Rejoint: mars 2017
Messages: 4,812
Mentions "j'aime": 2,012
The Muzzin signing was flat out fantastic. The money is a steal for what he would have seen on the open market and the term is very reasonable.
I will challange whether it creates a logjam on the Right Side though. ALL of Dermott, newbie Lehtinen and even Sandin have had some experience playing their wrong side. Given this, does it really create a log jam?
I think the larger question to ask is whether the Muzzin signing (as good as it is) has effectively handcuffed the Leafs in obtaining a partner for Reilly that we all can live with - because as it sits, none of us will say Holl, Dermott, Sandin or Lehtonen inspire the much confidence in being "that guy". Proof: how many effin' Manson and Pesce deals can we come up with?
And let's say a deal is made to find a legit partner for Reilly. Then the real cost is gutting one of the best 3rd lines in the NHL and filling it with rookies who are not ready, reclamarton projects that may or may not work out, or players that simply would be playing above their true role.
This people is a cause and effect of the flat cap, as the Muzzin contract was signed prior to the lockdown. If we go with the original forecast of $83.5 million, yes, Johnsson was moving (Engvall plays 3rd line LW afterwards just for his possession numbers), but that gave the organization about $5 million to find a more suitable partner for Reilly. With the cap being flat, this blueline is what it is. We as Leafs fans may want to accept that barring a white rabbit being pulled out of Dubas' a$$.
But to question the signing is an error in thought process. Under normal circumstances it's not even a debate. Deal Johnsson to garner a RD for Reilly, or hit the UFA market with the $5 million that would be there. Under those circumstances, I say all of us were ok with Dermott and Holl on the right side in the 2nd and 3rd pairing, but recognized a need to a better stay at home guy for Reilly. COVID19 has created this situation, not bad management.