After the draft before free agency

It's a third-round pick to offer sheet Mikheyev at $2M, why would the Kings take Johnsson (they already have Kempe at a cheaper rate)?

that's waaaaay too much for Gudas. If he gets that after what DeMelo just got that GM should be fired

Traded Johnsson to LA just to gain the cap space... but they could use a talented LW as their current options are limited. Also wanted to get back our 3rd round pick from last year's Muzzin/Clifford deal just in case we decide to "go for it" and offer sheet Ryan Pulock in NYI! Lamoriello is in a jam as he's only got $8.9m available and has to sign RFAs Matt Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews. If the Leafs throw a $6m offer sheet at Pulock (who's just 25 and a 1st pairing RHD) then we wouldn't sign Gudas and Lehtonen/Holl drop down a pair. We'd also have to trade away Kerfoot to make space for Pulock but I don't think that will be too difficult.

As for Lehtonen on the top pair, I know that will raise eyebrows, but he led all KHL dmen in scoring last season, is doing it again this season (6 G, 12 Pts in 8 GP) and is averaging 22:23 TOI for Jokerit. He'll likely start on the 3rd pair to get adjusted to the N.American game, but I can definitely see him move up to at least the 2nd pair and log big minutes + QB our 2PP unit.

I completely agree with you and DeMelo was my original target (which is on a previour Armchair GM roster). I decided to overpay Gudas as I think he's going to get interest from a handful of teams as he brings that gritty, physical element that every team wants for the playoffs. If we can get him for $3m AAV like DeMelo, then it frees up another $500k of cap room for added flexibility.

except that Gudas is declining heavily. like he's not even a very good 2nd pairing guy right now. overpaying him, especially for multiple years is a very bad idea when you're as cap strapped as the leafs.