Why would you buy out Michalek, who is a terrific player, brings great leadership, and only has one year left on his contract?

Yea, I don't understand buying out Michaluk and then signing Helm. Besides, Michaluk CANNOT be bought out. He agreed to waive his NTC from Ottawa to Toronto. Part of the deal was he was not going to bought out or buried. Why buy out Greening, he's looked good as a Leaf and as worse could play for the Marlies. Luke Schenn?

I suspect Helm would get more than $2 million per year for a longer term, and Eriksson will get 4-6 years from somebody. I've posted teams previously with these two players signed. I think it's important to start trying to win with some regularity soon in order to help develop the young players. I think trading Michalek and/or Bozak, and buying out Greening would be wise if it means they're able to sign some upgrades. Michalek and Greening have been fine, but aren't worth the salary.

That being said, if the Leafs are going to be active on the UFA market this summer getting a defenseman should be priority #1, and I don't see Schenn being the answer.

Seems like a lot of your signings are on the low end salary wise. Can't see this team being under the cap. Also think you have to many buyouts? Max of 3? Zaitsev salary higher than allowable?

Good points all. Stamkos or no I think tge team will flex its financial muscle. Wasn't aware Michalek was assured of no buy out. I would look to move him, perhaps retain salary. Would keep Laich over Michalek. Looks like a spent force to me. Helm has more jam and is a Babcock guy. Might get more $/term but I'm anticipation a July 1st like last year's. Eriksson would appeal to mentor Nylander. Point taken regarding term. I think he might be a good fit but not for more than 4 yrs term. Schenn or Polak would provide depth on RH defense and could be exposed in the expansion draft. I've never heard that buyouts are capped at 3. Anyone else confirm? Whats the limit on aitsev's contract?

These moves would give them about $8M in cap space after placing Horton on LTIR that they can use to trade for a top 4 RH defense and goalie of the future during the season from teams pinched by the expansion draft. Bozak or Holland could be traded at the deadline to make room for Marner in 2017-18.

Zaitsev will get performance bonuses. Corrado, Marincin, Carrick, etc have no leverage and should be resigned for less than $1M.

He may get bonuses but I do believe rookie bonuses don't go against the cap.

He may get bonuses but I do believe rookie bonuses don't go against the cap.[/quote]

They do go against the cap but they are not factored in until the end of the season.