Man, thank you! I love hearing from you. It means a lot. Completely off topic, do you think anyone will be traded out of Calgary in the coming year? Lots of talent out there
- Jeremy Laura

Personally I think a shake up needs to occur but I don’t find it likely.

Gaudreau seems to be the one on everyone’s trade radar due to the potential availability of Taylor hall and him potentially walking in two years. But at his cap hit I don’t see how our management can feel good about making that move and replace him with a player not as good and who will likely cost more.

Monahan is another player that’s been in the mill but like the rest of the team he had a down year which will hurt his trade value and we would be left without a number 1 C. Maybe if we moved lindholm there it could make sense but still not super likely given his team friendly cap hit.

The only player I can really see being moved is Bennett and that’s most likely because he can be replaced with a player with a much cheaper price tag than 2.5 million.

But who knows treliving is no stranger to shocking trades.

But the Leafs can never win a round because they don't have those players. LOL
- RogerRoeper

I’m not saying they can or can’t win with their current roster. I’m just saying usually teams have a lot of different players. Skill guys, tough guys, offensively talented players, defensively talented players and outstanding goaltending of course. The leafs might win a cup and they might not, it’s just my opinion that it’s a bit harder to complete a puzzle when all the pieces look the same

Let's face it, Leafs cap issues are always vastly exaggerated. Athletic had a good piece examining "Cap Hell" and Tampa and Islanders were #1 and 2 worst.

Pay your stars. Don't overpay 4th line guys. Jason Spezza was a fantastic signing that is ignored and he's better than a lot of 2-3+ per 4th liners GMs pay for.

17 teams within a million of the cap. And let's not forget the "Have nots" might not have the $$$ to spend what they did last year due to massive loss of revenue. Heck., Florida was reportedly needing to cut 10 million BEFORE COVID shut the NHL down.There very likely is a lot less teams will be able to come close to 81.5 than previously

We heard the same thing last summer and none of it came true. (Every RFA was signing an offersheet, Nylander was as good as gone, cap hell, ETC).

Leafs do not have the worst cap situation. Not even close.
- RogerRoeper

To the point that Jeremy is making is no one here is arguing you that the leafs are in an enviable position right now. But in a few years time cap problems will ensue wether you like it or not. Your team friendly contracts like Hyman, Reilly and Anderson are set to expire over the next few years as well you’ll have players like sandin, Nick Robertson liligren and etc coming off entry level contracts. It’s a nice problem to have but not one you will have to worry about until about 2 years from now.

Look at the hawks they had a ton of talent at the start of their dynasty but as their stars rightfully got paid their roster started thinning out to what it is now. They paid the price for their cup window and now they’re paying dearly

I could see Yzerman calling on Tampa.

Tampa has cap issues with only $5m in cap space and Cernak, Sergachev, and Cirelli needing new contracts.

Killorn, Johnson, Palat, and Gourde are targets. Killorn has a modified NTC, the rest would have to waive their NTC, but Detroit is a solid organization with a warlock sitting in the GM chair, so I imagine any of them *might* consider it.

I could see Yzerman calling on Tampa.

Tampa has cap issues with only $5m in cap space and Cernak, Sergachev, and Cirelli needing new contracts.

Killorn, Johnson, Palat, and Gourde are targets. Killorn has a modified NTC, the rest would have to waive their NTC, but Detroit is a solid organization with a warlock sitting in the GM chair, so I imagine any of them *might* consider it.
- GalacticStone

Tyler Johnson makes sense. Yzerman drafted him. He knows him. Johnson isn't old. Wings could really use a legit 2C to take some pressure off Larkin. Yzerman and Brisebois know each other very well. Johnson might waive his NTC because he trusts Yzerman to build a winner eventually.

It's better feeling wanted. Johnson knows it's a business and Tampa has an embarrassment of riches (thanks to Yzerman). It's nothing personal. Tampa just needs the cap space. I could see a trade here.

Having Johnson allows Veleno more time to develop. Sliding Filppula down to 3C allows Rasmussen more time as well. Yzerman won't rush these guys. I'd prefer keeping Fabbri on the wing. I don't know what Tampa would expect coming back but I'd think one of Detroit's 2nd round picks would be part of the trade. Brisebois won't want much salary coming back.

Would Svechnikov interest Tampa? A potential Fabbri/Johnson/Zadina line intrigues me. Red Wings need a legitimate 2nd line to at least be able to compete. Right now they're way too easy to match up against. The defense is still bad but... one thing at a time.

