This is likely what the Leafs roster will look like to start the season. Two first lines look really solid and should have the ability to once again carry the Leafs to the playoffs. 3rd line is put together to be the Leafs version of a shutdown line. I think someone like Semyonov will get a chance playing on this line as well. He is an excellent defensive center and has played such a role in the KHL. He has good experience and is excellent on draws. 60% last year on 817 draws and 59% two seasons ago on 953 draws in the KHL. Hopefully that 4th line can give the Leafs some good secondary scoring. Spezza has provided that for 2 seasons and Simmonds looked really good playing that role before he hurt his wrist. Bunting can work his way up the lineup, but I like the fit here with Spezza and Simmonds to start the season. Our defense is pretty much the same with the exception of Bogosian leaving. I think Liljegren will get his chances this year and hopefully he can take them. His play has matured so much since he came over and he now has an NHL body. He looks like a beast, I would love if he could play on that 3rd pair with Sandin. I really like our goaltending situation. Two really good goalies that should give us the chance to win every night. If both stay healthy, we won't need to ride anyone until the playoffs, meaning that we can have two good fresh goaltenders next postseason. They are not going to win the Vezina, but they should at least provide us league average goaltending.
On to the elephant in the room, a 21 man roster. I don't think it is ideal at all, but without any further trades, this is likely what the Leafs are faced with. Sandin, Robertson, Semyonov and Liljegren are all waiver exempt thus why I put the three latter on the taxi squad to show that the likely will be called up and down like a yoyo to get reps in with the big club. Guys like Brooks, Amadio, Anderson, Gabriel, Dahlström, Biega and Menell and Hutchinson who all are NHL calibre players will likely be put on waivers before opening night. Hopefully all of them can pass. All teams in the league are in the exact same situation with players that are bordering an NHL roster spot. I don't think you should be too worried about losing these players, but there always is a risk.
What I would do if I were Dubas? I think I definitely would look to move both Engvall and Dermott's salary for an upgrade on defense on that 3rd pair. This is something the Leafs can do in-season after a month or closer to the deadline. I just think they need one more solid defenseman to make this team look really good (On paper at least). Dermott and Engvall combine for a salary of $2.75M which means that the Leafs could target someone at $5.5M and below at 50% retained to secure the backend. As for Morgan Rielly, I think the ship for trading him has sailed. They should have done it before July 28th or tried to extend him right around when Heiskanen got his deal. He is now likely going to be our own rental this year. Hopefully we have enough success in the post season to convince him to stay on a team friendly deal. I am thinking somewhere around the $7M-$7.75M range. I don't think the Leafs can go higher than that. Time will tell with this one. There will be other free agents next summer that can replace Rielly. I think someone like Ekholm coming in on a cheaper AAV next summer could have a similar impact as Brodie had. That wouldn't be the worst replacement although he stylistically is different from Rielly. Parayko, Lindholm and Murphy are other top 4 defenseman I think the Leafs could look at next summer. Klingberg would be cool, but he will likely be in the Morgan Rielly price bracket. There also is the possibility of a trade for a replacement. It would be very interesting to see who they target.
Side Note
I just wanted to touch on the Leafs prospect situation. I see a lot of people saying that we don't have any prospects etc. That is just simply not true. I am not going to name drop every single prospect, but since Dubas took over as GM on May 11th 2018. He has had 4 drafts. in 2018 he drafted 9 players, in 2019 he drafted 6 players, in 2020 he drafted 12 players and this past draft he added 3 players. In total, that is 30 prospects added while an average team that has 7 selections per draft would have added 28 prospects. Our prospect pool isn't the best in the league, but it also isn't the worst. I don't think Sandin is classed as a prospect anymore due to his experience in the NHL already, but we have really good prospects like Robertson, Amirov, Niemälä, Hirvonen, Abruzzese, Knies, Miettinen and Abramov that Dubas has added, as well as Liljegren who was drafted in 2017 before he was appointed GM. This upcoming draft we only have 3 picks, but this could change very quickly. We might trade the 1st round pick for an NHL player this season, but we are likely to add more mid to high round picks. I think Dubas has got a lot of unfair criticism for having our prospect pool ''empty'' which is such a casual take from someone who only think prospects are players taken in the first or second round.
