Free Agency and Trade Thread - Playoff Edition II

[HoweHullOrr]

The purpose is to help our cap situation. If we sent Brown + Zaitsev to Anaheim for Kesler + Assets, then it frees up our cap space and helps them since they have an internal budget.

Again, that hinges on Kesler’s deal being uninsured, which given his injury history before he signed his deal, could be possible

That's true. It would be another way to shed cap.

 

[Visnovsky]

Kesler has an NMC, doesn't that mean that we'd need to protect him in the expansion draft? And if we did that, who would that cost us in terms of not getting someone important protected.

 

[Gabriel426]

Personally i would trade Matthews before Marner. He would have higher trade value as well and i think hes more likely to leave in his late 20s then Marner is.

EDIT: But i would trade Tavares before trading either of them.

Or maybe you trade Marner now to get players and assets then have Marner comes home a in few years when he hits UFA.
That’s a next level Shannaplan.

 

[Cor]

Kesler has an NMC, doesn't that mean that we'd need to protect him in the expansion draft? And if we did that, who would that cost us in terms of not getting someone important protected.

If he’s on LTIR, he’d be exempt.

 

[deletethis]

Why does this myth persist that the Clarkson for Horton deal was a great move let alone a positive one? It was an understandable move for one season while Clarkson was still attempting to play even though it didn't matter at the time whether or not Clarkson was part of a bad team. But since then the deal evaluation is a loss: both on LTIR, no insurance on the Horton contract. Today, Vegas wouldn't trade the Clarkson contract (with $3.25M remaining, $1M remaining after the bonus is paid on July 1st) for the Horton contract (with $3.6M remaining, no bonus portion).

 

[WTFMAN99]

Why does this myth persist that the Clarkson for Horton deal was a great move let alone a positive one? It was an understandable move for one season while Clarkson was still attempting to play even though it didn't matter at the time whether or not Clarkson was part of a bad team. But since then the deal evaluation is a loss: both on LTIR, no insurance on the Horton contract. Today, Vegas wouldn't trade the Clarkson contract (with $3.25M remaining, $1M remaining after the bonus is paid on July 1st) for the Horton contract (with $3.6M remaining, no bonus portion).

It worked at the time, only 1 year to go with this lol.

 

[Jozay]

Why does this myth persist that the Clarkson for Horton deal was a great move let alone a positive one? It was an understandable move for one season while Clarkson was still attempting to play even though it didn't matter at the time whether or not Clarkson was part of a bad team. But since then the deal evaluation is a loss: both on LTIR, no insurance on the Horton contract. Today, Vegas wouldn't trade the Clarkson contract (with $3.25M remaining, $1M remaining after the bonus is paid on July 1st) for the Horton contract (with $3.6M remaining, no bonus portion).

How exactly were the Leafs supposed to know that Clarkson would get injured and go on LTIR?

 

[Buds17]

Why does this myth persist that the Clarkson for Horton deal was a great move let alone a positive one? It was an understandable move for one season while Clarkson was still attempting to play even though it didn't matter at the time whether or not Clarkson was part of a bad team. But since then the deal evaluation is a loss: both on LTIR, no insurance on the Horton contract. Today, Vegas wouldn't trade the Clarkson contract (with $3.25M remaining, $1M remaining after the bonus is paid on July 1st) for the Horton contract (with $3.6M remaining, no bonus portion).

I'd agree. It was a necessary move from a cap space perspective. The positive aspect was the Leafs using money to essentially buy cap space, which was then to hopefully be utilized on improving the team on the ice. Now, the acquiring of a player that wasn't expected to ever play for the team for the purpose of creating cap space is just a little bit yikes!

 

[BlueForever75]

The Horton deal was still a part of our salary cap last season as we didn't need to go above it. Its still an ace in our sleeve for cap space if we choose to use it and put him on LTIR. But as far as I know, the Horton contract was on our cap this past season. This coming season it wont be.

 

[SprDaVE]

If Vancouver is indeed interested in Zaitsev, I wonder if the Leafs could take over Spooner and a mid round pick to make it work?

Spooner could be useful with Hyman out to start the season and he's a pending UFA. He's also easy to buyout and save a good chunk of change this season and next season is when our cap loosens up with Marleau leaving.

 

[Jozay]

If Vancouver is indeed interested in Zaitsev, I wonder if the Leafs could take over Spooner and a mid round pick to make it work?

Spooner could be useful with Hyman out to start the season and he's a pending UFA. He's also easy to buyout and save a good chunk of change this season and next season is when our cap loosens up with Marleau leaving.

If Vancouver misses out on Subban and Karlsson I could see them trying for Zaitsev or Myers. Friedman on his 31 Thoughts podcast mentioned they have interest Subban and Karlsson.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

If Vancouver is indeed interested in Zaitsev, I wonder if the Leafs could take over Spooner and a mid round pick to make it work?

Spooner could be useful with Hyman out to start the season and he's a pending UFA. He's also easy to buyout and save a good chunk of change this season and next season is when our cap loosens up with Marleau leaving.

Are they willing to pay the price? We should be given a 2nd or 3rd for taking on Spooner alone, and then Zaitsev himself would demand a fair amount in a trade.

Honestly, it doesn't make sense for the Leafs unless it was like Spooner + 2 2nds, including the one they have this year. Otherwise, just drop Spooner and just make it Zaitsev for their 2ND and one of their 6ths this year.

That's if we are getting another Top 4 guy elsewhere and need the cap space.

 

[SprDaVE]

Are they willing to pay the price? We should be given a 2nd or 3rd for taking on Spooner alone, and then Zaitsev himself would demand a fair amount in a trade.

