17 Mar 2023 12:17:17
Bunting. Sign or not? I think most of us would like him back, but at what cost? Personally, I would be out at anything over around $2.75M. He's worth more on the open market, but I believe Leafs have a cheap replacement type in the system.

I mentioned Booby McMann before pre-season as my dark horse to make the team. I think he could be a Bunting replacement and is signed next season for $.763M. Left shot, scoring ability, plays a physical game and a good size at 6'2" 205lbs. Also not a kid. He's 26. Since they sent him back down. 2 hat tricks and 2 2 goal games.

Undrafted overachiever. Not like a Jeannot style player as he isn't a fighter, more like Bunting without the theatrics. So less drama, but also means on the negative, he won't get under the other teams skin as much.

Here's my thinking. I heard some panelist mention what O'Reilly might get on the open market and it was $7-$9M per. I admit I laughed. I am thinking more around $4-$5M per, about the same as Bunting culd get. What if the Leafs can get O'Reilly back at $3-$4M per and promote McMann. That is probably about the same cost as Bunting on the open market. I'd take those two over Bunting if the cost was about the same.

Saying this happened, the Leafs would have,(barring any off-season trades), Matthews, Marner, JT, Willy, O'Reilly, Jarnkrok, Lafferty and McMann signed for next season up front with about $4.6M cap left. Plus likely Muzzin's $5.6 LTIR and have 6 D already signed for next season(Rielly, Brodie, McCabe, Liljegren, Gio, Timmins).

Buyout Murray, and they save an extra $4M next season(only $2.6M the season after, but cap expected to go up $4M). They would have about $14M to fill out the team. Needed still - 5 bottom 6 forwards($7M?). 2 goalies($6M?) and an extra D($.850M?).

Tight, but doable. Better than giving Bunting $4-$5M imo.
Of course if Muzzin comes back, a big trade will be necessary as they will need to move cap.


1.) 17 Mar 2023
17 Mar 2023 13:51:33
@RLF 100% agree on your assessment on Bunting. Hopefully we can sign him for cheap.
I like McMann as well, but not sure if he could play top 6. I would love Leafs to call him up for remainder of season and ddition hom in the top 6, really wwouldnt hirt at this point unless Leafs really want that home ice advantage.
ROR signing at a reasonable cap hit would be amazing. I think his pedigree, leadership and championship is great for this core.
Hopefully some Marlies make the team next year and help with the salary situation, Knies, Robertson, McMann and who knows, maybe Kral as the 7th might take that step as well.
I think Murray's buyout is $2M the following year as Ottawa would eat the $600K.


2.) 17 Mar 2023
17 Mar 2023 13:53:02
Oh and Holmberg.


3.) 17 Mar 2023
17 Mar 2023 14:34:38
Tagz. Hopefully Holmberg can add another cheap bottom 6er.
Yes, $2M is second year of buyout meaning Leafs are only saving $2.6M against the cap instead of the $4M the first year. That is what I meant by the $2.6M. Could have explained it better I guess.


4.) 17 Mar 2023
17 Mar 2023 15:49:20
No worries. My reading comprehension is not always there, I tend to skim through more than I should. Your explanation made perfect sense lol.


5.) 17 Mar 2023
17 Mar 2023 20:55:08
I agree with the assesment of bunting. Someone will offer him Hyman type money as he's essentially filling the same role, but younger. I wouldn't pay him that much.

I'd worry about McMann as some players just never find the ability to become full time NHL players.

ROR shouldn't even get 4M imo. He's getting up there in age, he's had some injury issues and he's having a terrible season. I'd pass on ROR for more than 3.5.


6.) 18 Mar 2023
18 Mar 2023 00:07:29
I Agree with the Bunting amount. should definately not be over 3Mil. but if Dubas sticks around he'll probly get north of 3.5 Mil.


7.) 18 Mar 2023
18 Mar 2023 14:39:11
@LL. I hear you on McMann. Just my opinion, but I see him as an NHLer right now. I think at worst, he will be a third liner. Could be more if given a real opportunity.


8.) 18 Mar 2023
18 Mar 2023 21:57:27
@RLF he could be, but certain types of players don't fit with Dubas/ Keefe and never will. Marchment, Engvall and Sandin have all taken off after being traded to varying degrees.

I don't see Mcmann being anything as long as he's a Leaf especially.


9.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 00:57:33
O’Reilly is 32 years of age.
The chances of any team in the leagues signing him for $7 - $9 million are slim and none.
If Leafs can resign him for 2 to a maximum of 3 years for no more than $4 great.
If not, let him walk.
Bunting is a 20 goal, 50 - 60 point player and will receive $4 from someone.
Can the Leafs afford that?
Matt Murray has to go so Leafs can use his cap hit to resign Samsonov, a far better goaltender.
Trading for Murray was another Mrazek moment for Dubas and it is now either a buyout or a draft day trade with Leafs sending their 1st round pick to someone for a 2nd or 3rd.