You would expect Matthews, Marner, Kapanen would be expecting big raises (hopefully) the following year. Paying JVR 7m, just isn't feasible. He really ain't 7m good anyway, but sometimes just to save cap and to spend it wisely elsewhere, it's best to say, "Thank you JVR for you services, but if you want your best financial deal, it will have to be for another team."

Agreed, unless we can get JVR extended to a good deal (max for me would be 5.75 for maybe 6 years?) and if Okposo getting 7x6m is a signal, he'll definitely get a better offer outside of Leafs, that's why is probably makes most sense to trade him at some point

LeafFan: Let's imagine the Leafs are in playoff race this year, and more realistically next season, you still may not want to trade JVR for futures. The idea is still to win, and if JVR helps the Leafs, wouldn't that be a great experience for the young Leafs? IMO far too many CapFriendly GMs think they have to trade upcoming UFAs, so the team doesn't get anything in return.
That being said, maybe trading JVR who contract runs out in the summer of 2018, for a dependable RHD whose contract runs out 2018 also....well that could be a fair swap for both teams.

I think they will make some moves, this just represents making no moves and moving forward with what they already have.