The Leafs currently have 52k in cap space. Sadly, this isn't a typical bank account, and 52k ain't gonna get us very far...
In fact, when Trevor Moore comes back, it's even more complicated! He is paid 775k. That's not a lot for any player (let alone someone who plays in the top 9 on a good team), but it's enough to cause some problems for this team. When he comes back, the cap space goes to -722k. Now, this should be an easy fix. Send someone down to the minors! One problem... there are 4 guys who could realistically be sent down... and 3 of them make less than that 722k. Gauthier makes 675k, Spezza makes 700k, and Timashov makes 694k. The only one who they will send down is Engvall. He makes 925k, and is waivers-exempt. Great! An easy fix!
But let's be honest. Is that the best move for the team? My opinion is no. Engvall has looked good, and Keefe seems to like and trust him. Hell, the players seem to like and trust him so far. He has done better than Timashov in my opinion, and has more skill than Gauthier (although I have to admit, Goat has shocked me with his play this year, he does his job, and has been a lot more productive on both sides of the puck than I thought he would. He has arguably beat out Shore, Gauthier, and Timashov for full-time roster spots.).
But, what do we do? I guess we don't really have a choice but to send him down. All of the questionable spots on the team are making league minimum, or close to it (Goat, Spezza, holl, even Hutch). i think this speaks to a larger issue for sure, we need to clear some cap. There is really any way to do it though, not without giving up roster talent.
Moore was just put on LTIR, so we have some time to figure it out, but to be perfectly honest, the only way to solve this cap issue is to trade Cody Ceci (4.5M is a steep price for him, we can get someone paid at least 1M less pretty easily in return). We could also look at trading someone like Barrie, but he's paid 2.5M (retention is a beautiful thing, thank you Colorado). Let's be honest, even if Barrie continues at his pace, is it worth trading his 2.5m? It's not like we can get a quality piece in return, we have no F'ing cap space!
In other news, some guys were sent to the Marlies, and... well... they're bloody stacked now. Keep your eyes open for my latest "Marlies Report", detailing the lines and some pieces that people might not really know from the Leafs system.
I agree, I’d like to see Engvall get a chance to stay as he’s earned it with his play, especially on the PK which has only given up 1 goal in 13 short handed situations since Keefe took over.
Though I disagree about Timashov slightly. The kid leads the team in Hits and has played way less games. He's small but he adds that energy that they have been lacking. As noted it's a shame they have all the questionable spots uses up with league min. players.
The other player (besides Goat) that is leaps and bounds better than last year is Hill. He's not a stand out superstar with a "wow" factor but he also doesn't do much terrible stuff either. He's consistent and beginning to settle into a comfortable role. Hoping he'll begin to use his frame a little more in a style like Muzzin and I think he'd be a long term 3rd pair D
I do like the lines you've drawn up as well. Very balanced and effective.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
brenfox31 a aimé ceci.
CapFriendly
CapFriendly