Anyway, what are your thoughts? I love having discussions with you guys.
For me, I think the top line will be Ritchie-Matthews-Marner to start the year. Ritchie can play, and in looking at his development as a power forward, follows the same trajectory as Todd Bertuzzi (not making a comparison, but an observation). Having never played with talent remotely close to what the Leafs have in the top six, I think he has a 50 point season..... a la Hyman.
2nd line, Kerfoot-JT-Nylander. As it sits, Kerfoot is the proven player to take the role. I don't think it finishes that way, but that is up to Bunting. He does need to play up the line up.
3rd line, Bunting-Kämpf-Kase (if ready)/flavour.of the week. Bunting starting here makes sense. He is hard on the puck. Kämpf is 100% a shut down centre. And, if Kase is ready to go - between He and Bunting can give this line a bit of offensive teeth.
4th Simmonds-Brooks-Spezza. The topic here is Brooks, who when called up does produce. I can see him.working his way to the third line, but having a young centre on the 4th line, where a Spezza can teach him or spell him in the circle can make a lot.of sense long term.
Blueline: like it the way it is. Dermott is quite solid, and the contract is pretty decent. Liligren will get his cups.of coffee, but, for the first time in a while, there is depth on the back end, whereby Sandin, Liligren and Dermott will have to perform for ice time. Buena as a #8 is equally solid.
Goaltending: flat out better.
Prospects: the best prospects have clearly graduated. The next wave is a at least a year away. Robertson looks like top 6 material. SAD jumped into the AHL and produced immediately.... so at the very least, there is a 3C (wondering if Roberston and SAD have the same chemistry in the AHL as they did in Peterborough). Overall some solid forward prospects that need to marinate.
Defensively, finally starting to see results. Still, there is gonna be a 2 year wait minimum. Beyond the Leafs top 7, there is a gap. But the depth is there. Kral, Niemana..... just time.
If Robertson makes it out of camp I think Engvall is traded, and there will be split time between Sandin/Liljegren/Dermott. I think Sandin and Liljegren have the most upside because of their skating and age, and Liljegren needs an opportunity, which makes Dermott the odd man out. However, if Rielly is indeed a rental, Dermott might be needed in the future and kept on the third with Liljgren. I think Kerfoot is the third line centre, with Bunting as a scratch over Robertson. He might even be in the top 6 with Kase moved to the 3rd line (Mikeyev-Kerfoot-Kase) and (Spezza-Kampf-Simmons) on the 4th. Time to trade Rielly now, or sign him before camp starts. If trading, maybe get a 1st and 2nd round prospect on a competitive team? Foglino fetched a 1st from Leafs at deadline, so Rielly should get alot more. Once Spezza leaves, Semyonov might be a good replacement next year. And all this without mentioning Brooks
For me, I think the top line will be Ritchie-Matthews-Marner to start the year. Ritchie can play, and in looking at his development as a power forward, follows the same trajectory as Todd Bertuzzi (not making a comparison, but an observation). Having never played with talent remotely close to what the Leafs have in the top six, I think he has a 50 point season..... a la Hyman.
2nd line, Kerfoot-JT-Nylander. As it sits, Kerfoot is the proven player to take the role. I don't think it finishes that way, but that is up to Bunting. He does need to play up the line up.
3rd line, Bunting-Kämpf-Kase (if ready)/flavour.of the week. Bunting starting here makes sense. He is hard on the puck. Kämpf is 100% a shut down centre. And, if Kase is ready to go - between He and Bunting can give this line a bit of offensive teeth.