Tyler Johnson makes sense. Yzerman drafted him. He knows him. Johnson isn't old. Wings could really use a legit 2C to take some pressure off Larkin. Yzerman and Brisebois know each other very well. Johnson might waive his NTC because he trusts Yzerman to build a winner eventually. It's better feeling wanted. Johnson knows it's a business and Tampa has an embarrassment of riches (thanks to Yzerman). It's nothing personal. Tampa just needs the cap space. I could see a trade here.

Having Johnson allows Veleno more time to develop. Sliding Filppula down to 3C allows Rasmussen more time as well. Yzerman won't rush these guys. I'd prefer keeping Fabbri on the wing. I don't know what Tampa would expect coming back but I'd think one of Detroit's 2nd round picks would be part of the trade. Brisebois won't want much salary coming back. Would Svechnikov interest Tampa? A potential Fabbri/Johnson/Zadina line intrigues me.
- gergeswillems

I would take Palat and Johnson. Give me a top 9 of:
Bert - DBoss - Mantha
Palat - Johnson - Zadina
Fil - Rasmussen - Fabbri

I would take Palat and Johnson. Give me a top 9 of:
Bert - DBoss - Mantha
Palat - Johnson - Zadina
Fil - Rasmussen - Fabbri
- Feds91Stammer

If Ras is ready then I'd put him in even if it's on the wing. Good hands and lots of size. I'd take Palat too. This would require a bigger trade but I could see Yzerman and Brisebois pulling it off. Wings have the Cap space and need to add both players.

If Ras is ready then I'd put him in even if it's on the wing. Good hands and lots of size. I'd take Palat too. This would require a bigger trade but I could see Yzerman and Brisebois pulling it off. Wings have the Cap space and need to add both players.
- gergeswillems

I like your idea of using Svech in a deal with Tampa. I like keeping Rasmussen at C because that’s where he needs to develop. Move Fil to his wing for d zone draws and some extra defensive acumen.

I like your idea of using Svech in a deal with Tampa. I like keeping Rasmussen at C because that’s where he needs to develop. Move Fil to his wing for d zone draws and some extra defensive acumen.
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah Fil has lost a few steps but he's still smart and can play on the 3rd line. I agree that we need Rasmussen at C long term. You can't teach size. If he can be a legitimate 3C and Veleno can be a 2C in a few years, now we're talking. Larkin no longer needs to be the one man show at C. In the meantime Johnson would be the 2C. Johnson and Palat are the types of smart and skilled players we need Zadina to be playing with. 👍

Nylander is going no where. He is a better player than Marner as goals are far more important than assists. Only bad contract is marners but he can be dealt to solve any problem cap and position. Ie to nashville for Ryan ellis +. Anyone thinking the leafs have gap trouble aren't really looking objectively . They r in an enviable position with just complimentary players to sign which are a dime a dozen ie Spezza.
- TML IS ALL THAT MATTERS

I’d trade Marner before Nylander also. When we look at Nylander’s contract he or Hyman are probably our most valuable wingers.

Yeah Fil has lost a few steps but he's still smart and can play on the 3rd line. I agree that we need Rasmussen at C long term. You can't teach size. If he can be a legitimate 3C and Veleno can be a 2C in a few years, now we're talking. Larkin no longer needs to be the one man show at C. In the meantime Johnson would be the 2C. Johnson and Palat are the types of smart and skilled players we need Zadina to be playing with. 👍
- gergeswillems

And in a year or two

Rossi - Veleno - Zadina
Bert - DBoss - Mantha
Palat/Fabbri - Rasmussen - Johnson

And in a year or two

Rossi - Veleno - Zadina
Bert - DBoss - Mantha
Palat/Fabbri - Rasmussen - Johnson
- Feds91Stammer

Sign me up. 😊

The Yzerman-Briesbois relationship is the thing that makes a possible deal interesting.

In a perfect world, I'd rather keep Palat. But, thanks to Covid, this is not a perfect world. If losing Palat/Johnson means keeping Sergachev and Cirelli, then I would be OK with that.

Yeah, I imagine Tampa doesn't want much salary coming back in that trade, and Tampa needs picks, so I would think the package would be pick-heavy and possibly some prospects.

Sign me up. 😊
- gergeswillems

All that’s missing after that is a top pair LD and a franchise goalie.

The Yzerman-Briesbois relationship is the thing that makes a possible deal interesting.

In a perfect world, I'd rather keep Palat. But, thanks to Covid, this is not a perfect world. If losing Palat/Johnson means keeping Sergachev and Cirelli, then I would be OK with that.

