LA finds themselves squeezed by the expansion draft, they already have 3 better defenseman who are signed long-term (Doughty, Muzzin, Martinez) so McNabb is the guy to go. Boyle leaves to TB in FA as he misses it there (his Wife is from there, its tax free and its fricken warm) so Leafs throw in Kyle Clifford.
Toronto sends back a NHL ready prospect to replace Clifford for half the cost, a really good prospect in Leipsic (the guy will fit into LA's system perfectly, he's very fiesty but can score some goals which is really needed there). And they also give them a pick so LA can start refilling the cupboards.
WSH trade:
Caps feel the cap pinch and send 2million dollar 4th liner to his hometown in return for a cheaper Russian who probably has more upside longterm in terms of highend skill.
NYI trade:
Islanders have some young defenseman coming up the ranks so they make room by dealing out Hickey. In return they get a cheap forward and a pick. If this isn't enough I've also contemplated taking back Kulemin's contract for a year to help.
DAL trade:
Kapanen makes the jump and replaces Komarov on his line, Dallas could use a defensive forward who can still put up decent numbers.
Signings:
Hyman:
1.7m x 5 yrs is pretty good for someone who didn't score a whole lot. Hyman gets security on his favourite team, Leafs get a forward who's versitile and kills penalties.
Brown:
2.66 x 7 years, Brown has had a good year, not fantastic (almost cracking 20 goals) but he's a dependable player who could maybe reach some higher totals. He gets a long term contract on his favourite team, Leafs get a player who hopefully grows into a top six forward while getting paid like a top nine.
Zaitsev:
4.5m x 7yrs was what was reported although I would be happier if that number came down a bit.
Kinkaid:
The 6'3" goalie has put up really good numbers in over 20 games this year. Could really be a stud backup for us.
Roster Makeup:
Forwards:
We continue to have 3 excellent scoring lines, Kapanen hopefully can add maybe a little more offense on the second line as Brown continues to grow as well. Our 4th line is an absolute tough line that'll just punish other teams. I really wanted to ensure we have excellent center depth, and with our Center depth like: Matthews/Kadri/Bozak/Clifford/Fehr/Smith/Gauthier we'll be prepared for injuries.
Defense:
It's too hard to find an elite right handed defenseman so we make do. McNabb is an analytics darling and I think he'll bring some steady physical presence to our top 4. We keep Gards and Zaitsev together to really push pace and create some offensive chances and we support them by having Carrick play with Hickey to make a more deep blueline. MarMar provides depth, maybe we resign Hunwick as more depth?
Goaltending:
We continue to run with Andersen obviously but now we have an established backup to play more games to take the load off Andy.
Prospects:
Draft Callan Foote, he's very mobile a right shot and I think he would be a great add. May have to trade up to get him but I think it's worth it.
Both Dermott and Nielsen have been really improving in the AHL and could make the jump the following year. This year they'll lead the Marlies on the Defense and hopefully they continue to make strides.
We need to see a forward step up this year. Moore, Johnson, Bracco, Timashov, Dzierkals, and Grundstrom all have the potential to be really good NHLers, would be really beneficial for Leafs to see someone really take the next step forward. Kapanen, Leipsic, and Rychel are gone so its up to the next wave to make something happen.
good work I appreciate the time youo put into it, but I don't see players signing deals for under $2M for seven years like you suggest. The LA Kings deal is really nice. NYI trade don't know if that's enough. probably overvalued the DAL trade a bit - maybe a 3rd at most but realistically a 4th or 5th. The WSH trade is interesting, but Wilson sucks but if all you want is a grinder on the 4th line i guess it makes sense
good work I appreciate the time youo put into it, but I don't see players signing deals for under $2M for seven years like you suggest. The LA Kings deal is really nice. NYI trade don't know if that's enough. probably overvalued the DAL trade a bit - maybe a 3rd at most but realistically a 4th or 5th. The WSH trade is interesting, but Wilson sucks but if all you want is a grinder on the 4th line i guess it makes sense
I would rather have a skilled 4th line but with Martin untouchable seems that we may as well have a full line dedicated to physicality
want to keep Hyman on the first line, you would think he makes more than 1.75m. Clutterbuck got 3.5m. leipsic and rychel have not shown any ability to be NHLers and you think the Kings will give up two NHLers for them.
soshnikov and Wilson are the same age and Wilson has shown much more offensive ability. why assume soshnikov has more upside. dallas trades the 40th overall for a one year of third line winger. wildly hopeful returns though i like the structure of your team
want to keep Hyman on the first line, you would think he makes more than 1.75m. Clutterbuck got 3.5m. leipsic and rychel have not shown any ability to be NHLers and you think the Kings will give up two NHLers for them.
soshnikov and Wilson are the same age and Wilson has shown much more offensive ability. why assume soshnikov has more upside. dallas trades the 40th overall for a one year of third line winger. wildly hopeful returns though i like the structure of your team
Hyman is a thirdline forward playing on the top line to help balance out the roster, but maybe you could consider it but Clutterbuck's contract is an awful one so I would not want to compare Hyman to his.
Leipsic has shown NHL ability, he's playing at a P/PG level in the AHL which puts him in really good company for historic players, Rychel I think could be a 4th liner and nonetheless he's got some potential.
Soshnikov was playing with Ben Smith for most of the year whereas Wilson has been on the best team in the league but it mostly comes down to a cap bonus for WAS.
I compared Komarov to Lars Eller who got 2 seconds, he's a very fast player who's a great defensive player who can hit 15-20 goals.
You can have both of the kings players for leivo and 4th. I feel the washington trade is interesting and the only the you get from wilson and not from sosh is fighting. And honestly from watching leafs games all year, uncle leo has been really good and I feel like he is a marchand just not as good. He's really annoying on the ice and is very good getting under people's skin