If the leafs lost in 6 games to the Tampa Bay lightning, while missing one of their top players, I don't think you would have many people complaining.

The leafs lost to a team that even the most die hard Habs fans would admit is probably missing the playoffs if they were playing in their regular division. Then add to the fact they were up 3-1.
- r8edr

Right other teams get this excuse but the Leafs don't. Makes sense.

Also we didn't get the "they lost to a top 3 team in the league" excuse when they lost to Boston twice.

LA is look to deal.

I don't think it will happen
- dmnted

Doughty and Byfield for Marner?

Saw an Evander Kane for Rielly rumour...interesting to say the least

I am going to say this and then hang up and listen, I don't want Jack Eichel as a Leaf if it comes at the expense of trading Mitch Marner.

Who needs Matthews Lite when you have an actual Auston Matthews?

If Marner was gone I wouldn't want to turn around and dump that money into JE who is very talented but hasn't proven he can do much of anything other than be sour, angry and fight with management. Do the Leafs really need that?

I'd rather keep Marner and see how it plays out.

Just my opinion.
- Cush29

Jack Eichel isn't quite analogous to AM34.

He's not the goalscoring machine that Matthews is but he is fast and a skilled playmaker that can score 35-40 goals.

Having said that, he desperately wants to win and is (frank)ing tired of the dumpster fire that is Buffalo. Something tells me his attitude would be a helluva lot different on a franchise that is committed to winning and is a first class organization in every possible way (well, except for the playoffs, I guess).

I would trade Marner for Eichel in a heartbeat.

Yup, and that was peak clutch/grab with Scott Stevens braining everyone with no consequence too.

Like if OTT could've somehow made it into the dance, I think they could've done some damage too with some hot goaltending.
- gravyface

If Ottawa re-signed UFA Zdeno Chara instead of UFA Wade Redden they likely would've won the Cup in 06-07.

Saw an Evander Kane for Rielly rumour...interesting to say the least
- Santo_44

Not a bad trade... I like it, how do we afford Evander Kane?

How about Kane and Mario Ferraro for Rielly, and Mikheyev?

Jack Eichel isn't quite analogous to AM34.

He's not the goalscoring machine that Matthews is but he is fast and a skilled playmaker.

Having said that, he desperately wants to win and is (frank)ing tired of the dumpster fire that is Buffalo. Something tells me his attitude would be a helluva lot different on a franchise that is committed to winning and is a first class organization in every possible way (well, except for the playoffs, I guess).

I would trade Marner for Eichel in a heartbeat.
- mjones242

same here.. Marner for Eichel than flip Rielly to SJ for Evander Kane

If the Habs win the cup, they could miss the playoffs for 5 years and not care.
- Scabeh

If another top 6 is somehow removed from the series in the first game im going to be awfully suspicious of your juggernaut team.

If another top 6 is somehow removed from the series in the first game im going to be awfully suspicious of your juggernaut team.
- Aaron_85

Nate MacKinnon better keep his head up.

same here.. Marner for Eichel than flip Rielly to SJ for Evander Kane
- PatC80

Rielly for Seth Jones.

oh still move Rielly also
sign hyman if the numbers work or find another hyman. idc

Marners game is easily stopped by a team with a reasonable checking line.
he is supposed to be the playmaker and one that drives the line I was told..but he doesnt.
- senstroll

Well for starters, they were trying to drive the play wrong. How many goals did we see like the Habs OT goal last night? Where was the forecheck? They were doing it in the regular season. They scored a lot off of turnovers.

The thing about playoff hockey - it’s still hockey. Put that on a bumper sticker. That kind worked when they were retrieving pucks and making quick, lethal plays. Hyman and Matthews and even Marner were taking pucks away during the season. Matthews was hitting but I wonder if he had many takeaways, Hyman?

Maybe that’s what they thought they were getting from Foligno - they didn’t JT that’s what they need. If they do move Marner, they better get a top end power forward and some bits. Don’t get Seth Jones. Our D is fine and he’ll be gone in a year.

Nate MacKinnon better keep his head up.
- gergeswillems

Or not charge anyone recklessly.

