Hey PH, we don't really need to worry about bonus overages this year... like at all. We do however, need to think about overages from 18-19 carrying over into 19-20.

There is no need to trade Lupul at all.

As a Habs fan I admit those 2 are a treat to watch playing together. Marner might be the odd man out if the cap is tight in a couple of years

Pal: Like your configuration and keeping Kapanen up with the team, but doubt Babcock will let go of Martin playing 4th line! Have heard that Leafs really trying to move Leivo for a pick, but to this point no takers. Likely waiting for waiver wire, so not sure they don't hold on to him for a bit, which would mean Kappy has to start in AHL.

I disagree if I understand the rules of having your roster set before the seasons. With the Lupul trade as I suggested, the Leafs have a carryover of 2.2m next season. If Lupul is on the opening day "roster", the carryover might be about 6.1m, though the overall cap this year will be manageble. Carrying over this season, affects next season and if there are carryovers next season it affect 19/20 as you suggest
Of course, what I really don't understand is why so many Leaf fans, think Leivo after 4 years of pro is such an untouchable. Johnson too. He's 22 years old and is fringe NHLer with this team. Are trading these guys so fatal to the team? Kapanen and Soshnkov seem to the. next call from the Marlies, ahead of Leivo and Johnson (if they are Marlies).
Doug, I agree with you on Kapanen. Maybe he is the odd guy left out at the beginning of the year. Shame. Would like to see him with a run with the Leafs at the beginning of the year. And I'm one guy who thinks Martin has a valuable purpose with the Leaf playing a regular shift.

I love watching those two play together. I wouldn't be surprised at all if it becomes the best single-line duo in hockey within a year or two