4th Simmonds-Brooks-Spezza. The topic here is Brooks, who when called up does produce. I can see him.working his way to the third line, but having a young centre on the 4th line, where a Spezza can teach him or spell him in the circle can make a lot.of sense long term.
Blueline: like it the way it is. Dermott is quite solid, and the contract is pretty decent. Liligren will get his cups.of coffee, but, for the first time in a while, there is depth on the back end, whereby Sandin, Liligren and Dermott will have to perform for ice time. Buena as a #8 is equally solid.
Goaltending: flat out better.
Prospects: the best prospects have clearly graduated. The next wave is a at least a year away. Robertson looks like top 6 material. SAD jumped into the AHL and produced immediately.... so at the very least, there is a 3C (wondering if Roberston and SAD have the same chemistry in the AHL as they did in Peterborough). Overall some solid forward prospects that need to marinate.
Defensively, finally starting to see results. Still, there is gonna be a 2 year wait minimum. Beyond the Leafs top 7, there is a gap. But the depth is there. Kral, Niemana..... just time.
I think Kokkonen has more upside than Kral, and Gogolev can be a diamond in the rough as he was fantastic in limited games for the AHL last season. He might be ready for next season.
I think Kokkonen has more upside than Kral, and Gogolev can be a diamond in the rough as he was fantastic in limited games for the AHL last season. He might be ready for next season.
Maybe right. Point is most of not all these guys are not quite ready yet. Gogolev may have looked great, the sample size is too small. Let him marinate.
For me, I think the top line will be Ritchie-Matthews-Marner to start the year. Ritchie can play, and in looking at his development as a power forward, follows the same trajectory as Todd Bertuzzi (not making a comparison, but an observation). Having never played with talent remotely close to what the Leafs have in the top six, I think he has a 50 point season..... a la Hyman.
2nd line, Kerfoot-JT-Nylander. As it sits, Kerfoot is the proven player to take the role. I don't think it finishes that way, but that is up to Bunting. He does need to play up the line up.
3rd line, Bunting-Kämpf-Kase (if ready)/flavour.of the week. Bunting starting here makes sense. He is hard on the puck. Kämpf is 100% a shut down centre. And, if Kase is ready to go - between He and Bunting can give this line a bit of offensive teeth.
4th Simmonds-Brooks-Spezza. The topic here is Brooks, who when called up does produce. I can see him.working his way to the third line, but having a young centre on the 4th line, where a Spezza can teach him or spell him in the circle can make a lot.of sense long term.
Blueline: like it the way it is. Dermott is quite solid, and the contract is pretty decent. Liligren will get his cups.of coffee, but, for the first time in a while, there is depth on the back end, whereby Sandin, Liligren and Dermott will have to perform for ice time. Buena as a #8 is equally solid.
Goaltending: flat out better.
Prospects: the best prospects have clearly graduated. The next wave is a at least a year away. Robertson looks like top 6 material. SAD jumped into the AHL and produced immediately.... so at the very least, there is a 3C (wondering if Roberston and SAD have the same chemistry in the AHL as they did in Peterborough). Overall some solid forward prospects that need to marinate.
Defensively, finally starting to see results. Still, there is gonna be a 2 year wait minimum. Beyond the Leafs top 7, there is a gap. But the depth is there. Kral, Niemana..... just time.
Thanks for your post!
I like your line ideas as well. I was debating putting Kerfoot on LW with JT and Willy, I think that could be one of the best 2nd lines in the league. Like you said, Kerfoot has proven he can play in a complimentary role in the top 6 both in Toronto and Colorado. I just don't really like your third line. I am confused to what their objective would be. Kämpf is obviously a shutdown specialist, and I think Bunting has the potential to play such a role although he has only played on a scoring line in the NHL (with Schmaltz and Garland). Kase has only been deployed as an offensive player his whole career. I think he hasn't had under 60% offensive zone starts in his entire NHL career at 5v5. I personally, don't think he will be a good fit on that line. I understand that he has decent to good defensive output numbers, but he has never played in a defense first role. I like your 4th line. Would love if Brooks got a chance full time. I think he should get a chance over Engvall for that last roster spot. He has played excellent when getting chance and has produced points at a pace that shows he is ready to be more than an injury crisis call up.