Doughty and Byfield for Marner?
- PatC80

UG/JFJ would be happy with trade

Saw an Evander Kane for Rielly rumour...interesting to say the least
- Santo_44

is SJ retaining any $$??

AM - JE top 2 Centers
JT shifts to wing

Eichel has not had a chance to show he can choke it up in the playoffs like Mitch
- senstroll

I would move Eichel to the wing. I don't know why. I haven't watch many of the sabres game, but I just could see his style translate better to the wing.

UG/JFJ would be happy with trade
- dmnted

Nah, they'll just complain that it wasn't Nylander

You disagree with the great, wise Willis? Garnie I thought we were friends......even dare I say it "Anders5n Sister Wives". Where is the love?
- Cush29

You lumped Mikey “stone hands” in with the 🦒 🤣🤣

Jack Eichel isn't quite analogous to AM34.

He's not the goalscoring machine that Matthews is but he is fast and a skilled playmaker that can score 35-40 goals.

Having said that, he desperately wants to win and is (frank)ing tired of the dumpster fire that is Buffalo. Something tells me his attitude would be a helluva lot different on a franchise that is committed to winning and is a first class organization in every possible way (well, except for the playoffs, I guess).

I would trade Marner for Eichel in a heartbeat.
- mjones242

No question. I like Marner, I think he overcomplicates things and still has some lingering Junior stank on him (Kadri did for a long time too), but Eichel is the better player and would make us incredibly deep at center, particularly when JT ages out of the 2 hole.

Not a bad trade... I like it, how do we afford Evander Kane?

How about Kane and Mario Ferraro for Rielly, and Mikheyev?
- PatC80

You don't sign Hyman.

You get a cheaper D to replace Rielly and he fits. Sandin's proved he can be really good on the PP which helps with Rielly...his replacement can probably out do his defensive work

is SJ retaining any $$??
- dmnted

Why would they? He is well worth the 7M cap as he has proved the past 3 seasons.

Did the math and it is very doable as long as they let Hyman go.

I watched that game last night, the fans in the stands going ape poop over a Bruin being legally knocked off the puck in the 3rd period was hilarious.

I'm starting to think the years of the Bruins getting preferential treatment from the officials in the playoffs has made some in that fan base not know what is an actual penalty anymore.

Plus the big, bad cross checking machine with a get out of jail free card got traded to Washington so apparently he took his officiating good will with him.
- Cush29

Oh FFS - you're just not over Bruins knocking out the Leafs 3 times in last 3 meetings. We didn't even bump you out last two years.

No question. I like Marner, I think he overcomplicates things and still has some lingering Junior stank on him (Kadri did for a long time too), but Eichel is the better player and would make us incredibly deep at center, particularly when JT ages out of the 2 hole.
- gravyface

for sure, Matthews, Eichel and Tavares down the middle would be fantastic

It's an interesting point. Why are the Bruins and Tampa ahead of the Leafs both in terms of regular season AND post-season success at this point?

What do the Leafs lack that those teams do not?
- mjones242

Their top line don’t take poop from nobody, that’s 1. Goalies don’t seem to hurt them either.

Right other teams get this excuse but the Leafs don't. Makes sense.

Also we didn't get the "they lost to a top 3 team in the league" excuse when they lost to Boston twice.
- Santo_44

What excuse? I specifically said if they lost in 6 games to Tampa while still missing a top player, I highly doubt anyone would be calling for Mitch's head.

I don't remember anyone crying about blowing it up after losing to Boston. Some were upset.

Its laughable to compare losing in the first round to lightning to losing to the Habs.

But even after all this, you are still missing the most important fact. The leafs top players have never once performed in the same playoffs. It's one thing to lose to a better team. It's another to lose because the guys you spend $40 million on are playing like garbage.

for sure, Matthews, Eichel and Tavares down the middle would be fantastic
- PatC80

Just changes the top 6 dramatically, and all are capable (in descending order) of making their linemates better.

Like JT driving a 3rd line? Super grinder edition and you could easily play Robertson there more safely than top 6, at least to start.