ew

Hyman's out to start the season too. But otherwise that's good, I hope the Leafs do this instead of Rielly and Barrie together, both are offense-first Dmen and it's better to each have them with a slightly better defensive player. I say that hoping that Ceci turns it around. Hutton would be a great signing, but probably for more than 800k.

I don't like it, but it's been reported that Babcock told Ceci that he would be with Muzzin/Rielly, and Dubas said he expects him to be with a puck-mover like Dermott (who is injured), or Rielly or Muzzin.

Ceci is also sort of an offensive first dman

I expect they will do Muzzin-Barrie, just because I cannot envision Babcock playing Rielly-Barrie together. Also I wasn't sure if I should have Hyman on IR or not as Dubas has said Hyman is progressing well, while he has said that Dermott is out for the start of the season.

Well.. if as an offensive-first Dman, he had 26 points, he's a lot more useless than I thought.

Ceci will not be top pair that is for sure.
Spezza is a Centre
Hutch probs backup
Hutton is
Marty is better than Holl, so is Harpur

Also don't think Mitch is signing a 6 year deal.

I mean hes a 2 way for sure but he is better in offensive zone than defensive zone.

He also said they're not rushing them back. The original timeline was 6 months, I think the Leafs are going to stick to that.

As Dubas said, he's going to play a different role and he's going to be coached differently. I think they can try and turn him into a stay-at home type of guy, maybe take that risk this year.

Ceci is a nothing first Dman. His offensive instincts have severely atrophied after spending most of his pro career in his own end.

Spezza is a center, but Shore is a better player at this point of their careers. I expect Spezza will be Center on the line due to his faceoffs, but he has played RW while Shore was always C so kept it simple.
No idea til camp plays out who the backup is, but Hutch is 50K cheaper so savings between the two are minimal.
Hutton is rumoured, if not then I put Harpur in.
Marty I think will be used in the AHL, it's been shown he can be waived and not claimed. Holl has issues, but I think with Dermott out he will get a chance this season.

For Marner, a 5 year deal is worst case scenario for Toronto. It lines him up with Matthews and Nylander, while maintaining a high cap hit. With Aho (who is as good or better) signing at 8.454x5, leverage has been gained by Toronto. I expect it's either 3 years at a reduced hit, 8 or less, and 6 makes sense to keep his number in the 9s while lining expiry up with tavares, which is the year after nylander and matthews expire.

First I wanna say I appreciate you not spazing out and taking time to actually replay with reasoning, it is nice. ha

Everything you replied to is fair and could very well happen.