48M which would cost them four first rounders. Stay tuned.
October 20th :Rumours are that the Leafs won't be signing Nylander longterm for the money he wants rumoured to be $8M/yr. They will now negotiate on short term. No sign of a trade as of now.
October 27th 2018 :Another one bites the dust? It was about to be announced within days,William Nylander was no longer practicing in Austria, new bridge deal... Not! Dubas has been taking in games and the most likely trading partner is... Carolina. They are on fire with a good young team and have the defense to barter with. I could also see a team like NYR being willing to pay Nylander his asking price. But do they have the pieces?
* retarded talk of the month; Leafs will trade Kadri to make room for Nylander. Odds now zero, Mathews is injured again, Kadri goes nowhere.
November 3rd. Toronto just thumped Pittsburgh 5 to 0 with Morgan Reilly now off his leash and starting to look every bit the impact defenseman we always thought he would be. Odds are now very high Nylander gets traded. Dubas has been seen scouting other teams and December 1st gets closer. This was always going to happen. At $ 8M/yr. Nylander played his hand, fans must accept this but Toronto had no plan for this and made their move when they signed Tavares. Toronto needs pieces for the playoffs and Nylander is the collateral teams want and need, offense. The Leafs are plentiful offensively and something had to give and it did, Nylander opted out of Toronto in his own way, " I need to take care of myself." I don't blame him but we cannot afford him and to win a cup a price must be paid. 87 percent chance now Dubas is getting ready to pull the trigger, his hand has been forced but in a way he must have known that when he signed Tavares. Nylander wants to be front and center and paid that way, he can never do that in Leafland. With Mathews, Tavares, Marner and Reilly in front of him he needs to go to a team where the competition to be spotlight is far more sparse and of course the GM thinks his 41 pts. playing with Mathews is worth $8 M/ yr. Like it or not but Kapanen now replaces Nylander and life goes on just as did for the Oilers after Greztky went to L.A.. that's hockey.
November 23rd 2018 : The rumour is Dubas will have words on the William Nylander situation by 5pm today. My guess is bridge deal at this point. Stay tuned. OK and after 5 pm... keep staying tuned ?
Nov 28th 2018 : Auston Mathews returns vs San Jose Sharks and mercifully Nylander has a date with December 1st coming up.
November 29th: Nice Rumour. The Flyers may be shaking things up soon and one player I could see Dubas and Toronto having interest in is Wayne Simmonds. The Leafs could sure use a guy like him in the top 9 and he could have surprising impact in this lineup. The price a good young player who can play soon, perhaps our first rounder 2018 and winger Ygor Korshkov a former Hunter 2nd overall pick.
December 1st 5:03 pm Word is William Nylander has signed with the Leafs at 6 years / $6.9M.
Dec 3rd 2018: Josh Leivo goes to the Canucks for an unknown undrafted winger called Carcone. The Canucks win this one and I hope there are some future considerations in there. Leivo could pot 20 goals someday but with William Nylander to make room for, his days were numbered. Best of luck and you did well Josh!
Dec 12th 2018: Bad rumour alert. Alex Pieterangelo may be up for grabs after St Louis is off to their worst start since I don't know when. The Leafs have the pieces but it is doubtful they will pay the price. Right now The Leafs have Gardiner and Zaitsev to contend with and quite frankly, they don't have the cap nor the desire. Pure media speculation at best. Won't happen... Apparently Pieterangelo needs to go for hand surgery.
Dec 23rd: This one may have some legs. The Leafs may have some interest in Kronwall as a rental, especially given his history with Mike Babcock in Detroit. I'm not sure of the price but if it is reasonable such as a 2nd rounder it is very plausible at TD.
Jan 1st 2019 : The rumour that won't go away. Pieternagelo. Rumour is the Leafs have some interest but what is the cost?
Jan 6th 2019 : Leafs add veteran goalie Michael Hutchinson from Florida for a 5th rounder in 2020. Hutchinson looked solid in his first Leaf game getting a shut out versus the Canucks in a 5 to 0 thrashing.
Rumours are Simmonds is not happy in Philly and it doesn't look good for Philly making the playoffs thus year. JVR has not panned out either. A player such as Marlies Jeremy Bracco is bound to get their attention but will Dubas pay that price ?
Jan 28th :
Leafs acquire Muzzin for Grundstrom, Durzi and a 2019 first round pick. Huge move great pickup but not cheap.
Feb 1st 2019 ; Dubas has apparently said he is looking for a top 9 heavy hitter. The rumour is it's Anaheim Ducks 23 yr old LW 6ft 2 inch 234 lb Nick Ritchie from Orangeville , Ontario.Not sure on the ask for him, I hear Brown.
Feb 2 2019: Hot and heavy trade alert? Wayne Simmonds is a Leaf? Apparently they are even calling it on the Philly station and TSN and Sportsnet. Stay tuned. This is a red hot one! Doesn't look like this one will happen, Philly is 9 and 1 in their last 10 and now in the playoff hunt.
