Trade Deadline

[CarltonTheBear]

Very expensive but wow, which Babsocks should I wear to the parade?: Karlsson, Doughty, Ekman-Larsson (I don't think they're giving him up for peanuts, even cashews)
Solid but pretty pricey: Trouba
SLAM DUNK: Demers, Tanev
That was easy... maybe too easy: Pysyk, Petrovic, Green, Franson, Cole, Johnson
What the hell, Lou?: Keep Polak, Schenn
Dale Tallon Special: Gudbranson
Peter Chiarelli Style: Ceci, Martin

I'm good with almost all of these so instead of making my own I'll just say where I'd make changes.

Green would go down to the "What the hell, Lou?" category. He's a good player, but I don't see any fit with this team. Green will be a solid addition to any team that needs a sheltered PP guy, but that's not really us. Honestly I'm not even sure Babcock would play him on a healthy defence. He wouldn't bump Hainsey or Zaitsev out of the top-4 and if Babs needs a PK guy then Polak gets the call over him. He'd also likely cost a 1st round pick and again while that might be a fair cost for a team who needs him, it's not for us.

Cole and Johnson are interesting options, but they're both bottom pairing lefties. It might make sense to acquire them if it meant that Babcock would be fine playing Dermott or Borgman on the left side and that Polak would be bumped out of the line-up. But I think the cost for those guys might out-weight the benefits especially since they're both UFAs and almost certainly wouldn't be brought back. So they might go down to the "What the hell, Lou?" category as well just because it'd be a misuse of assets.

 

[herman]

The list of players clearly better than Dermott from the pool of availables is... very sparse and mostly very expensive.

 

[ZBBM]

The list of players clearly better than Dermott from the pool of availables is... very sparse and mostly very expensive.

Given this last little spurt, which gives an intriguing glimpse at what the team can do, I for one will be very disappointed if anyone other than the 3 veteran UFAs + Polak/Martin are moved before the deadline.  Given that the best-by date for trading Bozak/JVR/Leo has passed, I could even accept if they stand pat, though I think it would still be best to get what they can for at least one of those 3.  This year is still about building, not trying to make a run for the Cup that almost certainly go up in a Lightning-ignited fire (if they get even that far).

 

[slapshot]

I personally don't see the Leafs trading any of JVR, Bozak or Komorov at the trade deadline, unless it is such a great offer they can't refuse and upgrades the current team. They won't subject from the existing lineup to a sell off in personnel as that would be sending the wrong message to a team that wants to win.  Babcock made it pretty clear this week, he's all about add not subtract. I think they hang on to all of them for as long a playoff run as possible, and then the Leafs wait to see what's going to happen with Taveras. If they have a real shot at him (he decides he wants out of the Islanders), they would likely dump all 3 of the contracts to make room. I think the Leafs are more likely to let their young d-man develop and see what they have for another year and take a shot at Taveras. If they don't get him. I could see them maybe resigning some of their pending UFAs and trying to take shot at Doughty next year depending on the development of their young d-men and where the Nylander and Marner contracts close at (Nylander's probably sets the bar for Marner unless Marner has a crazy good or bad following season). I think it's pretty clear Matthews will be in the 10-12 K range. Anyway that's my take.
While everyone including myself was anxious to see the Leafs add a right-handed d-man to strengthen the back end, I think now Shanny and Lou have wisely been patient and let these young d-men develop to see what they have. The cupboard may not have been as bare as first thought.

 

[sickbeast]

The list of players clearly better than Dermott from the pool of availables is... very sparse and mostly very expensive.

Given this last little spurt, which gives an intriguing glimpse at what the team can do, I for one will be very disappointed if anyone other than the 3 veteran UFAs + Polak/Martin are moved before the deadline.  Given that the best-by date for trading Bozak/JVR/Leo has passed, I could even accept if they stand pat, though I think it would still be best to get what they can for at least one of those 3.  This year is still about building, not trying to make a run for the Cup that almost certainly go up in a Lightning-ignited fire (if they get even that far).

