Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 15, 2022
What next for the Leafs, Bruins and Kings following their first-round playoff exits? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
ARE CHANGES COMING FOR THE LEAFS?
SPORTSNET: Despite another first-round playoff exit by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Elliotte Friedman didn’t think there needs to be a shakeup in the front office, behind the bench or on the roster. He cited their fourth-overall Eastern Conference finish in the regular season and losing to the defending Stanley Cup champions by one goal in Game 7. He felt there needs to be some tweaks but no one should be fired.
Kelly Hrudey agreed that no one deserves to be fired but there must be changes on the ice. He felt the Tampa Bay Lightning were beatable but the Leafs failed to take a 3-1 series lead in Game 4 and couldn’t finish off the Lightning with a 3-2 series lead. Hrudey isn’t buying excuses such as bad calls.
Jennifer Botterill felt the Leafs did well this season. However, she believes they couldn’t adjust in certain games to find a way to win in the playoffs.
ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton suggested a lack of killer instinct remains a problem for the Leafs. She thinks there must be changes, likely starting in the front office as team president Brendan Shanahan and general manager Kyle Dubas have to answer for yet another first-round failure.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (NHL Images).
Turning to the roster, Shilton points out goaltender Jack Campbell is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s in line for a big payday but the cap-strapped Leafs could have difficulty accommodating him. She also wondered about veteran defenseman Jake Muzzin’s status as the Leafs continue to get younger on the blueline.
TORONTO STAR: Mark Zwolinski also pointed out the Leafs have over $77 million invested in their 2022-23 roster with over $40 million going to core forwards such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander. That will complicate efforts to re-sign Campbell, who could seek maybe $12 million over three years. Other UFAs include Mark Giordano, Jason Spezza and Ilya Mikheyev.
THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel is among those who believe the Leafs only need to tweak their roster for next season. He doesn’t see their core forwards being moved, though it may be time to question Tavares’ role with the club given his line’s defensive struggles. Defensemen Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie aren’t going anywhere.
They’ll have to find a suitable backup goalie if they bring back Campbell as expected. That would mean trying to move oft-injured Petr Mrazek and his $3.8 million cap hit over the next two years. Siegel is also curious about the 33-year-old Muzzin’s future and wondered if the Leafs will try to bring back Giordano.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shanahan, Dubas or head coach Sheldon Keefe could lose their jobs over this but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re back next season. Leafs ownership has been very patient with them and their improvement this season could give that trio one more opportunity to turn this club into a Cup contender.
I’ll be shocked if the Leafs peddle any of their core players. Their hefty contracts would make them difficult to move anyway with the salary cap only rising by $1 million for next season. Nylander is the more affordable at $6.9 million but he’s also been their most reliable playoff performer going back to last year.
The Leafs will try to bring back Campbell but I expect he’ll be seeking more than $4 million per season. Try between $5 million and $6 million annually on a five-year deal.
Even if the Leafs convince Campbell to accept $4 million per season, they must shed salary to sign restricted free agents such as Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Pierre Engvall. Moving Mrazek will help but they’ll need to find a suitable backup. They’ll also have to free up more space if they hope to keep Giordano.
WHAT NEXT FOR BERGERON AND THE BRUINS?
NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss reports Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron wasn’t ready to discuss his future during his post-game press conference following his club’s first-round elimination by the Carolina Hurricanes. The 36-year-old center is slated to become a UFA in July but said it was too early to talk about it following a heartbreaking end to the season.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said he didn’t know which way Bergeron was leaning regarding his future. He said everyone on the team wants him back.
Goss points out a potential departure by Bergeron would create a huge hole at center for the Bruins, leaving Charlie Coyle and Erik Haula as their top-two centers. There aren’t a plethora of potential replacements via free agency or within the organization while the club lacks sufficient assets to use as trade bait to address that issue.
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa considers getting an answer on Bergeron’s future as the club’s top priority. He also believes they must make a decision on Jake DeBrusk’s trade request, which he didn’t withdraw despite signing a two-year contract extension in March. They could also shop a left-shot defenseman like Matt Grzelcyk, who became the odd man out during the playoffs.
ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton also believes the Bruins need a decision on Bergeron’s fate and DeBrusk’s trade request. She also felt they need to improve their scoring depth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergeron’s status and DeBrusk’s trade request will be the dominant issues for the Bruins. His return will buy some time to start building up their depth at center. Perhaps trading DeBrusk, who’s signed through 2023-24 at $4 million per season, could address that issue.
WHAT IN STORE FOR THE KINGS?
ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski wondered if Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake will be aggressive in adding to his roster this summer as he was when he brought in Phillip Danault and Viktor Arvidsson last summer. He mused over whether Blake will revisit his interest in Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
The Kings will have over $20 million in salary-cap space with Dustin Brown’s contract coming off their books. However, they only have 14 players under contract for next season with Adrian Kempe, Gabe Vilardi, Carl Grundstrom and Sean Durzi among their restricted free agents.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blake must give priority to his key RFAs as well as re-sign or replace UFAs like Andreas Athanasiou and Alex Edler. Depending on how those negotiations go, he might have enough room to make another significant veteran acquisition.
Chychrun and his $4.6 million annual cap hit through 2024-25 would be an affordable pickup cap-wise. However, the Coyotes seek a significant return including high draft picks and top prospects.
Shanaplan, turned into the Shanascam which revealed that Shanahasnoplan.
Greatest pond hockey team ever assembled.
Fun Fact: since 2004 the Seattle Kraken have won the same number of playoff series as the Leafs.
You’re so clever!
Wow, how long did it actually take you to come up with that? I hope it made you feel better to get it out because it didn’t make you look any smarter
Ahh come on guys – Ron just likes to stick it to certain members of “LeafsNation” in here with little barbs here and there.
But always hidden in such posts is an element of truth – e.g. The Shanaplan. Designed after Shanahan’s hiring in April 2014 to turn a moribund franchise around that hadn’t won a cup in 47 years or a playoff round in 10 years, here we are 8 years later with no cup or even playoff round won.
Wouldn’t you, as an owner, deem that an abject failure worthy of a harmless barb or two?
I say as I have before, signing JT was a terrible mistake. He mades to core a mismatch in age and he set a floor for signing Matthews and now he isnt worth the ticket while having a NMC. Terrible signing
As a Kings fan, I’m impressed at where they are at in such a short time with the rebuild and I’m excited at where this can go with the nice mix of vets and great looking prospects.
Christ, you add Doughty and Arvidsson to this playoff run and the Oilers are at home right now and the Kings are off to round 2, easily.
Add a dynamic LD and maybe a sniper, then bring up a couple of prospects full time and this could be a serious contender.
Of course I take nothing away from Edmonton and I hope they do well. McDavid is amazing and fun to watch, even though he singlehandedly sent my team golfing. His performance in this series is one for the ages, kudos!
For a team predicted to be a bottom feeder the Kings had a fantastic season.
Surprise team of the year. And, yes, not having Doughty and Arvidsson was the difference.
Leafs played well. Marner scored a playoff goal. A tough matchup out of the gate. However I feel Tampa can be beat this year. I am taking Florida
Get your calculator out Dubas . You need Campbell
Campbell is not the answer in my opinion.
Mrazek!!!!
Neither was Anderen. Eventually, you have to stick with someone in net.
Anybody out there that is a realistic , better fit?
Judging by both Andersen and Campbells numbers. They’re not the problem.
Campbell mirrored Vasilevskiy‘a numbers this series. And Vasilevskiy is considered one of the best in the game.
So, if Campbell isn’t the answer who is … and can they afford whoever?
They sure as hell are not going to win with Mrazek.
So very true Captain Obvious. In fact, over the 7 games Toronto outscored TB 23-21.
As I asked Steven – who says Campbell is not the answer – “who is?” And how much would that unknown cost?
