If the Leafs had a GM who knew how to win trades, they could rebuild this team by 2031.
Rebuild 2031:
2026: Trade down with NYR or VAN (hopefully they’re retarded). Draft Verhoeff and Hurlbert. Both go back to develop for 2-3 years.
2027: TDL: Carlo and OEL for one 1st round pick each. Rebuild Matthews and Nylander value. Finish 9th.
2028: TDL: McCabe, Tanev, Tavares, Matthews (50% retained) and Nylander (50% retained) for least seven pieces (1st round picks, top prospects, young roster players).
2029: Tank, lottery pick.
2030: Tank, lottery pick.
2031-2033:
Knies | Lottery 2030 | Top Prospect (Nylander Trade)
Hurlbert | Top Prospect (Matthews Trade) | 1st round pick (Matthews Trade)
Cowan | 1st round pick (Tavares Trade)| 1st round pick (Tanev Trade)
1st round pick (Roy Trade) | 1st round pick (McCabe Trade) | 1st round pick (Carlo Trade)
Lottery 2029 | Verhoeff
1st round pick (Nylander Trade) | 1st round pick (Matthews Trade)
1st round pick (OEL Trade) | Danford