TRADES:
- The LA Kings are looking to get a LHD and get younger. Leafs are looking for a top 4 RHD to pair with Rielly. We all know the Kings and Leafs have a strong recent trade history and they could again be trade partners this offseason. Matt Roy is very similar to Dylan Demelo analytically, and would provide great value at just $700,000.
- I dont think the Leafs need to trade Justin Holl, but if an opportunity arrives where the Leafs have found a good partner for Rielly and have the cap space to upgarde over Holl, I think they should take advantage of that opportunity.
-Im not exactly sure what the value of Kerfoot is right now, but I know Winnipeg is pretty weak down the middle apart from Scheifele.
- The Leafs are probably going to trade Johnsson in the offseason, and I would like to see them give Sam Bennett a shot as a 3C. I think if he plays with guys like Kapanen and Robertson, that could help him unlock some of that offensive potential he has. Its a low risk acquisition for the Leafs that could have some nice upside. Bennett under performed when you look at his GF/60 compared to his to xGF/60 and I think putting him with Robertson and Kapanen would help him improve his GF/60.
SIGNINGS:
- Dylan Demelo is a great option for the Leafs this offseason and is a defense first guy who is good at limiting quality scoring chances against, not letting opponents get to the net easily, good gap control, and is good at making a good first breakout pass and letting the forwards do the rest.
-Mikheyev signs a cheap 1 year deal as a prove yourself deal.
- Leafs need cheap depth options in their bottom six, and thats exactly what Spezza is. Spezza was great for the Leafs this season as the 4C and there's no reason to not bring him back considering he wants to win a cup with the Leafs and isn't in it for the money.
- Gauthier is a healthy scratch at league minimum. He'll see ice time when Spezza needs a night off on back to backs.
- I'm fine with re-signing Clifford to a reasonable contract and giving up a second round pick instead of a third, as long as the Leafs are able to recoup some of those lost draft picks in previous trades.
- Signing Martin to league minimum or close to it would be a smart move by the Leafs. He's a good locker room presence, adds some toughness which the Leafs need, and he would create some competition at training camp for the rookies Barabanov and Robertson.
OTHER NOTES:
- If the Leafs keep their defense intact after the trade deadline, Seattle will likely take one of the defensemen the Leafs were unable to protect in the expansion draft which would allow Liljegren to take that defensemens spot on the everyday roster. If for whatever reason Seattle does not take a dman from the Leafs, one of those dmen would likely get traded to make room for Liljegren.
- I wanted to put Engvall on the team, but considering how he finished the season I think its best if he spends some more time in the AHL at the start of next year and then go from there.
- If Tavares or Matthews gets hurt next season *Knocks on wood* then I would like to see Willy as the 2C instead of Spezza or Bennett. I think a Willy/Marner duo could be fun.
That's speculation and click bait, he has never said that.
There have been rumours for a while now that the Flames might trade him, and where theres smoke theres fire. Also it makes sense that he would want to be traded because he believes he has more to offer and isnt getting that opportunity in Calgary where hes either a healthy scratch or on the 4th line.