Firstly, I think the pressure on Dubas and Keefe is huge for THIS year.
Even if they crash out meekly in round 2 or lose in round 1, can you imagine what difficulties lie ahead in 23-24 as they approach, as usual looking good, towards the TDL, with expiring Matthews/Nylander, a boatload of RFAs, aging/expiring dmen in Brodie, Muzzin, Giordano and the decisions they'd have to make then?
So this is a going for it, but with some financial and player stability beyond 22-23. I also think value wise this is what the other teams will need in trade.
To me, the Leaf forward prospects are in value order:
Knies
Hirvonen
Voit
Minten
Robertson
Laughton gives an above average TWO way third line, can play all 3 positions and PK/PP/ES and is signed long term. Keeping expiring Kerfoot on that line makes a really good, fast offensive depth we haven;t had for years. Kampf is an above average defensive pivot, but an offensive blackhole, and better on the 4th line and PK. Gadjovich is a cheap RFA re-sign for grit.
While it would be nice for Knies to arrive "up to speed" I am not counting on it.
In 23-24, let Kerfoot and Kampf walk, Knies gets 2LW or 3LW and Holmberg gets 4C. Depends on how they do in 22-23, but maybe the rights to Meier are dealt or Nylander (with 1 yr remaining) is dealt to retain Meier.
Laughton is similar to a Blake Coleman/Hagel TDL pickup, and his value is probably a 1st and more. And hes signed for much less than those guys got at UFA. The thirds based on year, aren;t close to a 1st. Holl for Braun saves 1.5mil.
Niemala is probably TOR's best defensive prospect, but in PHI hes probably 3rd behind York and Andrae, with Attard/Zamula/Samson in the ballpark, but TOR has 3 dmen under 25 to build on.
So really its Niemala and 2 3rds (1 THREE drafts away) for Laughton, and then Abramov for the Holl-Braun swap.
Holl has more value to TOR, but to PHI he is a cap dump.
Abramov is a middle midlevel prospect who has fairly minimal value
PHI lacks RD prospects and this is the real key, they want Niemala
Two 3rds, (one THREE drafts away)
Laughton would make for an excellent Kerfoot replacement and bolster their C depth. That being said if they do manage to land Meier in a deal, I think they would be better off getting someone else without term so that they can have options, such as potentially extending Meier or trading him in the offseason in an NHL trade for a 4-6m player+.
Laughton would make for an excellent Kerfoot replacement and bolster their C depth. That being said if they do manage to land Meier in a deal, I think they would be better off getting someone else without term so that they can have options, such as potentially extending Meier or trading him in the offseason in an NHL trade for a 4-6m player+.
Agree, Laughton under contract (and his ability to play 3 positions and PK/PP/ES anywhere in top 9) gives them options.
Meier does offer some options though, as much as hes playing great, you'd have to see how the year ends AND then decide to re-up Meier at Nylander 2024 money and trade the expiring Nylander OR try and trade Meier's rights OR let him walk. OR let Bunting go and rely on tons of ELC young guys.
I think Laughton-Jarnkrot are the 2 guys who make a viable 3rd line but can also play 2LW or 2RW for extended periods. Its all about how Meier plays and how well the team does in the 2023 playoffs, because as I say in explanation: if they get the same disappointment in 2023 playoffs, the problems going into 2023-24 with two huge expiring UFAs/alot of RFAs and alot of older guys probably on their way out, and still no cap space, it leads to alot more pressure.
Agree, Laughton under contract (and his ability to play 3 positions and PK/PP/ES anywhere in top 9) gives them options.
Meier does offer some options though, as much as hes playing great, you'd have to see how the year ends AND then decide to re-up Meier at Nylander 2024 money and trade the expiring Nylander OR try and trade Meier's rights OR let him walk. OR let Bunting go and rely on tons of ELC young guys.
I think Laughton-Jarnkrot are the 2 guys who make a viable 3rd line but can also play 2LW or 2RW for extended periods. Its all about how Meier plays and how well the team does in the 2023 playoffs, because as I say in explanation: if they get the same disappointment in 2023 playoffs, the problems going into 2023-24 with two huge expiring UFAs/alot of RFAs and alot of older guys probably on their way out, and still no cap space, it leads to alot more pressure.
Yeah, I'm thinking that if they can sign Meier slightly under 8m or at 8m without trading Knies, then they could keep him and Nylander. So, essentially Bunting gets replaced by Knies, and they add their 2LW. They would need to find a Kampf replacement though for 1-1.5m. Could consider Holmberg his replacement and then just need a 4C.
For them to see what options they have, they would probably have to tender Meier though and figure out what is available via free agency.
If they don't get Meier, but instead just get a rental or someone who is signed for 3-4m, then getting Laughton at the TDL would be a great move for sure.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
Hammerwise a aimé ceci.
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