Leafs first trade with Anaheim for Andersen to solidify goaltender position
Leafs Draft Matthews
Leafs complete trade with BUF to add required role-players for bottom six (defensive center-agitator and power forward) as well as a short-term RD. without risking losing a more prominent acquisition in future expansion draft.
Leafs complete trade with CGY to move out Bernier's contract and take on Wideman as another veteran short-term RD. without risking losing a more prominent acquisition in future expansion draft.
Leafs sign UFA experience and proficient backup goalie Chad Johnson to complete solidification of goalie position for at least 3 years.
Leafs sell Stamkos on signing by making him the highest paid player in the league, and setting him up with their marketing team who show him all the potential endorsement deals waiting for him in the world's largest hockey market. Leafs let him play center 5v5 and snipe from the wing on the power play. His presence takes all the pressure off Auston Matthews to be the immediate savior and lets him blossom into an elite center. Stamkos moves to the wing later in his career if/when Matthews becomes true 1C extending his value at his high cap hit.
Leafs sign Vessey in August. They woo him by affirming that they see him as their immediate second line, 2nd unit power play LW and noting that he may supplant JVR when his 2 year ELC is up (which is also when JVR is a UFA). They entice him further with the promise that he would get to play with one of Stamkos, Kadri or Matthews as his center and would be part of their new core with Matthews, Nylander, Marner and Reilly. They would also push the benefit of having Babcock as his coach, the bright future of the team and the amount of cap space they will have in 2 years when his ELC is up.
Hyman, Soshnitkov and Brown battle it out for the 3 and 4 RW spots all season, pushing each other to perform better to keep their spot/climb up/get more ice. Kapenen pushing from the Marlies as well.
Lupul is likely on LTIR to start the season, but for this scenario he is on the roster as a 14th forward in case he is healthy. He doesn't fit with this new team but it is unlikely the Leafs can find a trade partner. They will play out the year with him on the roster/IR and re-visit next summer. His real salary drops in 17-18 which may make him attractive in an expansion draft or to a cap floor team.
Greening, Laich and Stoner (Aquired from ANA) get buried with the Marlies in the AHL to start the season. Some may get call ups as injuries happen. But none are likely worth spots on the opening day roster. Laich and Greening are off the books at the end of the season, while stoner has one more year.
Percy/Harrington/S. Carrick could be signed, but will need to clear waivers to go down to Marlies. As a result trades to other teams for similar players still on their ELCs may occur instead.
Sparks may be resigned or moved, it depends on how high Leafs are on Kaskiuo.
Cowan is bought out, as per Lou's statement.
One retention spot left to use at trade deadline if needed. Back to two spots at the end of the season.
Off the books in 2017-18: Wideman, Franson, Laich, Greening and Hunwick. Lots of cap space to be used that off season for RFA re-signs, or tweaks via trades/UFAs, even RFA offer-sheets. A focus on D that off season should complete the puzzle.
Note: Values on trades can be adjusted as required with the large number of assess the Leafs have at their disposal. Don't get too hung up on player X, pick Y and cap dump Z isn't worth player A and player B. The trades provide framework, if nothing else.
Captain - Steve Stamkos
Assistant - Morgan Rielly
Assistant - Leo Komarov
*RFA rights to C/W Zemgus Girgensons
**RFA rights to LW Marcus Foligno
***2016 3rd round pick (BUF)
*Leafs get a 3/4 C that can also play wing and kill penalties
**Leafs get a 3/4 power forward that provides size, toughness and can pitch in offensively
***Buffalo gives up their early 3rd, but still has 3 more from other teams.
Franson: Gives the Leafs a year of effective second pair RD and a point shot on the PP. Can be flipped at deadline for an ELC or pick if Leafs aren't in a playoff spot.
*RFA rights to D Frank Corrado
**RFA rights to LW Josh Leivo
*Corrado is a RD with offensive potential, but the Learfs have too many D prospects. He would also be exposed in an expansion draft.
**Leivo has performed well in brief stints at the NHL level and proven he can score. With so many wing prospects Leafs can afford to give him up. He would also need to be protected in an expansion draft. Buffalo gets a young, cost effective 3/2 LW with upside.
Bozak: Give Bufallo a cost-effective 2/3 C option with experience. Lets Reinheart stay at RW where he is more effective. Insulates Eichel and provides PP/PK options and face-offs.
Michalek: Would need to waive his NTC, but gives Buffalo some extra vet wing help for one year at a reduced cost.
Loov: Again too many 5/6 level D prospects for the Leafs. Buffalo lacks depth here. Cost effective option as a 6/7 for them next season or can get another AHL year in with BUF.
Leafs get the goalie they need and take half the salary of Stoner off the books for the Ducks. Can bury him if needed for only $762,500. Or leave him exposed for expansion draft and hope he gets picked,
ANA
2016 1st round pick (PIT)
2016 4th round pick (COL)
2017 2nd round pick (SJ)
RFA rights to C Peter Holland
Ducks get a young forward, scoring forward with size that is familiar to the organization. along with several picks to help restock their prospect pool or flip for more immediate help.
Wideman: Would need to waive NMC, but gives the leafs an experienced RD to play with Reilly at even strength. UFA at season's end. could be flipped at deadline for ELC or pick if Leafs are out of the playoff picture. D is a position of strength for CGY. Gives cap space to sign Gaudreau and Monahan.
Bernier: Fills the need for a G in CGY. CGY buys low and gets a year to evaluate at a relatively low cap for an experienced starter. Replaces Wideman's salary with room to spare while filling a position of need next season without long term commitment.
No room for Marincin due to Leafs D prospects of similar level. Would be a useful 5-7 D for CGY.
Looks like you've put a lot of thought into this roster, good job. I can appreciate the detail you put into each move. A lot more than most of the hacks on this site. The only thing I wouldn't really agree with you on is the Buffalo trade. I don't think they've fully given up on Girgensons and Foligno to trade them to the Leafs.
Well thought out. I think you have underestimated Buffalo's opinion on Girgenson. They like him. He was their "all star" two years ago. I also don't think we need to care to acquire a "defensive agitator". I also like Marincin more than you.
Nicely thought out.
1) No interest in Franson and I doubt Buffalo has any interest in Bozak
2) too much for Andersen, especially when we are taking back Stoner
3) I'd rather keep Marincin tbh.
4) agree on Johnson
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