I like the add of Zadorov. But Brodie is clearly the much better dman.

This is a loss for the Leafs, on a big scale.

Brodie is our 2nd best dman. We shouldn't trade him, unless he is part of a bigger package for an upgrade (which would be super expensive)

I agree but is the difference between them worth losing someone like Järnkrok ?

we don't need to make any trades right now to be cap compliant. They will just start the year with 20 man roster. Holmberg and Robertson are waiver exempt. I wouldn't be surprised if they get sent down, until we get a long term Injury and then they can get called up. (knies is waiver exempt also but I assume he starts regardless)

Knies will be in the roster for sure. But they will need to put a player on waivers to get under the cap and anyone they do will most likely be taken (Timmins, Lafferty, Gambrell)

Yes they could lose someone on waivers. I assume Lafferty makes the team. Gambrell I assume clears waivers easily. Timmins I would try to keep in the NHL. as I think he would get claimed and we need the depth.

I assume we start with 11-7 and keep Timmins up. Lafferty and Reaves 4th liners. Domi-Kampf-Jarnkrok 3rd line. 1st and 2nd lines are our main top 6 guys (Knies included).

I believe the cap works in that scenario.

Yes, by a huge margin. Brodie is a top pair defensive defenceman. Zadorov is a 3rd pair brute. Jarnkrock can be replaced without trouble.