Team: 2017-18 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 15, 2017

Published: Oct. 15, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

PLEASE READ and let me know what you think in the comments below.

I think the leafs have a real opportunity to set themselves up for what should be a long window of contending with a few trades. The main issue that most will have with these moves come from a fear of taking action that could make the team possibly worse this year. It’s easy to fall victim to short sighted motives when the team could contend for the cup. It’s also easy to make short term decisions by staying the course for one year rather then making a move for the future that could be blamed for potentail failure (this year not winning the cup). But the leafs could possibly take one step back this year and two steps forward for the next 10 yrs or status quo this year and two steps back next yr and beyond.

So what’s obvious that they need to shore up for the long term. Most people would say D but I’d say they need a number 2/3 C with size skill and plays well on both sides of the puck. These are hard to find and ufas cost to much. They do need another D however but they likely need a top pair D and will likely have to try and draft one as they rarely get traded and if they are established they cost a lot. And that’s probably all they need. So where can they get this player and what can they afford to trade.
Well looking around the league and at next yrs UFA list (Barring an unlikely signing of Tavares or Turris with both costing way to much anyway) here’s what I see as possible for a trade.

First, who has a possible good young C that has a surplus of established Cs. The C would have to be ready to play or close and that team would need to take a winger (optimally) in return.

Calgary have Mark Jankowski in the minors with Monahan Backlund and Bennett down the middle.
They have a need for skilled RWers as lazar is on their top RW and the need to sign Jagr is indicative of the lack of RW depth.
Toronto has Kapanen in the minors who looks ready to play. He also could be on of the fastest players in the league and is 3 yrs younger then Jankowski. Due to Jankowski’s valuable position at C and size I added Bracco who also could be a steal of a player in a few years. The leafs taking a shot on Jankowski could be a great gamble even if it costs two promising younger prospects. Jankoski is big skilled and only 23. And the leafs look set at RW for a while.

Leafs top 3 Cs would be:
Matthews 20yrs 6’3 215lbs Franchise ELC x2
Kadri 26yrs 6’0 195lbs Two-way 4.5x5
Jankowski 23yrs 6’5 220lbs Two-way ECL x1

This trade doesn’t have to happen this year but I’d argue that making this trade allows the Leaf more flexibility for the future by moving Bozak for futures. So who needs Bozak. Who needs a 2/3C rental for youth and picks. Who’s going for it. Looks like Pittsburg checks those boxes. There are three reasons that make aquiring Bozak a no brainer for Pitt. They currently have mckegg as a 3C and that’s not going to cut it if they want to threepeat. They would love to add a cheap 3C (Bozak at 2M) that has chemistry with kessel. They can afford the return with Murray being young (gusto) their firsts being very late (they just traded a first for reeves) and their window is now. They may also be able to resign Bozak for cheap. I added Jvr as well which is not a minor addition obviously. Jvr could is another player that will likely not resign here and adding more punch to this trade could ramp up the value coming back. Adding jvr and Bozak would most certainly help Pitt contend for a third Stanley Cup. Toronto adding Hagelin (4mil next yr too) as a salary dump gives them more speed and a penalty killer without hurting there cap situation as they can afford him next yr. Two late firsts, a second round goalie prospect and another second round scoring prospect with high upside but potential issues and a salary dump isn’t asking for a ton but is probably fair. It gives the leafs a chance to use those assets for young cheap future players or package them up for fill other needs now (on D perhaps).

Also added a little trade last minute. Getting Myers (6’5 200+ RHD) to free Leivo and move on from a decent D in Carrick. These are expendable assets but could help philly compete this year as they look to win with their Best Forwards aging. They have a solid enough young D core to move one of them (especially getting one back in Carrick who’s 22 and plays now)

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