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.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2113651940236403076

In light of Blankenburg and Rifai both going down to injury in recent days
I'm quite interested to see what Cole McWard brings to the table

Cole McWard

September 2026 - McWard went from a one-year, two-way deal with the Islanders, where he was getting paid $775K, to a two-year, one-way, $1.75M contract signed in July with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Teams don't guarantee NHL money like that unless they trust the player. Cole's trajectory is all...

dobberprospects.com

In 2026, he will start the year with the Toronto Marlies. If there is an injury, expect him to be the top candidate to be called up. Cole’s offense came first, scoring 6 goals and 21 assists with Bridgeport last season, but the defense is the actual story here. This is what got him paid. Mistake-free, tight gaps, skates well, moves the puck with his head up. Coaches trust him. You don’t log 18 minutes a night at even strength in the AHL because you’re exciting. Cole will play those minutes because the coach doesn’t have to worry about him. Andrew Livits

 

[CarltonTheBear]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2113651940236403076

Myers dropping to, at best, 11th on the defence depth chart after playing 39 NHL games last season is something.

 

[herman]

Myers dropping to, at best, 11th on the defence depth chart after playing 39 NHL games last season is something.

It's the right thing to do.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2113673750428229749

Transforming into an all-round centre really helps Matthews carry third liners to free up firepower for the rest of the top 9, a la Crosby, prime-Tavares.

 

[cw]

Myers dropping to, at best, 11th on the defence depth chart after playing 39 NHL games last season is something.

He did not have a good start to the AHL season for the parts I saw which was limited.
-4 quickly and did not look good along with that
It is too bad because a 6th physical, stay-at-home right-handed defensive dman - which is what he should be capable of or closest to - and is kind of ideal for the Leafs NHL needs right now. Missed opportunity though some of that may have been burned last season.

I've seen little of McWard so no opinion

In the Calder Cup playoffs, I thought Mermis did a good job anchoring Villeneuve. Arguably, he earned the callup from that. Good for him.

If Rifai & Blankenburg remain on the IR past Saturday, they would have a small cap problem if & when Joshua rejoins the team after Saturday. Lettieri or Groulx would have to go - probably Lettieri because he doesn't have to clear waivers.

 

[cw]

Hockey News: Why the Maple Leafs Didn't Recall Ben Danford

"I think the one mistake you can make is maybe trying to rush people, and so we've got good options," Hiller explained after Friday's practice. "So you know he was considered, but you know the time is Mermis and McWard."
...
Of the two call-ups on the back end, Mermis was the first to get reps on the third pairing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He played 11 games with the Leafs last season and is familiar with Ekman-Larsson.

"We have played a little bit before, so I know him well and obviously a good player and you know what you're getting," Ekman-Larsson said of Mermis. "He's a hardworking defenseman and makes that first pass easy and quick. So I like his game."
...
"I think that's that's easier for him for sure," Hiller said of Mermis, citing his NHL experience. "He's played a lot. He played well. Mature, strong player. I think he's you know he's kind of NHL ready I would say. So we're not worried about him if he's to go in. Played really well in the pre-season too, by the way."