Campbell, with a roster in front of him that could ice a solid 4 lines and 3 D pairings not crippled by having 56% of your cap tied up in 5 players, would be just fine.
as George said:
“Campbell, with a roster in front of him that could ice a solid 4 lines and 3 D pairings not crippled by having 56% of your cap tied up in 5 players, would be just fine.”
they choke in playoffs but not the goalies fault…
Who is available that is a better goalie than Campbell?
Tampa capitalized on a few defensive miscues.
The officiating (both ways) was awful in this series.
Big guys that play small need to go (Engvall, Holl)
Move Nylander or Marner to C and Tavares to LW…never a great skater Tavares looked a step behind most of the series.
Kings don’t need Chychrun, they need snipers! Doughty will be back, desperately need some offense. and Quick isn’t getting any younger.
Bruins are a mess. I wouldn’t want Coyle as my 4th line centre let alone top one. I agree with gutting them and building around McAvoy & Lindholm.
Respectfully disagree there Ed. Kings need to generate more offense, not just in the form of adding a sniper, which I agree with btw.
Adding Chychrun helps generate that additional offense in 5v5 and on the power play. He also adds much needed size on the roster and would help solidify the left side with Andersen and Bjornfot.
I think he’s a great fit, not at the current asking price mind you, but if Arizona lowers ot a bit, id jump on it.
Boston in my opinion have to start playing younger faster players like Steen , Fabian Lysell , jack Studnicka John Beecher and not play Foligno Nosak and Haula. To me Haula played scared game 7 maybe he was hurt never played that way most of year. Too many good players to start rebuild Bergeron needs to sign at least one more year.
Bruins are finished they won’t even make the playoffs next year. Beecher and Studnicka are the two biggest busts since Zack Hamill, & Karson Kuhlman
Trono needs to shed salary to sign Campbell. So bite the bullet and trade a core piece and a boat anchor.
Trade Willie + Mrazek (retain $1.3M) to NJ for this year’s 2nd OA and Sharangovich. Use the cap savings to sign Campbell to a $5M x 4-5yrs. Hopefully your #2 is in system. Use #2OA to draft Juraj Slafkovský
Note: NJ may require a minor pick from next year to be added. But get ‘er done!
So many teams need to dump salary that the number 2 overall won’t be needed in that trade. Or any.
You think NJ is giving up the second overall for a winger who doesn’t like going in the corners lol?
2nd overall?
wow, you still drinking?
LOL. Yeah, like NJ is going to trade away that pick for a winger who will no longer be skating with Matthews or Marner or Tavares so, who knows? – and a goalie they couldn’t give away,
Who will take Mrazek? If so how much salary can Dubas eat? That’s a hard sell for a goalie on his last NHL chance. Looks as if Nylander is the best chip to be dealt however resigning Campbell will eat most of that…Tough spot!
I could see Detroit taking Mrazek back as Ned’s backup in a deal that included Nylander. I have no idea what that trade would look like, but Yzerman made some pretty drastic trades when he started building in Tampa. The St. Louis trade that took on Callahan’s heavy salary comes to mind. The possibility of a Mantha like trade that moved a few lower cost core roster players like Rasmussen, Fabbri, Suter or maybe even Zadina for some sort of Mrazek and Nylander salary shedding deal wouldn’t be impossible (although I personally think those would be bad moves for both Toronto and Detroit, but I felt that way about the St. Louis trade and the Mantha trade initially).
Nobody is going to trade assets for Mrazek when they could have had him literally for free on waivers.
Johnny Z, with so many teams desperate for goaltending improvements, as a UFA Campbell will get close to – if not exactly – $6.5 per offers. He isn’t getting any younger and so, won’t be signing any discount $5 mil deal with the Leafs.
And while there may indeed be a number of teams in desperate need of goaltending, none among them are desperate enough to take Mrazek and his $3.8 mil cost.
Are you insane?
As old as I am I still wasn’t alive when the Leafs won their last Stanley Cup. I’m hoping they can win one before I die?
Here is my post-Leafs playoff exit plan to remedy this illness: Part 1.
1. John Tavares needs to relinquish the captaincy and hand it to Matthews.
2. Ilya Lyabushkin should be signed immediately. He is the type of player the Leafs need: work ethic, physicality and killer instinct. Pair him up with Morgan Reilly.