I think Dermott is solid as well. But in the playoffs I think him and Sandin in a pair will be exposed. They both had their struggles against Montreal which doesn't fill me with confidence. I think there is an upgrade out there to be found that can add a physical presence with PK ability that can move the puck with similar ability to Dermott. It will likely be expensive but I think that addition really could put us past the first round and hopefully all the way.
Forgot to mention SAD... I don't know what his ceiling is in the NHL, but he could potentially be a long shot to have some form of impact. I agree with what you have said tho about prospects maybe being a year out before really contending for roster spots. I like what Dubas has done, I think there is a room for that defense upgrade that I mentioned, but overall I am happy with they way the team is constructed.
If Robertson makes it out of camp I think Engvall is traded, and there will be split time between Sandin/Liljegren/Dermott. I think Sandin and Liljegren have the most upside because of their skating and age, and Liljegren needs an opportunity, which makes Dermott the odd man out. However, if Rielly is indeed a rental, Dermott might be needed in the future and kept on the third with Liljgren. I think Kerfoot is the third line centre, with Bunting as a scratch over Robertson. He might even be in the top 6 with Kase moved to the 3rd line (Mikeyev-Kerfoot-Kase) and (Spezza-Kampf-Simmons) on the 4th. Time to trade Rielly now, or sign him before camp starts. If trading, maybe get a 1st and 2nd round prospect on a competitive team? Foglino fetched a 1st from Leafs at deadline, so Rielly should get alot more. Once Spezza leaves, Semyonov might be a good replacement next year. And all this without mentioning Brooks
Thanks for your contribution!
I agree with your Robertson point. I would love him to make the team and be an impact player already. I could see him on a line with Tavares and Marner/Nylander tearing it up and being up for the Calder if he indeed is ready. I disagree with you to trade Rielly now. I don't think there is a market for him, Every roster is pretty much set right now and trading him at the deadline would be a mistake in my opinion. It doesn't really make sense to trade your #1 defenseman during the season when the team is on a cup run. If the Leafs are bad and out of contention, I can 100% see it, but not in any other scenario unless the return is absolutely insane. I personally don't think it is that hard to find a Dermott replacement either via trade or in free agency. I think the Leafs can handle him being traded away as long as there is another defenseman coming in.
Thanks for your post!
I likely your line ideas as well. I was debating putting Kerfoot on LW with JT and Willy, I think that could be one of the best 2nd lines in the league. Like you said, Kerfoot has proven he can play in a complimentary role in the top 6 both in Toronto and Colorado. I just don't really like your third line. I am confused to what their objective would be. Kämpf is obviously a shutdown specialist, and I think Bunting has the potential to play such a role although he has only played on a scoring line in the NHL (with Schmaltz and Garland). Kase has only been deployed as an offensive player his whole career. I think he hasn't had under 60% offensive zone starts in his entire NHL career at 5v5. I personally, don't think he will be a good fit on that line. I understand that he has decent to good defensive output numbers, but he has never played in a defense first role. I lie your 4th line. Would love if Brooks got a chance full time. I think he should get a chance over Engvall for that last roster spot. He has played excellent when getting chance and has produced points at a pace that shows he is ready to be more than an injury crisis call up.
I think Dermott is solid as well. But in the playoffs I think him and Sandin in a pair will be exposed. They both had their struggles against Montreal which doesn't fill me with confidence. I think there is an upgrade out there to be found that can add a physical presence with PK ability that can move the puck with similar ability to Dermott. It will likely be expensive but I think that addition really could put us past the first round and hopefully all the way.
Forgot to mention SAD... I don't know what his ceiling is in the NHL, but he could potentially be a long shot to have some form of impact. I agree with what you have said tho about prospects maybe being a year out before really contending for roster spots. I like what Dubas has done, I think there is a room for that defense upgrade that I mentioned, but overall I am happy with they way the team is constructed.
