16 May 2022 14:30:22
As odd as it may sound, especially coming from me, I think the current Leafs team was actually a Cup contender. IMO, the Leafs should try and bring back the current D-core(minus Holl, which I will explain later) and Campbell. The changes should come upfront and at backup. Upfront, the Leafs need more size and physicality in the top 9. This would be my plan. A lot of this(trades and signings) I have already mentioned in different proposals.

The trades.

Nash
Nylander $6.96

Tor
Trenin RFA
Ingram $.733M
2021 1st

Nash has the caps space, assets and need for a offensive player like Nylander. If they can't get a deal done with Forsberg, this deal becomes more significant for them.

Chi
Mrazek $3.8M
Holl $2M

Tor
Connolly $3.5M (Leafs buyout Connolly)

This should be a no brainer for both teams. For the Hawks, Connolly is in the minors. They need a goalie and only have one year left of Kane and Toews. They could also use Holl next season. They will likely rebuild and sell off assets throughout next season. Connolly is just dead cap right now.

NJ
Kerfoot $3.5M

Tor
McLoed $.975M

NJ picks up a top 9 versatile player coming off a 50pt season for a guy they use as a 3/4C.

Cap out $16.26M
Cap in $1.708M
Cap available $23M

Signings
Campbell 4X$4M
Lyubushkin 3X$2.5M
Giordano 2X$1.5M
Mikheyev 4X$3.25M(If he wants more, then let him walk)
Engvall 2X$1.9
Trenin 2X$1.9M
Sandin 2X$2M
Liljegren 2X$1.8M
Spezza 1X$.750M
Blackwell 1X$.850M
Connolly buyout $1.167M(2 years)

$1.38M cap space available.

Engvall and Mikheyev are most effective when playing together. They either become your 2nd or 3rd line wingers with Trenin and McLeod as the other two. I wouldn't bring back Kase. I would bring back Spezza for leadership.

Lines

Bunting Matthews Marner
Mikheyev Tavares Engvall
Trenin Kampf McLeod
rotate guys in with Blackwell.
Spezza, Simmonds etc

Rielly Lyubushkin
Muzzin Brodie
Gio/Sandin/Liljegren
Rubins

Campbell
Ingram


1.) 16 May 2022
16 May 2022 15:37:10
So we're fi ly getting rid of Kessels 1.2m and repla e it with another 1.1.


2.) 16 May 2022
16 May 2022 16:34:07
@Hrenklin. Would you rather Mrazek's $3.8M for two more seasons?


3.) 17 May 2022
17 May 2022 13:57:58
Not opposed to the Nashville trade but think there are better targets for Nylander like Arizona, Seattle or NJD.

I’d like to get something from Chicago because Holl is included. Exchanging Mrazek problem for a Connolly problem might be better and might not require Holl. Don’t know for sure until a dialogue starts.

Like the NJD trade as you know.

Your salaries are a touch higher than what I would do but not a show-stopper. Only real difference is Giordano, I’d let him walk.

I also think it’s time to put Tavares on the wing and give him a hard working center with some playmaking skills, maybe Nicholas Paul.


4.) 17 May 2022
17 May 2022 15:09:07
@Rsears. Holl was put in to make it almost impossible for Chi to say no because the Leafs need to get the cap space from this deal more than anything. Adding Holl while buying out Connolly, gets the Leafs about $4.6M in cap space and gives Sandin and Liljegren playing time. Yes, I sacrificed Holl in the deal for the bigger picture. If you could squeeze a little more out of Chicago. Awesome.