The last thing COL needs is another goalie on IR.

Mrazek will be coming back soon.

@barilko14 @palhal @byrr

Thoughts?

SOLD!

I think Arizona probably values Crouse higher than that now.

Not sure how Braun's skating is looking this year. I know he's a decent player, but at this point to get the most out of a Muzzin pairing, I think he needs to play with a Brodie type (solid defensively, decent puck mover, good skater).

Not commenting on your latest obsession Strome.

So will Frankie and 35. IF everyone is healthy, I would rather stick with the 2 we have and keep the 2nd.

Mrazek was a top 5 goalie in GSAx last season. He'd be a huge upgrade over both your current options.

Yeah Braun is just a shutdown defenceman, he moves decently but is mostly known for his anticipation. If he's not an option, I'd look at Mark Pysyk of BUF. He can skate pretty well and is good defensively.

Pysyk isn’t an upgrade over Holl though he’s the opposite actually.

Based on what? The majority of Holl's shifts, he is trapped in the defensive zone because he can't move the puck out. He can't keep up with opposing forwards' skating and can't tie up his player in front of the net.

Based off of a realistic sample size. Holl actually has been decent as of late, he had a super tough start. Could be just a rumour but he was sick over the summer and lost 20 pounds. He has shown he could handle top 4 minutes in the past and over the last few games, Pysyk has played on several teams and has never played over 20 minutes a game. As of rn Pysyk is more of a lateral move, as time goes on though he will be a downgrade.

For sure I wouldn't just get rid of Holl but I still think they need to add another defenceman.

The idea would be to find a buy low "Kampf" option but on defence.

Kampf can't score, and by most advanced stats he's terrible, but the Leafs were after him for a few seasons. And he's solidified their checking line.

Best case - the data the Leafs use finds some under-appreciated 26ish yo dman that fits with Muzzin (or Rielly, then Brodie can play with Muzz).

I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I’m not sure if that’s ideal for a team that’s going all in. They don’t have much cap space so they may have to do that.

A few guys who I’ve got are Bryson (BUF), Friedman (PIT), H.Fleury (SEA)

Mikheyev is the X factor upfront.

As of today Bunting looks fine. As of today and considering last years playoffs Kerfoot looks fine. If Mikheyev plays like he can, and can finish a bit better than last season, that's 3 LW that are passable in the Top 6 considering the talent they get to play with there.

There's also Kase that can move up if needed. That's solid forward depth (if Mikheyev looks good).

Then on Defence, 3 of the top 4 are legit. Between Sandin, Dermott and Liljegren they have a capable 3rd pair. I'd like an upgrade on Holl (ideally for a couple of seasons).

Really don't want to give up on Robertson, Amirov, or any more 1st.

Yeah for sure. I think in their situation they don’t need to go all in with the sense of sending draft capital return for big pieces. Just get rid of Ritchie and possibly Holl (I’d try to keep him but if they were to bring in an upgrade on D, he’d be an expensive #7). That clears about 4.5 million.

I'm wondering if Ritchie is demoted (because he'll be tough to move) then he comes up if someone gets LTIR'd or in the playoffs when there's no cap.

He'll probably have another 10 games or so before Mikheyev is back to show that he can chip in a few goals. Otherwise, he'll be a legit AHL option.

I think Ritchie still has his uses. He’s a good defensive forward and good on the PP, but for a guy who can’t generate much offence at 5v5 the Leafs can’t afford his 2.5 million cap hit. I think there will be teams interested in picking him up even if they give minimal assets.