Feb 9 2019: Apparently the Leafs have some interest in Michael Ferland a 6ft 1 217 lb rental winger currently with Carolina. Rumours of Pesch being involved keep appearing as he is a RHD. Don't look now but Kappanen's offense has dried up with one goal since Christmas.
Feb 13th 2019: With the price likely too high to get Wayne Simmonds from Philly ,there are rumblings Dubas enquired about L.A Kings tough 3rd or 4th line winger Kyle Clifford during the Muzzin talks.Dubas has already stated he won't give up Liljegren,Sandin or the 2020 first rounder for a rental.With Jake Gardiner probably leaving and the cupboard looking a little thinner he is likely offering a roster player and odds are it's Connor Brown. I doubt L.A would accept that. Dubas does have winger Jeremy Bracco(Toronto Marlies) and there may be a question of where Toronto fits him in with Trevor Moore more likely to play 4th line.There is also the Seattle expansion draft where Toronto will very likely lose a good player this time. Will Leaf G.M Dubas give up J.Bracco the way he is playing right now ?
Feb 14th: The Leafs are now in contract talks with Kapanen. You can ignore all the cries for offer sheets on Leaf players. Dubas said " He as never worried about it." GM's don't need to start a war over a max $5M player the Leafs would only match anyway. Yes, the Leafs because of Bracco's play may have to trade Johnsson or Kapanen next summer but that would likely be part of a larger trade including more pieces. Dubas is in far better shape than some report.
Feb 20th 2019: Bingo! If Dubas is smart he will grab Pelly- Smith off waivers from Washington. He is free on the last year of his contract and has won a Stanley cup last year. He will be motivated and is just the tonic Toronto needs for that 4th line. Do it Dubas !
Feb 21st 2019 : Even though Pelly- Smith could be had Toronto has apparently enquired about Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers. Kreider is a 6ft 3 inch , 217 lb LW drafted in 2009.
Feb 22 2019 : TRADE
To Columbus #BlueJackets F Matt Duchene D Julius Bergman To Ottawa #Senators F Jonathan Davidsson F Vitaly Abramov 2019 1st RD pick (CBJ) * 2020 1st RD pick (CBJ) ** * Lottery protected ** Conditional: Duchene must sign an extension with Columbus
Feb 25th 2019 : And Lindholm for Petan...... Fizzle.
Feb 2 2019: Hot and heavy trade alert? Wayne Simmonds is a Leaf? Apparently they are even calling it on the Philly station and TSN and Sportsnet. Stay tuned. This is a red hot one! Doesn't look like this one will happen, Philly is 9 and 1 in their last 10 and now in the playoff hunt.
Feb 9 2019: Apparently the Leafs have some interest in Michael Ferland a 6ft 1 217 lb rental winger currently with Carolina. Rumours of Pesch being involved keep appearing as he is a RHD. Don't look now but Kappanen's offense has dried up with one goal since Christmas.
Feb 13th 2019: With the price likely too high to get Wayne Simmonds from Philly ,there are rumblings Dubas enquired about L.A Kings tough 3rd or 4th line winger Kyle Clifford during the Muzzin talks.Dubas has already stated he won't give up Liljegren,Sandin or the 2020 first rounder for a rental.With Jake Gardiner probably leaving and the cupboard looking a little thinner he is likely offering a roster player and odds are it's Connor Brown. I doubt L.A would accept that. Dubas does have winger Jeremy Bracco(Toronto Marlies) and there may be a question of where Toronto fits him in with Trevor Moore more likely to play 4th line.There is also the Seattle expansion draft where Toronto will very likely lose a good player this time. Will Leaf G.M Dubas give up J.Bracco the way he is playing right now ?
Feb 14th: The Leafs are now in contract talks with Kapanen. You can ignore all the cries for offer sheets on Leaf players. Dubas said " He as never worried about it." GM's don't need to start a war over a max $5M player the Leafs would only match anyway. Yes, the Leafs because of Bracco's play may have to trade Johnsson or Kapanen next summer but that would likely be part of a larger trade including more pieces. Dubas is in far better shape than some report.
Feb 20th 2019: Bingo! If Dubas is smart he will grab Pelly- Smith off waivers from Washington. He is free on the last year of his contract and has won a Stanley cup last year. He will be motivated and is just the tonic Toronto needs for that 4th line. Do it Dubas !
Feb 21st 2019 : Even though Pelly- Smith could be had Toronto has apparently enquired about Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers. Kreider is a 6ft 3 inch , 217 lb LW drafted in 2009.
Feb 22 2019 : TRADE
To Columbus #BlueJackets F Matt Duchene D Julius Bergman To Ottawa #Senators F Jonathan Davidsson F Vitaly Abramov 2019 1st RD pick (CBJ) * 2020 1st RD pick (CBJ) ** * Lottery protected ** Conditional: Duchene must sign an extension with Columbus
Feb 25th 2019 : And Lindholm for Petan...... Fizzle.
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