Yeah, I imagine Tampa doesn't want much salary coming back in that trade, and Tampa needs picks, so I would think the package would be pick-heavy and possibly some prospects.
- GalacticStone

I'm wondering how high Yzerman is on Givani Smith. GM's love players they draft. Smith was drafted by Holland. I could see him being part of any potential trade with Svechnikov. I'm just spit balling though. I agree on the pick heavy part.

The Yzerman-Briesbois relationship is the thing that makes a possible deal interesting.

In a perfect world, I'd rather keep Palat. But, thanks to Covid, this is not a perfect world. If losing Palat/Johnson means keeping Sergachev and Cirelli, then I would be OK with that.

Yeah, I imagine Tampa doesn't want much salary coming back in that trade, and Tampa needs picks, so I would think the package would be pick-heavy and possibly some prospects.
- GalacticStone

My complete random guess is something like Svechnikov, Turgeon, a 2nd and 4th for Palat, Johnson and maybe a 3rd and a 5th.

I'm wondering how high Yzerman is on Givani Smith. GM's love players they draft. Smith was drafted by Holland. I could see him being part of any potential trade with Svechnikov. I'm just spit balling though. I agree on the pick heavy part.
- gergeswillems

I don’t think Detroit has to give up a ton because my guess is Palat and Johnson are more likely to waive NTCs if moved together.

I don’t think Detroit has to give up a ton because my guess is Palat and Johnson are more likely to waive NTCs if moved together.
- Feds91Stammer

It depends what other teams are offering but you make a good point about the package deal scenario. Not many teams can add that much Cap space like the Red Wings can. The NTC's are definitely a factor on the total value of any potential trade.

All that’s missing after that is a top pair LD and a franchise goalie.
- Feds91Stammer

I was hoping Yzerman could somehow snag another first round pick to have a shot at Askarov but that likely won't happen. Seider and Hronek look like long term studs on D. I trust Yzerman and Verbeek's drafting.

I was hoping Yzerman could somehow snag another first round pick to have a shot at Askarov but that likely won't happen. Seider and Hronek look like long term studs on D. I trust Yzerman and Verbeek's drafting.
- gergeswillems

I think they could also make a play at Matt Murray as PIT is also cap strapped. Hopefully McIsaac develops into a top 4 guy.

I think they could also make a play at Matt Murray as PIT is also cap strapped. Hopefully McIsaac develops into a top 4 guy.
- Feds91Stammer

McIsaac has good potential. I see him as a potential 4D. I have hopes for Tuomisto as well. I'd definitely trade for Matt Murray. I get the feeling the Pens are going with Jarry. Rutherford is the biggest gunslinger GM in the game so we know he's burning up the phone lines. He's like a Pavlovian trade dog. He just HAS to make trades. He can't help himself.

It's so tough forecasting young defensemen. They need to make a bunch of mistakes, learn from them and then become confident enough to maximize their skillset. Not many are successful. They need to be mentally tough enough to not be crushed by their mistakes. Like Cholowski. I could see Yzerman trading him as well. I still remember Draper saying that Cholowski had an "elite hockey IQ."

McIsaac has good potential. I see him as a potential 4D. I have hopes for Tuomisto as well. I'd definitely trade for Matt Murray. I get the feeling the Pens are going with Jarry. Rutherford is the biggest gunslinger GM in the game so we know he's burning up the phone lines. He's like a Pavlovian trade dog. He just HAS to make trades. He can't help himself.

It's so tough forecasting young defensemen. They need to make a bunch of mistakes, learn from them and then become confident enough to maximize their skillset. Not many are successful. They need to be mentally tough enough to not be crushed by their mistakes. Like Cholowski. I could see Yzerman trading him as well. I still remember Draper saying that Cholowski had an "elite hockey IQ."
- gergeswillems

Cholo is too soft and has nowhere near the skills needed to make up for that.

Cholo is too soft and has nowhere near the skills needed to make up for that.
- Feds91Stammer

I tend to agree with that. I know Holland got Hronek with the extra pick in the Datsyuk trade but it would sure be nice to have Chychrun wearing a Red Wings uniform right now. ☹️

It depends what other teams are offering but you make a good point about the package deal scenario. Not many teams can add that much Cap space like the Red Wings can. The NTC's are definitely a factor on the total value of any potential trade.
- gergeswillems

I’m just curious, is trading picks/prospects now for players that will be declining by the time Detroit becomes a contending team a good idea. Those seem like deals you make in year 3 or so of the rebuild rather than year 1.

I tend to agree with that. I know Holland got Hronek with the extra pick in the Datsyuk trade but it would sure be nice to have Chychrun wearing a Red Wings uniform right now. ☹️
- gergeswillems

The only thing keeping me from hating the Cholo pick is that not much else after him has panned out yet.