I think the Leafs' main priority right now has to be an RD with term to go behind Brodie. I am a much bigger fan of Holl than most people, but it is clear that he is a 3RD/Depth D that simply isn't going to cut it for the Leafs now or long-term, especially with Liljegren (and eventually Niemala) only getting better. Speaking of Liljegren, he isn't quite ready for Top 4 Minutes yet, and I think the best bet is to have him as a 6/7D with Holl or a tougher, bigger rental (Schenn, Pysyk, Hakanpaa, etc).
I don't like the RD options out there very much at all, but the Leafs don't really have a choice if they want to have a chance in this year's playoffs or the future. Buying high on a winger like JT Miller makes no sense, we will never be able to re-sign him and don't have the cap for anyone with term up-front. Kase, Bunting, Mikky, etc are great cheap options and even if we could use better, we aren't going to find it and remain within the cap.
So, here's the options. My personal favorites are Severson and Demelo, Larsson close behind. The rentals like Chiarot, Manson, and Klingberg are an absolute NO from me. Depth rentals like Schenn, Braun, or Hakanpaa are a need, I would go get one of them for a 5th round pick ASAP.
Non-rentals who I really like but feel like the Leafs have no chance of getting are Mayfield and Artem Zub (OTT). I love them as fits but I am a realistic person, why would you move those contracts unless you're getting a truckload in return???
NO, Don't do it. He apparently has the Leafs on his NTC anyway, but buying high on a rental with a lingering injury and only two picks for the upcoming draft? Hard pass.
Bye! Feel bad for the guy but he has been absolutely useless all year. A team like MTL might get something out of him, and they get a low pick/prospect to take on the contract
hard pass. Good player but untouchable contract (even retained). Man would I love to get Hagel tho... (not paying the Barclay Goodrow price for him tho)
Hard pass; rental that costs too much in both assets and cap (would have to be retained). But he is from Sault Ste Marie so get him on a Greyhound, cuz he's coming to Toronto! (get it? like the bus... ok i'll stop)
Did he play a 2-on-1 as badly as my beer league team? Yes. Do I care? no
He's pretty good, has a little bit of term, and is a perfect fit for Muzzin (size but also transition skill). Will cost a bit more than the others but for a low 1st + spec? I'd think about it.
Anyone know if we can force Lou to pay us back for the Marleau situation? Might have to threaten him with high numbers and some facial hair to get this one done.
Seriously, he's a perfect fit that just isn't going to happen. Ironically was the guy I said I wanted before Holl broke out because he was starting a 6-year deal at 1.5M. Scott, respectfully ... fire your agent.
Nice fit, if retained his contract is ideal for a 6/7D to swap with Lilly. Actually has 13 points this year, which is a welcome surprise (more than Risto!).
On the fence about Larsson. Seems like a bit of a high contract but also a guy who has been a reliable top 4 RD for a while. Has the most term of anyone on this list, which makes him interesting.
Yeah, he has an M-NTC but he accepted a trade to Winterpeg so I think Toronto is ok...
Great fit, has two years, and would be able to play around the lineup. My major concern is that he has never been a true top 4 D, even though his numbers show he can do it.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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