You're off on your signings. Guys like Kapanen, Johnsson will get real money, not two-way deals. And your UFA signings are even worse. Liljegren will be a top 6 by the time the 2019 season begins so there is no point in signing back Hainsey, especially not at that salary. And why do you sign Gardiner to 1 year and then overpay and and sign Myers for far too long?

Not to mention Marner wants just as much as Matthews

That sentiment is from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun. He's an idiot that knows very little about hockey and is just trying to create controversy. All the players want to play hockey and to be treated fairly. Matthews will sign for 8 and north of 10. Marner will be 8 and close to 10 and Nylander will be 8 and over 7. All fair deals and nothing that will harm the leafs in the future.

Paying secondary players bigger deals is what will sink the ship, not paying the stars.