3. Get rid of Peter Mrazek and hid 3.8. Million ridiculous contract. He can’t stop a beach ball. I can put my Aunt Sally between the pipes and she would stop more shots.
4. Get rid of Kerfoot and his 3.5 million cap hit. He’s versatile but not at the expense of not having enough to pay for Mikheyev who will be overpaid but has greater upside.
5. Get rid of Justin Holl. No elaboration needed.
6. Sign Jack Campbell. Do not risk bringing in another Mrazek. He’s earned his payday. Get rid of dead weight to find the money.
7. Consider re-signing Spezza, Blackwell and Kase for affordable bottom six minutes.
8. Bring back Giordano if the price is right.
9. Play hardball for negotiations with Engvall, Sandin and Liljegren. They have upsides but need not be overpaid for the roles they play.
10. Do not trade Nylander. Getting two less talented players with limited upside of to save money is irresponsible. He needs to be expected to forecheck and play better defensively like Marner.
11. Continue using the speed Marner, Mikheyev, Engvall and now Nylander on the penalty kill to get more shorties. Demand more defensive play from Nylander. You can teach a goal scorer to be better defensively but you can’t teach a one dimensional defensive forward to score goals. He doesn’t have to fight but he can afford to break a fingernail or two. Or three.
Part 2 after I have my morning coffee.
I see some holes in your plan. If Mrazek is that awful, who’s taking that 3.8 for two more years? Especially with a 100 other options out there. Your aunt sally sounds like a better option.
I don’t see a way to bring back Giordano , sign Campbell, Blackwell, Kase, and Spezza, Lyabushkin, on top of playing hardball with the rfas you mention. The cap space isn’t there.
Your only moving out 7 million with Kerfoot and Mrazek, and as I said, nobody is taking Mrazek. So 3.5 out the door isn’t enough. Toronto needs to face moving Nylander.
I don’t care how good a player is, moving an 11 million contact right now is near impossible.
They’re stuck with Tavares. Maybe, moving Mathews is their best bet? It sounds blasphemous when you say it out loud. But he may be their only way to shed cap AND bring back an insane return.
11+ million almost impossible to move, unless it’s Mathews or Mcdavid.
Also not sure that moving the c has a different outcome.
Tortorella as coach of the leafs next year. He’ll teach those boys how to play D…(either that, or he’ll healthy scratch 20 million or so a game)
Lol,
And he’ll instantly turn Mathews into a 15 goal guy with 100 blocked shots, 2 bad knees and a short career.
Trotz.
Great plan Frank, definitely sounds like another 1st round exit too
You are leaving all of us hanging Frank…LOL
In my opinion Dubas and Keefe should be Fired TODAY !!!
I would keep Dubas but I think the team needs a new coach. Ron, I think you have a good point about Trotz. He’d have them playing better D without sacrificing much offense. He’s perfect for a veteran team in win-now mode.
As for goaltending, not saying Campbell is that great but I doubt there are any better realistic alternatives.
The biggest benefit to Trotz is he can turn an even mediocre goalie into a top 3 in the league with his system in the defensive end. He’s a great coach in that regard, but I think to win he needs outstanding offensive talent. He would also have that in Toronto (like he did in Washington). On a team with mediocre offensive talent he creates good defensive teams with less than mediocre offense, and the team ends up in purgatory like the Pred’s did under his tenure. Trotz on the Leafs would be a cup win within a few years.
The issue with Trotz is he seems to not mesh well with younger talent. For him to be bounced out of Washington immediately after winning the cup is a huge red flag that there was an issue there. Same for having one bad season after taking a very avg Islander’s team to the ECF 2 years in a row. The Leaf’s already experienced this issue with Babcock, and I wonder if bringing in Trotz would have players wanting out of Toronto.
🍁6 years in a Row Out in the First Round Again⁉️
Its Now time for the Leafs to Break up the Big 4
and Trade Mitch Marrnier and his $11.Million contract…..
