I don't think we're signing a UFA Center

I would say that Miro Aaltonen is probably more NHL-ready, right now, than Par Lindolm. Maybe that changes quickly with a quick transition to North American hockey in the NHL, but I think Par will be with the Marlies for the majority of next season. It would nice if Trevor Moore turned out to be a Tyler Johnson or Yanni Gourde type, a small player who can not only score but plays center well and defends well, but I guess he will need to make great impressions at Leafs camp. I would say that Riley Nash is a realistic target, especially since the Leafs may want Nylander to continue improving his defensive game on the wing, rather than at center, which is much tougher to do.

Nice commentary....don't necessarily agree on all points but like the reasoning you put behind each decision.

I agree completely on Riley Nash. I think the thin UFA market for centres and his good season this past year will net him a contract that's more than he's worth. He's been an AHL plugger up until the last two years so I would be hesitant to get into any bidding wars over him. You could very well be right on Nylander. I personally much prefer him on the wings but if the trade/UFA market for centres isn't attractive maybe they go this route. Or maybe part of his RFA negotiation is the Leafs agreeing to give him a legit shot to play full time C (which he's publicly said he wants). In fairness, we've only ever seen him at C when Matthews has been hurt...and he's been forced into that #1C role on an emergency basis. Maybe playing as a 2/3 C behind Matthews and Kadri gives him a better shot of developing his game there and he impresses. If Nylander moves to C I won't be surprised to see Matthews and Marner get paired up...apparently they are pining to play on the same line together.


I really don't want any part of Tanev if it's costing us a valued roster player. For me, Gardiner is >> Tanev. I get the LHD/RHD imbalance but I don't think Tanev as our #1 RHD makes us particularly stronger. If the Leafs can't land a legit #1 RHD (Doughty/Carlson - eske) or at least someone with the potential to develop there (Hamilton/Parayko/Dumba/Trouba..Myers even) then they might be better off rolling with guys they have in the system than losing assets trying to plug someone else in there.

Thank you for not sending Matt Martin back to the Islanders like everyone else. At this point I think the leafs need to give an asset up to move him...but maybe there's a team willing to take him...awesome locker room guy and I was really impressed with his attitude after getting banished to the press box....for his sake I hope the Leafs can find him a team willing to give him some ice time. His wife's family is from the NYC area and, if the Rangers are doing a full rebuild...maybe they would take him + a pick or prospect. I also wonder if a team like Dallas would take him on if we take Spezza off their hands. Saves them $5m in cap and gives the leafs a bottom 6 C for a year when they have some cap room to play with.

Cheers, thanks Juice.

I like all the RD that you mentioned, but I'd be hesitant for the leafs to send Willy to aquire one, and I think that's where a conversation starts. Like alot of people, I think a tgards for Myers trade makes sense, but as pointed out by Jets fans, given how deep they are, they might want Oiler's 10 OA more so than Gards. And, I like Gards alot, but I do see Dertmott taking his spot, and I'd rather not trade out existing players like Brown, Kappy etc who I think have a longer future with the Leafs. Really, I'd be happy if the Leafs re-sign Gards, but I hope they either do that this year or trade him to shore up an exisiting need.

I used to be a big fan of Spezza when he was in Ottawa and putting up a point per game, but haven't seen much of him since he went to Dallas. I think trying him for a year in exchange for finding Martin a home could make alot of sense (give both Spezza and Marting another shot, Starss cap relief, and Leafs a 1yr low risk 3c.. low risk in its just money for them if it doesn't work), and let Willy slow cook his D for another year if needed on the wing. Although, something tells me Babs and Hitch might have a few things in common, and if Hitch healthy scratched Spezza this year I'm not sure how much Babs will appreciate his overall game. Hard to say... alot of possibilities for this offseason.. it should be interesting