Kase siging was just weird for me really.... given the right side is stacked. Depth is depth, but Dubas has done a good job of marrying analytics and visual scouting to this point. Adding Soup tonthe 3rd line may make more sense..... but Kase maybe there for a little.offensive flare. Hard to really see a clear construct there. Could be a game to game build, where the line fits the opponent.
Yeah, I think Dubas will track down an other blueliner at the deadline too. Sandin and Dermott you say looked exposed - and to a small extent yes. But, in missing Muzzin in the last couple games of that series, the blueline as a whole looked weak imo.
At some point, Sandin and Dermott have to pony up and play these games. But, I see a Muzzin-esque replacement in the cards. His injuries in both the Jackets and Habs series looked to expose the Leafs blueline lacking that element. Kris Russell would be an excellent option actually. Not sure the Oilers part ways with him.though
For me, I think the top line will be Ritchie-Matthews-Marner to start the year. Ritchie can play, and in looking at his development as a power forward, follows the same trajectory as Todd Bertuzzi (not making a comparison, but an observation). Having never played with talent remotely close to what the Leafs have in the top six, I think he has a 50 point season..... a la Hyman.
2nd line, Kerfoot-JT-Nylander. As it sits, Kerfoot is the proven player to take the role. I don't think it finishes that way, but that is up to Bunting. He does need to play up the line up.
3rd line, Bunting-Kämpf-Kase (if ready)/flavour.of the week. Bunting starting here makes sense. He is hard on the puck. Kämpf is 100% a shut down centre. And, if Kase is ready to go - between He and Bunting can give this line a bit of offensive teeth.
4th Simmonds-Brooks-Spezza. The topic here is Brooks, who when called up does produce. I can see him.working his way to the third line, but having a young centre on the 4th line, where a Spezza can teach him or spell him in the circle can make a lot.of sense long term.
Blueline: like it the way it is. Dermott is quite solid, and the contract is pretty decent. Liligren will get his cups.of coffee, but, for the first time in a while, there is depth on the back end, whereby Sandin, Liligren and Dermott will have to perform for ice time. Buena as a #8 is equally solid.
Goaltending: flat out better.
Prospects: the best prospects have clearly graduated. The next wave is a at least a year away. Robertson looks like top 6 material. SAD jumped into the AHL and produced immediately.... so at the very least, there is a 3C (wondering if Roberston and SAD have the same chemistry in the AHL as they did in Peterborough). Overall some solid forward prospects that need to marinate.
Defensively, finally starting to see results. Still, there is gonna be a 2 year wait minimum. Beyond the Leafs top 7, there is a gap. But the depth is there. Kral, Niemana..... just time.
You just passed both Engvall and Mikheyev through waivers, its not going to happen. Mostly because you don't give NHL players up for free but also because both have cap hits even if they do manage to pass through.
I’m curious to see how you use your new acquisitions and what their role will be
So am I!
I think Ritchie will be used as top 6 bruiser that will be a great net front presence on PP1. I think he is in for a career year! Kase is a little bit of a mystery. If he is healthy I think he will be used in the top 6 rather than top 9 with the way our roster currently is constructed. It all depends on how they try to build the lineup, but if they are going with 2 scoring lines a shut down line and the 4th line I can only see him play top 6 or on the 4th line. He is not a shutdown player. If they elect to play 3 more offensive lines with Kerfoot as a 3C and Kämpf as 4C, I can see Kase playing on a third line with Kerfoot and maybe a Bunting/Mikheyev. Bunting will be so interesting to follow. Initially I though he would be a lock for a complementary role on the the top 6, but I think he will have to work to get that role. I think he will be a Swiss army knife that literally can play on all 4 lines. Not 100% sure about his defensive game and if he could handle playing shutdown minutes. Time will tell there I guess. Kämpf will obviously be our shutdown go-to guy and hopefully he can continue what he did for the Blackhawks with us. Mrazek will be an upgrade on Freddy, at least the Freddy we have seen the last 1.5 years. I like him a lot. Gabriel, Amadio, Dahlström, Biega and Menell are good depth options that likely will fill in at some point during the season either through injuries or performances.