I like what Johnny Z Said Trade with NJ get the 2nd pick and a player for MM and start the re-build right there with Big Juraj Slafkovský
MM would work well with there young talent in NJ
Leafs Need to bring in more balanced scoring for there 3rd line and up grade it
Coach Keefe did a good job👍
-Sign Jack Cambell at $4. Mill Range
-Trade Mrazek, lots of teams need a goaltender save $3.8 Mill right there
-They Need one more Really good d/man that can move the Puck…
– A couple of good forwards around $4/ range
If Not….it will be 7 Years in a Row they are out❓ Maybe its changes in the upper Managment 🤔
But change is Needed in Toronto
I said Willie not MM. I thought that that might be sacrilegious to Leafs fans…LOL
But let’s explore that:
MM + Mrazek for 2nd OA + Miles Wood (if healthy) or Sharangovich + Kevin Bahl
Sign Campbell at $5M x 4, shop for a BU if you can’t rely on Kallgren or in house goalies, sign Geo for $4M x 1or 2
Hello Johnny Z
Yes Mitch Marner looked like he Ran out of Gas last night Again…..⁉️
Leafs Need to clear out some Majior cash and make room to bring players in out of the big 4 Mitch make’s the most sence to move.
JT is not waving his NTC,
Why would you trade Mathews,
That leaves WN, at $6.9 m …. ❓
So Mitch Marrner is the first choice to go✔️
Ik the GM dose not get going on the he will get Fired….
Of the top of my head….Lots & Lots of teams need goaltenders, like
The Habs. The Sen, The Sabres, The NJD, The Blackhawks, the Arizona team but im not sure what they are up too..?
Williew, the Senators are not looking for a goalie.
Willew, you write this:
“-Trade Mrazek, lots of teams need a goaltender save $3.8 Mill right there”
like it would be so easy, it isn’t lol
“-Trade Mrazek, lots of teams need a goaltender save $3.8 Mill right there”
Hello En4sir
yes 100 % i did….
he Mrazek is better than what 5-6 teams have as there starter at pressent⁉️
Chigago,
Montreal,
Ottawa,
NJD,
Buffalo,
Arizona,
Maybe its time for a GM change in toronto
They need to get this sorted asap…..
They should be able to move Mrazek to tage team with a younger prospect they are working on who could be a starter….?
Brayden Point’s new contract has a $9.5M cap hit. He scores at a rate close to Nylander.
Marner is a point per game player making just over $1M more
Point plays in FLA where they have no state income tax. Even though his salary is less than Marner he takes home more.
Like it or not Tampa has a salary advantage compared to Toronto. Not to mention they can likely live in obscurity in TB as opposed to the fishbowl of TOR
Sorry Williew, Mrazek is nowhere near as good right now as Anton Forsberg – Hell, he isn’t even in the same ballpark as Matt Murray, whose issue has been health. And Jake Allen is heads and shoulders above them all. I can’t speak to those other teams you list – but I’d bet none among them would consider a deal for that $$ liability.
Hey Daryl , Trono players make up all the tax differences with advertising contracts in these big market cities that they live in! Tampa is a smaller market city and has less businesses interested in hockey players.
I am so happy that the Maple Syrups got bounced out of the playoffs again. Maple Syrup Nation must be losing there minds.
Those calling for Keefe to be fired should really be gunning for Dubas. It has been his greed that has placed this team in the position it is in.
🍁Oh! Sorry guys ……
I Completly forgot Ottawa Has Matt Murray as the Goaltender …..
he has just been out injured so much.
with the Habs who knows whats going to happen with the goaltending, Alien, Price, and there young back ups are not Ready…
I still see lots of homes for Mrazek… Leafs may need to trade a pick with him to move him or a prospect or something with him $3.8 in Salary for 2 more year’s❗️
I agree with LM… its not the coach that should be fired its Dubas the GM
Boston is in no man’s land.
To much talent, Pastrnak, McAvoy, Marchand, Lindholm, Hall to not be in the middle of the pack.
Not enough talent, Coyle, Haula, Nosek, Foligno, Smith, Grizz, Reilly to be a contender.