Yeah I tend to agree.  I think they should trade Bozak and sign JVR to an extension if they can.  Actually with JVR they should aggressively pursue an extension right now and if he won't sign, then just trade him and at least get a draft pick or two out of it.  But yes, Polak and Martin should both be dealt, and maybe even Komarov if anyone wants him.  They probably will get little more than a bag of pucks for those three guys though.

 

[Kin]

They won't subject from the existing lineup to a sell off in personnel as that would be sending the wrong message to a team that wants to win.

The message being sent by dealing those guys is "the organization's needs come first" which is a message they're all going to have to get used to as pros. It is a good and smart message.

If the Leafs were being mentioned as really serious contenders some hurt feelings might be understandable but right now they're third in a weak division and are probably still underdogs to make it out of the first round. If players think that sort of position means the team isn't going to make the smartest moves possible with their assets they should learn otherwise as quickly as they can.

 

[mr grieves]

If players think that sort of position means the team isn't going to make the smartest moves possible with their assets they should learn otherwise as quickly as they can.

Or..... they could not learn that and not have to this season, as it's pretty unlikely Lou's going to do the smart thing.

Of course, the team should. How many playoff-bound teams need scoring, have aging cores, and are desperate to do something this year? Enough partners there to shake out a good prospect and a pick for JvR, I'd think.

 

[herman]

http://faceoffcircle.ca/2018/02/03/extremist-approach-leafs-trade-deadline/

The first one lol

 

[bustaheims]

http://faceoffcircle.ca/2018/02/03/extremist-approach-leafs-trade-deadline/

The first one lol

I like the idea of trading Polak for a pre-season game, but that's probably asking too much. I'd take a conditional bag of pucks.

 

[Guilt Trip]

http://faceoffcircle.ca/2018/02/03/extremist-approach-leafs-trade-deadline/

The first one lol

I'd have no problem with any of those deals. I think RNH would be good here.

 

[sickbeast]

The Leafs are in a good position this trade deadline.  If they do nothing, fine.  But if Lamoriello gets some offers he can't refuse, he will take them.  If they can get a first round pick for JVR I think they will do it.  A second rounder for Bozak would be nice also.  Then if they can offload Komarov and Martin they will have room for the young guys in their system who aren't playing right now.  It looks like the Leafs are going to get a nice boost internally on Defense with Holl, Dermott, and Liljegren.  So things look good for next season.  If the Leafs make some noise this year in the playoffs, great.  I just don't see them as contenders yet.  Next season maybe.

 

[Kin]

If players think that sort of position means the team isn't going to make the smartest moves possible with their assets they should learn otherwise as quickly as they can.

Or..... they could not learn that and not have to this season, as it's pretty unlikely Lou's going to do the smart thing.

Of course, the team should. How many playoff-bound teams need scoring, have aging cores, and are desperate to do something this year? Enough partners there to shake out a good prospect and a pick for JvR, I'd think.

I think the thing they should be concerned with is losing momentum. If they don't make noise in the playoffs(a real possibility) and if they don't add Tavares(a strong probability) then they could be in a spot where in looking to come back next year with a team that's the equal of this year's one they're either pressured into bad moves in re-signing guys like JVR and Bozak or they're forced into a UFA market that very rarely yields good value deals.

Alternately, if you can trade them for the sorts of assets you can then use to trade for replacements I think the Leafs could easily weather the loss of those guys and come back stronger for it.

 

[skrackle]

I expect another 1st round loss for the Leafs this year. Maybe they'll surprise me. The games haven't been played yet, so I'll begrudge them the benefit of the doubt.

When (if) they lose in the 1st round, it will represent zero growth from last year. It will put a fine point on the problem of how the Leafs improve the team from where they are now, to contender status. There's no guarantee that they will.

To win a Stanley Cup, they need to do everything better and have better luck than any other team in a given year. I'd like to see them look long term and get the most in return for anyone who they must know isn't going to be part of a Cup team.

What I'd like to see is a 1st round pick for JVR, ideally from a team that ends up missing the playoffs. Beyond that, just more drafting and developing and unearthing gems beyond the 1st round of the draft. And, keep the cap number down. Can they do that?

 

[mr grieves]

If players think that sort of position means the team isn't going to make the smartest moves possible with their assets they should learn otherwise as quickly as they can.

Or..... they could not learn that and not have to this season, as it's pretty unlikely Lou's going to do the smart thing.

