2025-26 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

[herman]

I know the playoff roster isn't the same as the Opening night one, but the Leafs are in such a poor position to make trades right now.

At this stage of the contention window, Cliff Fletcher rules apply. And at the end of the contention window, trading out the really good pieces that are too old for the next crest of the wave will net very solid future assets.

We can trade roster players too. Everything south of Matthews/Nylander/Knies/Tavares at forward and every defenseman not named Tanev and McCabe are fair game.

I like Cowan and Danford a whole lot (and Minten and Grebyonkin) but if they can pull in a real NHL top-6 or puck-moving defenseman, it's getting done, especially if there is term attached. The mileage on the Laughton and Carlo trades might vary by opinion, but I'd argue the Leafs got more present day value from those picks and prospects than if they had hung on and drafted with them. Getting the depth C and defensive RD gaps filled for low cap hits with term looks like it cost a lot in futures* but it would've cost way more against cap flexibility if we pursued it through UFA. Getting Roy out of the Marner situation was also extremely positive for the circumstances, saving assets that might have otherwise been spent getting a credible centre from the market that basically has none.

* future picks and prospects still multiple years away from NHL production are basically only worthwhile for getting current players

 

[herman]

My NHL Draft Manifesto

It's draft season, so I thought I'd put all my mean thoughts about the draft, draft picks and the value of prospects in one place.

www.pensionplanpuppets.com

I'm trying to find their post on all the picks that the Leafs have traded away and what ended up happening to them. It paints the picture quite clearly. Vegas and Florida basically don't care about picks and prospects. It's all just fuel for NHL players that fit their game.

Aside from that time Brian Burke emptied his magazine on acquiring Phil Kessel, the Leaf picks that got traded away amounted to very little, and that was mostly because the team play suuuuccckkkkked to the point those assets became truly viable.

edit: Ah, maybe I was thinking of this one:

Tracking down the Leafs’ traded draft picks

Another trade deadline is approaching, and the Leafs are once again po...

theleafsnation.com