Resigning Tanev to that term would be a mistake. It would very much also be a mistake to sign Cam Talbot. He's been good for the Kings, but they Kings are also one of the best defensive teams in the league. Talbot is a 36 year old who hasn't been good for the past like 3-4 years. Might as well keep Samsonov, he hasn't been very good this year but at least he's younger.

Leafs pass on all 3 trades they will not use a first on a forward this year just ain’t gonna happen

No reasonable GM would offer Lindholm eight years, even seven years. He's going to be near 30 years of age when his next contract starts. He's a 2C and will be fading.
Tanev for three years at that $$$$ is too much. Besides the Leafs are infinitely better keeping Liljegren, Niemela and the first

“Maybe” from the Sabres- maybe

That is a big question mark at goalie. How is having a great offense and good defense with suspect goaltending working out for EDM, this year

I'd rather keep Bertuzzi and trade Brodie to create the cap, but we'd be completely insane not to do this...

Knies - Matthews - Domi
Jarnkrok - Lindholm - Marner
Bertuzzi - Tavares - Nylander
Gregor - Kampf - McMann

Rielly - Tanev
Seeler - McCabe
Benoit - Timmins

3 of the best defensive centers in hockey in Kampf, Lindholm and Matthews, with Tavares being solid defensively as well. A 2nd line that consists of two selke finalists who've shown they can produce offense at a high level as well. That line can matchup against any in the league, and would free up two elite lines behind them to feast on easier matchups.

Bringing in a defenseman who has long been at the very top amongst defensive D, playing a style that's ideal for playoffs. McCabe gets slotted more appropriately with a player who's been having a ton of success in a similar role.

This team would easily be cup favourites for the forward depth alone.