I wonder what Dermott's contract will look like. The thing is, he may not see that much ice time this year if Ceci performs above expectations (which wouldn't surprise me), and given his injury. In that case, he may have to sign a contract that is good value for the team (for a change), lower than what you indicated. Otherwise, this kind of scenario looks realistic.

Of the aquisitions with the biggest boom/bust potential I think Ceci is it. Good time when paired with Chabot, and when paired with AHLers for practicially the rest of his career he's been horrible.

I think DeMelo will be highly sought after and likely gets more money.

And right now I'd say let Ceci leave as UFA, would have to pay DeMelo more anyway.

By my calculations (if that means anything) the Leafs will Dman roster of Reilly, Dermot, Liljegren and Sandin. Barring any trades and with Dermot signed, it leaves 7m for the final three Dmen.

Leafs and fans should give Ceci to prove himself with you. Now he has been competent and time during his career. Would love to see him get comfortable as a Leaf, which might encourage to sign a team friendly deal. He is from Ontario so there is a chance he might like being Leaf long term. Hey let's give him a chance.
Muzzin and Ceci jut might be too expensive if other teams are bidding and besides unless an "expensive" forward is traded, there ain't much cap.

What drugs are you on in real life

I'd offer more money and term to DeMelo. Something competitive...he'll have to think about.

Agreed, I'm ready to offer DeMelo 7 years at 3.5 million AAV.
What do you think @palhal @jamiepo

7 years for a 27 year old? I haven't seen him enough to judge. The Leafs have a whack of RHD prospects...Liljegren, Lindgren, Hollawell, Duszak Rasenan . Is there hope for these guys to be NHLers? I expect Liljegren to be an NHL in 2020,,,but the rest?

Demelo is good, reminds me of stecher in Vancouver, or our very own Travis Dermott. But he probably won’t get any better than he is. I like him on a 3mish contract for 2-4yrs but I would not do much more than that. Possibility of much better options in ufa or trade.

I see what your saying but I dont think any of those young guys are ready for top4 role start 2020-21 season.

Rielly, Dermott, and DeMelo as 3 vets with 3 young guys sounds good to me.

The Leafs "best option" might be that one or two of their Marlie wingers are good enough at 1m to allow a trade of Kapanen or Johnsson and their 3.3.m. That's 2.3m additional money for upgrades on defence.

I view DeMelo as younger RHD Muzzin.
He will be highly sought after IMO, he will only be 27 and is a steady D so why not lock him up?

I’m not too worried about the defence. Sandin and Lilly move up and we have Rielly and Dermott. I think at most we need one more top 4 if the price and player is right and one bottom pairing D. Should be very easy to fill.

If ceci proves good (and you better be sure it is my just a desperation season) I think you give him that deal. Maybe even 5m on a longer term if you can get it.but you gotta be sure.

Are you directing this to me as OP? if so what are you referencing. I'm not sure there is any particularly hot take in this post

This is the whole point of this post. Barrie I think will price himself our of the Leafs hands. Muzzin may be affordable but will be like 31. If Ceci proves himself and can be signed for term at 2nd pairing money (read 4-5 million) to be a reliable 20-22 minute RD I think it may make sense.

But it's all on how he does this year with a reliable d partner.