Kase siging was just weird for me really.... given the right side is stacked. Depth is depth, but Dubas has done a good job of marrying analytics and visual scouting to this point. Adding Soup tonthe 3rd line may make more sense..... but Kase maybe there for a little.offensive flare. Hard to really see a clear construct there. Could be a game to game build, where the line fits the opponent.
Yeah, I think Dubas will track down an other blueliner at the deadline too. Sandin and Dermott you say looked exposed - and to a small extent yes. But, in missing Muzzin in the last couple games of that series, the blueline as a whole looked weak imo.
At some point, Sandin and Dermott have to pony up and play these games. But, I see a Muzzin-esque replacement in the cards. His injuries in both the Jackets and Habs series looked to expose the Leafs blueline lacking that element. Kris Russell would be an excellent option actually. Not sure the Oilers part ways with him.though
I agree with your points. I was also confused by the signing of Kase, and like you said, maybe we have some form of game to game build with different lines playing against different opponents. Only negative thing with that would be it being hard for players to find consistency. The idea is really good however. I think there are quite a few players out there in the mold of Kris Russell or better. I really like Connor Murphy in Chicago. If they flop and are out of play-off contention he would be my number one target. He would be a terrific add in my opinion.
You just passed both Engvall and Mikheyev through waivers, its not going to happen. Mostly because you don't give NHL players up for free but also because both have cap hits even if they do manage to pass through.
I think they would be traded rather than waived. At least Mikheyev would. Engvall I could see being put on waivers, but not likely.
I think the most likely scenario is playing Kase in a more sheltered role on the third line due to his injury history, and Bunting starts in the top 6. He is your Hyman replacement and can play with good players. People underrate Bunting too much, the guy will quickly be a fan favourite when people see him play
I'd like Robertson to spend a whole actual season in the AHL and go from there. I think Mikheyev has the potential to have a huge bounce back and breakout year. His speed is insane. Just needs to find that scoring touch and not shoot at the goalies chest. I'd like to see Matthews and Marner split. I want to see Brooks get a fair shot. Loved him with Spezza and Simmonds.
I am of the few that love that Rielly is still here. Best defenseman the Leafs have had in a long time. Let him ride out the year and go from there. If we lose him to FA, oh well. He's put his time in. Sandin is not ready for Rielly's minutes. And if he magically takes over midway through the season, is it bad that we still have Rielly? I think not.
As you've said, many teams are in a cap crunch situation, so if guys like Engvall get placed on waivers, big deal. Everyone on here wants him gone for next to nothing anyway. I on the other hand see him as a valuable contributor. If he can be available to the roster all season that is a huge win. Depth is key.
I think they would be traded rather than waived. At least Mikheyev would. Engvall I could see being put on waivers, but not likely.
Leafs are done for the summer, Dubas made his moves. The cap lines up very well, Keefe has his shutdown line hes wanted, Dubas has the competition for spots he likes, etc. Anyone hoping Mikeheyev and/or Engvall are traded at this point needs to see the forest for the trees.
I agree with your points. I was also confused by the signing of Kase, and like you said, maybe we have some form of game to game build with different lines playing against different opponents. Only negative thing with that would be it being hard for players to find consistency. The idea is really good however. I think there are quite a few players out there in the mold of Kris Russell or better. I really like Connor Murphy in Chicago. If they flop and are out of play-off contention he would be my number one target. He would be a terrific add in my opinion.
Murphy is fantastic. Issue maybe having the trade capital to get him..... gotta think other teams will be in on that too. Lack of picks handcuffs Dubas this season trying to add. And I would be reluctant to dive too far into the prospect pool.
