Armchair GM Thread 2025/26

[L K]

I still have a really hard time seeing this team taking a better step forward in play style if this is the blueline we move forward with. There aren't enough players on it who can make an offensive play. I like how they play in the defensive zone (generally) but puck movement is a big problem. That can be patched over a bit when Stolarz is in the crease playing the puck but Florida abused how mediocre our blueline was at getting the puck back up the ice quickly and accurately.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Anyone who would have liked Dumba at $3.5M? Traded to the Pens. I feel like Reilly has to be that guy this year.

Would have been more interested in the 2nd round pick that came with him.

 

[dappleganger]

Quick question, if you sign a free agent today on a 1-year deal, can you sign that player to an extension the next day?

For example, could you sign a player to a $1m contract for this season and then sign an extension of 1-year at $5m for the following season?

Essentially being a 2-year contract of $6m with a very low cap hit in year 1.

 

[herman]

Quick question, if you sing a free agent today on a 1-year deal, can you sign that player to an extension the next day?

For example, could you sign a player to a $1m contract for this season and then sign an extension of 1-year at $5m for the following season?

Essentially being a 2-year contract of $6m with a very low cap hit in year 1.

I think it has to wait until Jan 1

 

[Bender]

He’s also the only reliable puck mover on the blue line. He’s not a #1 D, but he’s a very reasonable #2. The Leafs need more of what he brings, not less.

Is he really worth double OEL though? I don't really know, but my gut says no.

 

[bustaheims]

Is he really worth double OEL though? I don't really know, but my gut says no.

At his best, absolutely. And with how OEL’s puck skills seem to have degraded, I’d say even not at his best.