Of course, the team should. How many playoff-bound teams need scoring, have aging cores, and are desperate to do something this year? Enough partners there to shake out a good prospect and a pick for JvR, I'd think.

I think the thing they should be concerned with is losing momentum. If they don't make noise in the playoffs(a real possibility) and if they don't add Tavares(a strong probability) then they could be in a spot where in looking to come back next year with a team that's the equal of this year's one they're either pressured into bad moves in re-signing guys like JVR and Bozak or they're forced into a UFA market that very rarely yields good value deals.

Alternately, if you can trade them for the sorts of assets you can then use to trade for replacements I think the Leafs could easily weather the loss of those guys and come back stronger for it.

Yup. I agree with this. No one will be disappointed with a first round exit if they're trying to make a go of it without some vets they had last time -- but another first round loss, followed by the subtraction of roster players, could be a bit deflating. Also, fewer avenues to get better if you let the likes of JvR and Bozak just walk.

 

[mr grieves]

Mirtle makes the case for selling in the Athletic:

[tweet]961632191062183936[/tweet]

I wonder: after bottoming out and getting Stamkos/Hedman, how many picks did TBL use over the next several years...? Are the Leafs keeping up so they too can a deep, cheap team in the future?

 

[princedpw]

Mirtle makes the case for selling in the Athletic ...

Yup, I'm on board with this. 

My hope is that Toronto is in the playoff picture for the next decade or so.  I'm already happy with this season.  This is the year in which they likely have the least incentive to buy at the deadline given their current situation in the standings.  A first-round pick or top prospect for JVR, especially someone who might become a decent 3rd-line center or top-3 defenseman in a couple of years would be very attractive.

 

[Zee]

Mirtle makes the case for selling in the Athletic ...

Yup, I'm on board with this. 

My hope is that Toronto is in the playoff picture for the next decade or so.  I'm already happy with this season.  This is the year in which they likely have the least incentive to buy at the deadline given their current situation in the standings.  A first-round pick or top prospect for JVR, especially someone who might become a decent 3rd-line center or top-3 defenseman in a couple of years would be very attractive.

It doesn't even necessarily mean they'll be worse off if they trade a JVR and/or Bozak too.  You could try and inject some of the Marlies in the lineup as Mirtle suggested and who knows, maybe your speed and skill increase instead of decrease?  Sometimes a kid gets a shot at a lineup and plays his mind out before he realizes he's supposed to earn his way like they used to believe in the old days.  Remember Kapanen scoring a huge playoff goal last year after being called up, he played great for the Leafs in the playoffs.

 

[groundskeeper willie]

I wonder if the market for jvr isn't as good as we hope. There isn't a shortage of scoring wingers available this year with Nash, Grabner, Kane, patches, Hoffman, Vanek etc all more likely to be traded than jvr is

 

[Kaberle15]

If Karlsson is avaliable i would try a Kessel like package + JVR as they can flip him for more future assets

Something like: 2 1st rounders + a 2nd + JVR for Karlsson

I also would move uncle Leo for a prospect. however, this year JVR is the biggest asset, if they lose Leo for free is not that much of a Loss, plus they will have to make a move to make room for Sochnikov before the deadline.

I would keep Bozak, they don't have a 3rd Center in their system capable as Bozak, If they can find anyone on free agent to fill his spot, I would consider extend him (for less money)

I would trade Leivo or waive him

If someone bites in a Martin trade he is good as gone...

However, I do think they will stand pat and do nothing this year. They made several great moves in the Tank year, and since, manage to build the foundation for this Team and this is the best Leafs team that I can remember and the young core, hopefully, will be intact for a long time.

Is it Feb 27th yet ?

 

[LuncheonMeat]

If Karlsson is avaliable i would try a Kessel like package + JVR as they can flip him for more future assets
Something like: 2 1st rounders + a 2nd + JVR for Karlsson

Even if he was available, I can't imagine that would be enough.

Given the state of the team/ownership in Ottawa, I would be surprised if he re-signed there. I would maybe wait and see if he's available at the end of his contract, but giving up those assets in a trade would be a real break in the draft and develop philosophy the Leafs have employed.