I think Leafs are keeping Clifford, but Ross Johnston is similar player although doesnt have as much quality in other things than grit compared to Clifford.

Can't see them resigning Clifford because they have to give up a quality pick. Don't think Montreal needs him though.

They would have to move down 30 spots to re-sign him and with all the intangibles he brings, they would keep him.

Is that worth it though? Going from the 3rd to the 2nd is a huge deal, especially considering how the Leafs prospect depth is.

I think it is worth it. Is it that big of a deal going 30 spots down? The prospect value of picks (or the amount of quality a team can get from those picks) after pick number 20 is basically the same until round 4 and then it somewhat dips for the rest of the draft. The Leafs prospect depth is good and they have a lot of picks coming up in next 3 years where they would do it. What I like about Leafs is their ability to get the best out of those 3rd-5th round picks, which were almost all very solid selections under Dubas. I dont think that would be a problem tbh.

Wonder if its possible to pay a team a 5th to sign Clifford and trade him back to us

Good way for teams not to deal with Dubas anymore. I'm sure there's something against that anyways.

No thx

You'll blow over the cap next year unless you do something. Petry, Tatar, Gallagher, and Danault will not settle for a small raise.

You think Petry will get over 6 Million? anything more than that is an overpayment.

Maybe Petry will settle for 6M. But Gallagher's going to want at least 5.5M. Tatar will ask for 5.5-6.5M. Danault will want 4M+. That's an extra 3.75M at minimum without taking Kotkaniemi into account.

Don't see Danault getting anything less than 6, but you're right. The other numbers are fair.

Yeah as mentionned the cap will quickly be an issue so I'd say to forget Toffoli or not resign Tatar ... Same age and likely to be the same'ish contract so I'd rather keep Tatar cause he's a good fit already. Then you just rearrange the wings and slide in Evans somewhere and you're set, enough money for long term or able to take a one year cap dump from someone to fill in a bottom six spot.

Lehkonen wont be traded .. end of the story