dappleganger
Well-known member
After looking into it more I'm all aboard the Barrett Hayton to Toronto train.
Armchair GM Thread 2026/27
- Thread starter CarltonTheBear
- Start date
I think value-wise, it's pretty decent for the Leafs. My issue would be that the COL 1st rounder is basically our only big trade chip left and I'd rather try to keep that available for a higher end centre. Especially if we could get Raddysh to fill that RHD spot instead for zero assets (but obviously a bigger contract).
I'm definitely not keen
Durzi was Utah's #6 in the playoffs
I'd rather Raddysh/Andersson for no talent cost - just UFA $ - I think that's all they need to have a D capable of making the playoffs. But a bunch of NHL teams probably feel similarly. I couldn't pay $10 mil/yr for Raddysh. Maybe $8M/yr (and even then, feel sick about overpayment for one great offensive year)
I think Stolarz or Stolarz/Robertson could return a decent bottom six forward
Hayton looks interesting because he's a past 1st round underachieving center but the 1 yr rental for a 1st rounder pick turns me off.
I'd need to know we had a good shot at re-signing him. He's the only asset I'd be truly interested in.
In the shortage of NHL centers dept, Utah's Kerfoot would be sort of like Laughton. He was Utah's 3rd line center in the playoffs. He's a UFA = zero talent cost. He's a 3/4 center now. He might be able to help.
I'm not trying to build a Cup winner - just trying to get them back into the playoffs - and not burn a bunch of prospect assets doing it.
Durzi was Utah's #6 in the playoffs
I'd rather Raddysh/Andersson for no talent cost - just UFA $ - I think that's all they need to have a D capable of making the playoffs. But a bunch of NHL teams probably feel similarly. I couldn't pay $10 mil/yr for Raddysh. Maybe $8M/yr (and even then, feel sick about overpayment for one great offensive year)
I think Stolarz or Stolarz/Robertson could return a decent bottom six forward
Hayton looks interesting because he's a past 1st round underachieving center but the 1 yr rental for a 1st rounder pick turns me off.
I'd need to know we had a good shot at re-signing him. He's the only asset I'd be truly interested in.
In the shortage of NHL centers dept, Utah's Kerfoot would be sort of like Laughton. He was Utah's 3rd line center in the playoffs. He's a UFA = zero talent cost. He's a 3/4 center now. He might be able to help.
I'm not trying to build a Cup winner - just trying to get them back into the playoffs - and not burn a bunch of prospect assets doing it.
L K
Well-known member
I don't hate the idea of Durzi but I do wonder just how much change is practical on the blueline
If Rielly is gone, fine. I do worry that we are going to sell him for absolutely no value and it just creates another hole.
Villeneuve should be given every opportunity to earn an NHL spot after his season in the AHL.
If you can get Raddysh that's great.
McCabe - Tanev - Carlo - OEL - Villeneuve - FREE AGENT - (I'm fine with Benoit as the 7th D-man in this scenario with the eventual transition to Danford if he starts the season well/when someone gets hurt)
If Carlo can rebound in any way, it's not that terrible of a blue line. It's not a Cup contender quality blue line but it's not dreadful.
If Rielly is gone, fine. I do worry that we are going to sell him for absolutely no value and it just creates another hole.
Villeneuve should be given every opportunity to earn an NHL spot after his season in the AHL.
If you can get Raddysh that's great.
McCabe - Tanev - Carlo - OEL - Villeneuve - FREE AGENT - (I'm fine with Benoit as the 7th D-man in this scenario with the eventual transition to Danford if he starts the season well/when someone gets hurt)
If Carlo can rebound in any way, it's not that terrible of a blue line. It's not a Cup contender quality blue line but it's not dreadful.
AI trade suggestion for chatter
Centers are hard to come by
If they want to make the playoffs, they have to get one.
Vincent Trocheck, Rangers for
Option A: 2027 1st-Round Pick + Ben Danford - I don't care for this option
Option B: Nick Robertson + Artur Akhtyamov + 2026 2nd-Round Pick
I'm not very sure about option B - goalies are so tough to project.
Would this be a trade Rask (Akhtyamov) to keep Pogge (Hildeby) moment?
I have no confidence that it is a good idea.
Might be fun to think about ...
Centers are hard to come by
If they want to make the playoffs, they have to get one.
Vincent Trocheck, Rangers for
Option A: 2027 1st-Round Pick + Ben Danford - I don't care for this option
Option B: Nick Robertson + Artur Akhtyamov + 2026 2nd-Round Pick
I'm not very sure about option B - goalies are so tough to project.
Would this be a trade Rask (Akhtyamov) to keep Pogge (Hildeby) moment?
I have no confidence that it is a good idea.
Might be fun to think about ...
I'm pretty close to: do not trade any young players, picks or prospects unless you get young players, picks and prospects back
Get what they can on the UFA market and call it a day
They have excess goaltending - could flip Stolarz or Woll for some help.
They should be able to shore up the D with one decent UFA dman
Then focus on bolstering the forwards with UFAs - maybe overpaid but short term.
They would have a fair shot at getting Matthews back to the playoffs while their prospect system would get deeper.
They won't win a Cup any time soon but they'll be going in the right direction.
They might even be entertaining.