Marleau probably only agrees to waive his NTC to go back to SJ. But I do think it’s possible. Otherwise I think my only big issue is resigning Hainsey. And my only quibble is more about Babcock...can’t have Kapanen on 4th line. He has to get moved over to LW or traded imo.

I just picked the team with the most cap space for the Marleau trade just for this example. As I said in my team explanation an equivalent replacement would also work (ie repalcement for Hainsey). I did not spend much time on the actual lines. It will be a fight for what lines Ennis, Johnsson, Leivo, Kapanen, Brown, Hymen would play on. Also who knows about the kids in the system making the team and some of these other guys being traded.

San Jose does not want Marleau back and he will not waive for anyone else. You wanted him for 3 yrs you get him for 3 yrs

I agree that he most likely will not waive the no movement clause. By the way I thought the Marleau signing was a big mistake when it was done.

The Marleau contract was designed that he may receive a buyout for the final season. So under that buyout the Leafs spend 2 million in cap space for 2020 and 2021 season. Unless he does the Leafs a big favor and just sign his retirement papers next summer.

I'll agree with you that Marleau and his third year is a mistake. 99% Marleau isn't moving, he wants to win a Cup. Leafs can't afford Gardiner either. I'm betting it's Nylander who is traded.

No, being an age plus 35 signing, the Leafs get no cap relief for a buyout. So his contract was not designed for a buyout in the final season. His contract might have been designed for a trade IF he wanted to retire. But it very unlikely that Marleau will retire since the Leafs have an excellent chance at the Cup next year.

Yes the only way to get out from the full Marleau cap hit is to trade him by getting him to waive. There is no Robidas island for him. Players and agents are wise to that move by the leafs.

No, the Leafs don't determine who go to Robidas Island. It is the league who determines if a player is "unfit" for play, or in Lupul's case (my speculation) he didn't want to get fit. It's not the Leafs decision. Leafs would get cap relief for a LTIR Marleau, but not cap relief for a buyout.

Sorry you're right about Marleau and a buyout, thank you for giving me this fact.