Thinking something like this for the deadline

Kuzmenko is just another it player. He's a 1 demensional scorer that doesn't really enhance the Leafs. The thought that any winger will automatically compete the top 6 is false. Kuzmenko may find some chemistry with one of the top 2 lines but he's also the 3rd option on any one of those lines instead of the 2nd option behind the Canuck centreman he's playing with. The 2LW spot many seem to think is the biggest weakness TO has, is a specific role. Much like how Bunting plays, hard nosed, create havoc in front, forecheck etc etc. That's not Kuzmenko's game and if he doesn't contribute to the top 6, he's just not good enough defensively to work in the bottom 6. I have zero interest in Kuzmenko. And 2@6 makes the first year of Matthews new deal very tough. You likely lose Nylander then.

Caps going to jump 4 mil after next year, not worried about keeping the stars, and Mitch is underratedly good at forchecking.
I switched the lineup to reflect a better optimization

We need offence throughout the lineup. It cannot just be the big 4

keep kerfoot and skip JVR, would rather spend 3.5M on Kerfoot for his versatility. Even better if you can swing both. I like Kuzmenko though. But the Leafs have zero russians and he doesn't speak much English which isn't great, though I do want him.

edit: forgot samsonov nvm

Kerfoot would be needed for VAN since they don't want an all future package

It was supposed to jump 4 million next season and is only going up by 1. There is no guarantee it rises that much