Why keep a guy that doesn't want to be in Toronto?

Dubas already hinted that zaitsev May be back next season. Fix his situation so he does want to be there. Maybe pair him with Rielly. Besides that this team looks good. Maybe you could get kappy and Johnsson to take a bit less to get us off the cap ceiling if not, trade kappy.

If you're talking Zaitsev.....the Leafs would gladly give him away to another NHL team if they would take him and his total contract. But if Zaitsev truly doesn't want to be a Leaf, he can also ask, and would be granted to be released. from his NHL contract so he can play in Russia.


I wouldn't do that Kelser trade. Dread the thought of Kesler getting healthy in a year or two and affecting the cap. Rather eat Marleau's contract for a year.

Zaitsev is a useful player. If people are trying to force salary retention on you, I'd keep him. Chances are playing with Muzzin his value will raise and he may be more of value next offseason. As well, every year the cap goes up he becomes less expensive. With a bare bones RD UFA market this year, anybody who wants to upgrade may call Toronto. Would you rather Zaitsev 5@4.5 or Stralman 4@4.5? Especially when you can buy Z out in 2022 for almost nothing if you want to. He's also used to play tough minutes so if you are trying to shelter a young player he helps you do that.

I don't want a scenario where he doesn't report in September. Sure, his cap hit and contract go away but he leaves you a massive hole and almost no time to fill it. Big trades are not made in September.

I agree with you that Zaitsev is fine as player His 4.5m cap hit is OK too. As you suggest he is needed by the Leafs this year. Lots better ways to dump some cap than a RHD you need. But if the reports out of Russia, are true and that Zaitsev isn't no longer to be a Leaf, rather know now figure out how to replace him. IMO I wouldn't go long term on any the UFA available, but there should be some short term solutions. Ridding the Leafs of the 6.25mm cap hit...or most of it would be a real bonus.

Im not that afraid of this. If he gets healthy I can see him getting back to previous form given the leafs medical program so it could be a good pickup. Ya his cap is high, but if it is too much im sure another team would take him on.