Now that the offseason is (basically) over, we decided to take a look back at some of Brad Treliving’s offseason moves, and make some predictions for the 2024–25 season!
We recently brought on a few new writers, so this is our first ever real roundtable!
This year, our writers include Anthony William, Ryan Ma, Will Fisher, and Greg Babinski
What was the Leafs best offseason move?
Anthony William – I think the best move is the Chris Tanev signing. Finally, Morgan Rielly has a talented, defensive-minded partner for which Rielly can focus on using his strengths of playing offence, instead of babysitting whichever carousel of defenceman will be playing with him.
Ryan Ma – I like the Stolarz signing. The advanced analytics rated him very well last year and he’ll likely be playing behind a much improved Leafs defense. He wasn’t super expensive, and he’s a guy who I think could be incredible if given the chance to be a 1A. It certainly gives the Leafs cover in the case of a Woll injury or fall in form.
Will Fisher – Hiring Craig Berube. The Leafs have desperately needed a new voice, and I’m excited to see what Berube can do/change for Toronto. I always thought Sheldon Keefe should’ve been fired after the Montreal Canadiens series, and a new system could do this team wonders.
Greg – In the short term, it is definitely Tanev. Fitting a longstanding need as a top flight right shot, Tanev also fits as a leading penalty killing option that the rest of the unit can build behind. If the Leafs want to go anywhere, becoming a top penalty killing team is imperative, something they have not come close to. The Tanev choice has its risk, the length relative to his age. For now Tanev is in top form and it is not impossible the Leafs find a way to skirt whatever ill effects emerge with time.
What is your most anticipated camp battle? How do you think it will play out?
Anthony William – For me, it’s 1st/2nd line LW. With Robertson requesting a trade and the loss of Bertuzzi, Toronto will need to fill that position. Knies struggled on the top line last year, but improved as the season went on and in the playoffs. He will only get better. Toronto has a lot of decent prospects like Cowan, Minten, and Quillan that could make a push for one of these spots.
Ryan Ma – It has to be last spot on the blue line for me. Reilly, Tanev, McCabe, Liljegren and Ekman-Larson seem like locks but I’m not sure Benoit’s job is safe. I still think he’s best suited as the 7th D. Connor Timmins looks like he’s run his course as a Leafs player too. There’s a roster spot to be had especially with questions surrounding Hakanpaa’s knee.
Will Fisher – That twelfth forward spot is fascinating. There are so many guys that could end up anywhere from the first to the fourth line, and prospects will be battling with veterans for spots.
Greg – The Jani Hakanpaa signing does bring some stability, but the blueline depth will be something to watch. Especially on the right side the Leafs have a lot of interesting potential options. Philippe Myers can fill a defensive role, Topi Niemela a bit more of a puck mover. The most interesting might be Nicholas Mattinen.
Will any rookies make the team, and if so, who?
Anthony William – I think Easton Cowan will make the team out of camp. I think Berube will like his motor and play style. Whether he will be sent down after a few games like Minten last year, will remain to be seen.
Ryan Ma – I think Jacob Quillan and Topi Niemela would be my early favourites outside of Cowan. Minten needs top line AHL minutes next year to start and Webber needs some pro hockey under his belt too before we discuss NHL ice time.
Will Fisher – Cowan being ineligible for the AHL makes things tough, because I don’t think the Leafs see any reason to send him back to junior. So having him around, at least until the World Juniors, makes the most sense.
Greg – I do not think that Minten will make the team out of camp, but I think the Leafs will keep Cowan around to start the season. Even if he is not ready for a full time role, the Leafs can sneak in some AHL conditioning stints before sending him to the U20 World Juniors. Throughout the season I might pick Nikita Grebyonkin, as the Max Pacioretty PTO speaks to the Leafs thinner options outside of their NHL forward group.
How would you handle the upcoming Marner and Tavares contract situations?
Anthony William – The “core four” has not worked for the last 8 years. No NHL team has allocated so much cap space to four forwards. I would let Marner walk to Free Agency or if by some miracle he waives, trade him. Tavares has noticeably lost a step, but he still produces. Likely his replacement for the 2nd line will cost as much as his next contract, so I’d resign him.
Ryan Ma – Marner is a tough one. Ideally he comes back on a team friendly deal, but given the Draisaitl contract that feels highly unlikely. Anything over Nylander’s contract and he can walk. We’ll spend the 12M somewhere else. Tavares should come back for less than half his current AAV, I’d bring him back.
Will Fisher – I would try to lock up Tavares for cheap as soon as possible. I feel like he’ll be on board with cutting his salary a ton, and I’d jump all over it. As for Marner, I’d say take Nylander’s money or walk. No point in giving him anything more, and the cap space could be useful.
Greg – There is a moral principle to tying Marner’s contract to Nylander’s. The Leafs need to show some backbone, and should be comfortable taking a hard stance. I suppose an inflation adjusted equivalent could be acceptable, but perhaps the deferred money in the style of the Seth Jarvis deal is an option to achieve this. For Tavares I would follow the Tampa Bay Lightning approach with Steven Stamkos, waiting until the last minute and trying to leverage his sentimentality into a sweetheart deal.
Who will be coach Berube’s favourite and why?
Anthony William – I think Berube will pick either Knies or McMann as his favourite. Both these players have a lot of skill, but can also play a rough game, which I think he will try to instill into the team.
Ryan Ma – I definitely think it’s going to be McMann. The size, speed, and physicality with a goal scorers shot makes him Berube’s dream player. I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw McMann in a top line role next year.
Will Fisher – Max Domi seems like a Berube type guy, and I think he could have a fantastic season whether it’s on Matthews’ wing or running the third line. But what I’d love to see the most is Berube really trying to connect with Timothy Liljegren, who could use some of Berube’s snarl to become an impact player.
Greg – Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann are the obvious picks considering his affinity for Sammy Blais in the past. Up front Pontus Holmberg could win over a bigger role, either elevated in the lineup or at centre. Tanev is probably too important to be considered a coach’s favourite, but sometimes the easy answer is the right one.
How would you define a successful 2024-25?
Anthony William – Third round or blow it all up to smithereens.
Ryan Ma – Second Round where we take it to at least 6 games. My standards over the years have eroded significantly.
Will Fisher – They have to make a conference final, or something’s gotta change.
Greg – I want to see growth in the team’s process. The Leafs have become a capable defensive team at even strength, but a remarkable penalty kill has eluded them. Building a championship identity requires a full buy in, and quite frankly there is no excuse for middling defensive results.
Where will the Leafs finish in the division?
Anthony William – Third.
Ryan Ma – Third. I expect Florida and Tampa to be good this year with a Boston fall off. I’m not convinced Swayman is physically ready for a full time starting role, and Lindholm and Zadorov are contracts I’m not a fan of.
Will Fisher – Second? I think Florida is first, but Toronto and Boston battle for second.
Greg – Second. I think the Panthers are a bit deflated, and though are still a real threat and the playoff favourite, are a team the Leafs should strive to pressure. To me the Bruins are the best team on paper, and are improved from last season.
Looking at the results
While optimistic to varying degrees, all of us believe the Leafs had a pretty successful offseason. Whether that actually changes the outcome this season, well we’ll have to wait and see.
But with a new defence corps, and improved goaltending, hopefully this is the year we see Toronto put it all together.
