Team: 2016-17 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: May 25, 2016

Published: May 25, 2016

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Summary

TRADES
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TOR <-> CHI
- For CHI: Bickell off the books entirely for CHI, gives them a solid, cheap vet D man for their bottom pairing, a potential cheap 5-7 D and a C/W who can fill Shaw's spot, play up and down the lineup at a smaller cost to sign.
- For TOR:
They acquire a young NHL-ready two-way RHD in Pokka , which is a position of weakness for them. They also receive the rights to Shaw who they can afford to pay and who can fill out their C-depth, play wing if needed and brings some edge and experience to their young lineup.
Bickell will be given an opportunity to make the team, but ultimately he ends up in the AHL.
*NOTE* I admit this one likely needs more assets going to CHI from the Leafs, but editing trades is a pain on here.


TOR <-> CBJ
- For CLB: They get a spot-gap solution to their horrible Center depth in Bozak. He plays 1C/2C in their lineup and all situations. CLB need to start winning and quickly or heads will roll and the fan base will erode.
- For TOR: They get a 25 y/o top 4 RHD who they can pair with Reilly, at least short term. Contract cap hit is essentially a wash with Bozak's but over a longer term. Possible he is lost in an expansion draft for nothing for CLB, but worth the risk for TOR

TOR <-> ARZ
- For ARZ: They get a top 9 forward at only 2M cap hit. Some experience to help their young lineup and a great dressing room guy.
- For TOR: They remove 2M from their cap, with the retention ending at the end of the season. Milan hopefully waives his NTC after realizing he cannot make the lineup in TOR and with the lure of playing a NHL season with his brother. Vitale doesn't provide TOR much, but is a cheap experienced F with high energy with only 1 year left. Essentially saving Arizona another 1.3M in real money.

TOR <-> ANA
- For ANA: They get a late 1st round pick and get Stoner off their books/cap in exchange for a goalie they cannot retain (due to upcoming expansion). Bernier comes back as a 1-year backup stop-gap behind Gibson. While Laich moves for money reasons. TOR could retain half on either Bernier or Laich if needed or a sweetener could be added by way of a B-level prospect (Leipzic, Harrington, Loov, etc.)
For TOR: A dependable, proven starting goaltender to help them transition into a contender. May not be a long term solution but a better option than anything they have in their system. Can draft/develop an heir apparent over the span of his contract.



SIGNINGS
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(UFA) Stamkos: If you have a chance to add someone of his ilk to a team without giving up assets you do, plain and simple. Gives your young lineup a leader who is still young enough to relate to all the rookies. Takes the pressure off Matthews.

(UFA) Vessey: Again, adding a "free" young asset that you can sell on your team's bright future, collection of talent, coaching, city and potential minutes to prove himself for his next contract in short order. The Leafs have more depth at RW than they do at LW and this would help them bridge the gap when JVR's contract is up should he price himself out of their comfort zone.

(UFA) Johnson: A veteran NHL back-up who proved last season that he could put up solid numbers and play a significant number of games in that role on a young team with a weak defense core.

(RFA) Andersen: Best goalie available on the trade market. Lots of experience, proven talent with playoff experience. Won't break the bank to sign and will help cover-up the mistakes that will surely occur from such a young team.

(RFA) Leivo: Proven that he can score at the NHL level. Needs some work on his defense and skating still but certainly a serviceable and inexpensive LW option who has put in his time with the Marlies.

(RFA) C. Carrick: Proven that he has the drive and skill to play in the NHL. Fills a need at RD. While he lacks size he plays with grit and can be a 5/6 who puts up points on the PP.

(RFA) Marincin: Showed that he can play defense at the NHL level last season. Still learning to use his size appropriately and could use more weight on that lanky frame but in controlled minutes as a 5/6 and PK guy he should perform well at a low cap cost.

(RFA) Shaw: Experience, a pest, can chip in offensively, plays center and wing. Put on a line with Komarov and Soshnikhov they will drive other teams nuts and score their fair share of points in the process.


LEADERSHIP:
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Captain: Stamkos
Assistant: Komarov
Assistant: Reilly


UNKNOWNS
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RFAs like Corrado/Harrington/Sparks are they worth signing/potentially losing to waivers or better off flipping to other teams?

Buried vs. Buy Outs: This roster has Lupul (5.25 x2), Stoner (3.25 x2), Grenning (2.65 x1) and Bickell (4 x1) all with the Marlies. Given the number of entry-level deals for the Leafs it may make more sense for them to buyout Bickell and Greening this year, then Stoner and Lupul the following year. Either way it gets all the money off the books in 3 years time. Right when Matthews/Marner/etc. need new contracts.

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