I think the most likely scenario is playing Kase in a more sheltered role on the third line due to his injury history, and Bunting starts in the top 6. He is your Hyman replacement and can play with good players. People underrate Bunting too much, the guy will quickly be a fan favourite when people see him play
I think it completely depends on how the third line is constructed and what their role is. I am aware that Kämpf and Kase were teammates in Czech and played successfully together there, but that was the Czech 2nd division and this is the NHL. Kämpf is proven to be a defensive specialist and Kase has only been deployed offensively in his NHL career. I think it is highly unlikely to think that Kase now all suddenly is going to become that guy that plays on a defense first line. I think he is a wildcard, but will be used higher up the lineup or on sheltered minutes on the 4th line. I agree with your Bunting point. I would love to see him in our top 6. However, I think Ritchie and Kerfoot likely are ahead of Bunting as LW in addition to Robertson being someone that could take a spot in the top 6. I think he will be fine wherever he plays.
You just passed both Engvall and Mikheyev through waivers, its not going to happen. Mostly because you don't give NHL players up for free but also because both have cap hits even if they do manage to pass through.
Leafs have the cap space to have one of them -Soup, in the press box. Engvall will likely pass through waivers imo.
If the objective is to discuss the best possible lineup, then yeah, they slide out I think.
For Soup, that depends on camp - as it could be Simmonds on the bench, or Kase. But all things into account, both Somminds and Kase bring something to the table that Soup doesn't right now.
As for Engvall, I actually really like the guy. But I would argue Brooks is far more likely to be grabbed on waivers than Engvall. Again, this may depend on camp.
Point is, just like last year, Dubas as set up competition in the line up. That isn't a bad thing.
I'd like Robertson to spend a whole actual season in the AHL and go from there. I think Mikheyev has the potential to have a huge bounce back and breakout year. His speed is insane. Just needs to find that scoring touch and not shoot at the goalies chest. I'd like to see Matthews and Marner split. I want to see Brooks get a fair shot. Loved him with Spezza and Simmonds.
I am of the few that love that Rielly is still here. Best defenseman the Leafs have had in a long time. Let him ride out the year and go from there. If we lose him to FA, oh well. He's put his time in. Sandin is not ready for Rielly's minutes. And if he magically takes over midway through the season, is it bad that we still have Rielly? I think not.
As you've said, many teams are in a cap crunch situation, so if guys like Engvall get placed on waivers, big deal. Everyone on here wants him gone for next to nothing anyway. I on the other hand see him as a valuable contributor. If he can be available to the roster all season that is a huge win. Depth is key.
Great points, thanks for your contribution! I don't really disagree with anything you have said. I think the leafs have so many options now which feels good. I think Engvall is fine, but if he needs to move in order for someone like Brooks to get a chance or to free up cap space for a more significant add, I am all for it. Like you say, depth is key!
I think Kerfoot gets moved sooner. Engvall Mikheyev and Kampf could be a good shutdown line
I think they are good shutdown options, but I think Kerfoot is versatile and can provide more scoring as well as being defensively sound than both Mikheyev and Engvall. But there is definitely and argument to be held. I personally really like Kerfoot and can see him scoring 15 goals and 45 points playing on the top 6. It can be argued that there is better value to be found if he plays on the 3rd line.
You have the D depth sitting in the taxi squad. Lilly is ready to go. My opinion is Engvall is moved and leafs keep the cap down to accrue space till the inevitable ltir coming this season.
Leafs are done for the summer, Dubas made his moves. The cap lines up very well, Keefe has his shutdown line hes wanted, Dubas has the competition for spots he likes, etc. Anyone hoping Mikeheyev and/or Engvall are traded at this point needs to see the forest for the trees.
I disagree. Injuries happen in training camps and teams would likely call for these types of players if they are available. I think a team could send a late round draft pick for at least Engvall rather than gamble that they can claim him on waivers when they have to compete with 31 other teams.
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