Re-sign Bergeron 1yr deal falter trade him at the deadline.
Bergeron is not a #1c lost a step this year, maybe another next year.
If Bergeron retires the Bruins will not have a #1 or #2 c.
I would prefer a blow up of one year
The concern with a blow-up I don’t believe Sweeney is the man to lead the job.
Boston needs a C and Mark Scheifele is available.
Don’t give me that garbage they don’t have the assets
Lindholm and Debrusk. Or Pastrnak.
I think Winnipeg biggest weakness is D.
Again I prefer re-sign Bergeron and trade him and Marchand on the TD if on the outside looking in.
Finishing last next season isn’t the worst thing, giving you the best odds at Connor Bedard.
Can’t disagree with anything you said, but think the Bruins need to build around Swayman, McAvoy, Lindholm, Pastrnak and Lysell. Russian winger Merkulov could be a sleeper, and hoping Mason Lohrei is the real deal when he comes on board after next season. A reset is probably necessary as again at best they’ll be competitive but not cup contenders. I think Sweeney will be gone though, and usually the coach follows. Desperate to build up centre position, Scheifele would be great but would prefer not to trade any of the players mentioned
Bergy would have a full NMC if he revisions next yr and would not waive wants to retire a bruin. 63. Has NMC as well
So not going anywhere. Hall as well Bruins will try to retool yet again Bruins will make playoffs next year so kiss Bedard away he will be a yote
I am all for bruins putting a pkg together with peg for Scheifele Debrusk. Griz etc etc
Caper. Bergy had his 5 th best year of his career overall and. Rewrote the selke this year to all time levels since stats have been kept Little slower maybe #1 ctr yes he still is even at 37 yrs young
Bruins are built for the playoffs, brilliant! What a dope.
Boston will be in playoffs next year way to good not to be.
As good as Marner is (in the regular season), it was clear as soon as they gave him an $11M a year contract that it would cripple the team. Just way way too much for an winger, let alone an RFA at that. Sloppy cap management to say the least. Anyone who wouldn’t take Brayden Point at 6.5M over Marner every time?
Hell, I’d take Marchand at around the same $6.5 over Marner. Not that I don’t like Marner’s game – I just don’t like it at $11 mil.
100% George
The only thing that will help the leafs is if Tavaras comes up with a mysterious injury this summer so he can go on LTIR.
I don’t see any other options, adding to the pain is Reilly gets a bump in pay up to 7.5 m
Basically they are screwed!
On another way off base item that crossed my mind. Since Sportsnet have the hockey rights and are owned by Rogers who also own 40% of the leafs.
I wonder if Sportsnet would exert a little pressure on Rogers management to bring Change to Leafs management?
Kinda out there I know but when money is involved anything goes and Sportsnet are big losers having the leafs out of the playoffs
After yet another season of Leaf Ballwashing theres no way anyone on that woke HNIC panel calls for any changes. Absolutely sickening to listen to Backstabber MaClean, Friedman and the rest of the Leaf loving LeafsNet crew do anything but make excuses for another collapse. Only one on that panel with any credibility is Bieska, the rest are all Leaf biased homers.
MLSE needs to fire Brenden Shanahasnoplan, Kyle Scooby Dubas and Sheldon Keefe and replace them with people that have a proven track record of success.
You know, like Lou Lamarillo or Mike Babcock…. oh wait a minute….
Running the same sad sack no testicular fortitude roster of Charmin soft creampuffs for another season will only garner more of the same results.
Less purse shopping, less time worrying about personal records, less time worrying about fashion and which Biebs tune to blast at practice and more time on team oriented goals is whats clearly required.
McDavid willed his team from 3-2 down to Los Angeles to the series win. Matthews trips over the red line and fails to backcheck on game 6 winning goal.
One shows true MVP determination, the other? Too busy making dinner plans with Biebs to as he put it “put our balls on the table”.
Looking for your Leaf gonads? The the M&M boys purses.
Personally Id do whatever it takes to get Barry Trotz if I were the Leafs and send Keefe back to the AHL.
