2026-27 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion | Official: Sundin & Chayka to lead front office

[dappleganger]

Who then to trade to balance the team out? We’re in the same position we’ve been in for a decade. Even more offence-heavy and defence-depleted now than anytime in the past 10 years. Nylander , Cowan, McKenna? You’re not getting much without a sacrifice up front .

The 2017 playoffs Leafs Defence were:

Morgan Rielly
Jake Gardiner
Matt Hunwick
Roman Polak
Nikita Zaitsev
Martin Marincin
Connor Carrick

While today's group still needs improvement, the defence has come a long way. 4 of those guys weren't really NHL'ers. The 2020 playoff D core sucked. Up until 2023 the Leafs D were only really 4 deep with NHL calibre defensemen, with 5/6 being marginal guys. At least now we can say the Leafs have 5 NHL calibre defensemen (with Tanev ) patrolling the blue line, we couldn't always say that over the last 10 years.

I do wonder (hope?) if Danford could be the 6th capable D man that's been so elusive for this team.

 

[cw]

Chayka is in a tough place:

1. He is capped out this season AND next so any transaction has to include adjustment to comply with both caps - this year's and next year's. Emil Andrae, a victim for next year's cap compliance, can explain it. They also have Merzlikins $4.4M cap hit coming off LTIR in December. They have Joshua $3.25M coming off probably next Sunday. Who knows about Domi? There is a minefield of cap issues.

2. We don't know if Matthews is going to re-sign. Between now & July 1, we're likely to find out. But what the GM might do now would be a more straightforward decision if he knew what Matthews was going to do. The problem is kind of circular because Matthews would probably like to evaluate where the team is at before he commits to an extension - on the assumption he might extend short term if something magical is going on. With the age of the roster, it is hard to expect he'll hang around long term.

I do not think they're a true Cup contender or that close so that should play into their decision and probably Matthews. Prognosis for Tavares and Tanev should also factor in. And what they might expect out of Danford, for example.

Assuming Tavares and Tanev will return, since OEL and Rielly are showing signs of having a pulse, I'd probably look at trying to find a right handed defensive dman if it looked like Danford needs more time (which he probably does).

Nashville traded a 2nd & 3rd for Lyubushkin this summer. He cleared waivers. Maybe they can get him for cheap with Nashville retaining some salary. I don't know the details so maybe he's really fallen off or out of shape. Whatever. Find a defensive dman for the #6 spot. Raddysh, Rielly & OEL are your offensive puck movers. McCabe, Tanev & defensive dman help the team 5 on 5 defense. You have Stecher as a 7th who can jump in against certain opponents. Rifai can go back to Marlies for depth or stick as an 8th while Blankenburg maybe moved or waived.

Attempting to get and sign someone like Simon Edvinsson requires major roster gymnastics even if they can find the assets to win that bidding. Rielly or someone would have to waive his no trade mid season to make some of the cap room and someone would have to be willing to eat that entire deal - which is a tall order.

We're only 11 games in. They're still shaking things out. They may improve collectively as they get more familiar with Hiller's system.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2113246736965570832

I think the trajectory here is higher than Travis Konecny. I wonder when they start trying him at centre, because he's got the motor and instincts and his stature is less of an issue off the boards (Brayden Point, Logan Stankhoven, Wyatt Johnston style).

In a couple of years, what if they recreate the Tampa 1st line of Stamkos - Point - Kucherov with Marchenko - Cowan - McKenna semi sheltered behind a Matthews line and a McDavid line

Or they could recreate that Boston line right now of Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak with Cowan - Matthews - Nylander/Marchenko.

 

[Bender]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2113246736965570832

I think the trajectory here is higher than Travis Konecny. I wonder when they start trying him at centre, because he's got the motor and instincts and his stature is less of an issue off the boards (Brayden Point, Logan Stankhoven, Wyatt Johnston style).

In a couple of years, what if they recreate the Tampa 1st line of Stamkos - Point - Kucherov with Marchenko - Cowan - McKenna semi sheltered behind a Matthews line and a McDavid line

Or they could recreate that Boston line right now of Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak with Cowan - Matthews - Nylander/Marchenko.

Funny enough I was like I'd be very happy with Travis Konencny! And here we are and he might already be ahead of Konecny at the same age, at least based on what Cowan looks like early on this season. Cowan also isn't slight per se, he's listed at 189lbs, which is heavier than Brandon Hagel. Man if he can turn into Brandon Hagel lite I'd be very happy.