Not a fan of either team but do Leaf fans think JT would accept a trade and would Boston take on JT and his contract to bridge them over to drafting some centers this and next year. I’m sure some salary would have to go back but it seems it’s a win-win for both teams. Boston gets a 1C and Toronto gets some cap relief to make other moves
Bruins got themselves a bunch of issues, right now no #1 or #2 center, they have 1 Dman they can count on and two others ( Forbort & Carlo ) that are OK, the 3rd & 4th lines were a mess, no $$$$$ and nobody to trade….
forgot Lindholm… my bad
Joe. They are in a cap he’ll scenario. Bergy will resign at a discount or retire. But. To free up space got to buy out. Foligno. Trade some or all of. Debrusk. Reilly. Griz. Smith Coyle.
Part 2 of my Leafs plan….I meant to add after my coffee but had to be away.
There were 11 points in part 1. Let me continue with Part 2.
12. Kessel’s 1.2 million cap hit comes off the books in the fall. Salary cap rises by 1 million. There’s 2.2 million right there. Reilly’s salary goes up by 2.5 million next fall so that almost pays for that.
13. Mrazek is tradable with a sweetener. That saves 3.8 million. Take 300,000 to address point 12 and now we’re working with 3.5 million in space.
14. Trade Kerfoot and Holl for draft picks. That saves 5.5 million. Add that to 3.5 from point 13 and now you have 9 million to work with.
15. Giordano, Campbell, Mikheyev, Lyabushkin, Spezza and Blackwell are UFAs and their salaries come off the books unless the Leafs sign them to team friendly deals. That’s just under 9 million off the books and decisions will have to be made of you can get them to team friendly contracts. I see Spezza coming back for minimum. Blackwell may get slightly more or they’ll find a replacement at base salary. Giordano is unlikely to return unless he is willing to play for 2 million.
16. In terms of prioritizing them in accordance to what they bring to the Leafs I would rank them from most important (Campbell, Lyabushkin), important (Mikheyev) to somewhat important (Spezza, Blackwell, Giordano).
17. Other shaving can include trading Simmonds and keeping Clifford.
18. Not a lot of cap room to make big moves in term of free agent signings but it would give them another shot at it next year by keeping team relatively in tact and making some minor adjustments.
What team giving $48M to only 5 players in the cap era has ever won a cup????
Trono is too thin because of this issue. When this is addressed, Trono will have a more balanced team.
JZ. I agree but if there was no Covid crash. The signings would not be bad as they look today
I think the problem started with overpaying for Tavares and that setting the bar to overpay the others. This was all under the assumption the cap would rise each year and the hope that the contracts woukd be more team friendly over time.
But negotiations only led to players getting as much as they could get for anticipated
potential, limited past achievements and ensuring they can walk into free agency.
Tavares is worth 7.5-8.5 million so overpaid by 2.5-3.5 million. Nylander is worth 5.5-6 million so overpaid by 0.9-1.4 million. Matthews is worth 10 million so overpaid by 1.6 million. Marner is worth 9 million so overpaid by 1.9 million. Total cap hit for the Fab Four = 40.4 million. Overpaid between 6.9-9.3 million.
That’s enough to sign two very good top 6 players, of 4 bottom six players, 2 top 4 blueliners.
It’s clear that they’re overpaid but the answer right now is not to trade any of them for this reason:
1- Tavares has a NTC and is not giving that up so we’re stuck with him.
2- Matthews is a 60 goal scorer. You don’t trade a generational player unless McDavid is part of that return.
3- Marner is one of the best playmakers in the league and is entering his prime.
4- Nylanders contract doesn’t look as bad as it did initially with the ridiculous money being thrown around today by GMs. Trade him for what? Draft picks? Two mid players? Leafs had to have bad years to draft high. No reason to trade s player of that calibre.
Overall, you have to get to the playoffs and these players get you there. Alex Kerfoot and Justin Holl aren’t going to win you hockey games.
You don’t trade Matthews unless McDavid is PART of that return? Even with 60 goals, Matthews isn’t getting you McDavid straight up.