Honestly, it doesn't make sense for the Leafs unless it was like Spooner + 2 2nds, including the one they have this year. Otherwise, just drop Spooner and just make it Zaitsev for their 2ND and one of their 6ths this year.

That's if we are getting another Top 4 guy elsewhere and need the cap space.

I'll just be happy slashing that contract as soon as possible, so if Dubas can find top 60 pick(s) for Zaitsev without taking on a bad contract in the process --- they should be a statue for him right now.

 

[BlueForever75]

Maybe a deal like this may work:

TORONTO
Zaitsev
Johnsson
Brown

for

VANCOUVER
Tanev
Spooner

Spooner is a replacement for Hyman as explained. Tanev gives us what we need next to Reilly. Don't have to worry about loss of Johnsson and Brown we have replacements.

Nylander-Matthews-Kapanen
Spooner-Tavares-Marner
Korshov (sp)-Kadri-Bracco
Moore-Gauthier-Miylkevic (Sp)

When Hyman returns worry about who is in and out. If Marleau can be traded that's a bonus. If not slot him next to Kadri for one more season and hope that Bracco can do for him and Kadri what Marner did a couple of seasons ago. Korshov(sp) plys trade in minors to develop until spots open up. Can Moore play center? If so I would put two Russians on his flanks and make a new 4th line. Size and speed. Get rid of Gauthier.

Reilly-Tanev
Muzzin-Dermott
Rosen-Hainsey (resign on 1yr deal)

If somehow you can trade Marleau I would try to sign another dman other then Hainsey and move Dermott to bottom pairing with Rosen. New dman plays with Muzzin.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I'll just be happy slashing that contract as soon as possible, so if Dubas can find top 60 pick(s) for Zaitsev without taking on a bad contract in the process --- they should be a statue for him right now.

I doubt Dubas is as concerned or desperate as many fans are when it comes to Zaitsev's contract. He's an appropriately priced Top 4 RD who is coming off a solid overall season with a very strong ending. Multiple teams would probably line up for him.

TBH, I can see teams overpaying for him. Especially if guys like Karlsson or Myers come off the market before the draft.

 

[SprDaVE]

I doubt Dubas is as concerned or desperate as many fans are when it comes to Zaitsev's contract. He's an appropriately priced Top 4 RD who is coming off a solid overall season with a very strong ending. Multiple teams would probably line up for him.

TBH, I can see teams overpaying for him. Especially if guys like Karlsson or Myers come off the market before the draft.

Let's hope Dubas can find a couple suckers that think he's appropriately priced. A defenseman paid more than 4M with zero skill... Woof.

Some people thought Erik Gudbranson was good once upon a time so... I guess anything is possible.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Maybe a deal like this may work:

TORONTO
Zaitsev
Johnsson
Brown

for

VANCOUVER
Tanev
Spooner

Spooner is a replacement for Hyman as explained. Tanev gives us what we need next to Reilly. Don't have to worry about loss of Johnsson and Brown we have replacements.

Nylander-Matthews-Kapanen
Spooner-Tavares-Marner
Korshov (sp)-Kadri-Bracco
Moore-Gauthier-Miylkevic (Sp)

When Hyman returns worry about who is in and out. If Marleau can be traded that's a bonus. If not slot him next to Kadri for one more season and hope that Bracco can do for him and Kadri what Marner did a couple of seasons ago. Korshov(sp) plys trade in minors to develop until spots open up. Can Moore play center? If so I would put two Russians on his flanks and make a new 4th line. Size and speed. Get rid of Gauthier.

Reilly-Tanev
Muzzin-Dermott
Rosen-Hainsey (resign on 1yr deal)

If somehow you can trade Marleau I would try to sign another dman other then Hainsey and move Dermott to bottom pairing with Rosen. New dman plays with Muzzin.

Terrible trade for the Leafs. Zaitsev for Tanev is now a wash at best, if not more value for Zaitsev now that Tanev has suffered another serious injury and Zaitsev is hot. Spooner is negative value. Vancouver would need to add 10th overall and probably more for the Leafs to even consider giving up three valuable assets like that.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Let's hope Dubas can find a couple suckers that think he's appropriately priced.

Shouldn't be that hard considering he IS appropriately priced.

 

[TheShape]

I'll just be happy slashing that contract as soon as possible, so if Dubas can find top 60 pick(s) for Zaitsev without taking on a bad contract in the process --- they should be a statue for him right now.

And who replaces Zaitsev’s minutes and at what cap cost? I don’t like the remaining term in his deal either but like it or not he’s still a top 4 D man for us and looked way when better paired with Muzzin.

Zaitsev is also our only RHD. And our coach is still Mike Babcock who puts emphasis into that sort of thing.

 

[SprDaVE]

3 primary points (last I checked) in over a calendar year... yeah, that's appropriate for a 4.5M defenseman signed for 5 years, SeaOfBlue.

 

[SprDaVE]

And who replaces Zaitsev’s minutes and at what cap cost? I don’t like the remaining term in his deal either but like it or not he’s still a top 4 D man for us and looked way when better paired with Muzzin.

Believe it or not, you can replace what Zaitsev accomplished with a bottom pairing level defenseman paid probably around the league minimum, or at the very least between the 1M and 2M range.

Just because he did well next to an actually good defensive defenseman in a 7 game sample, it doesn't mean we can't replace his production level and inferior 5 on 5 output of the last 2 seasons.

If Zaitsev had the consistent numbers of Jake Muzzin throughout his career, nobody would be complaining.

 

[dubplatepressure]

Believe it or not, you can replace what Zaitsev accomplished with a bottom pairing level defenseman paid probably around the league minimum, or at the very least between the 1M and 2M range.

Just because he did well next to an actually good defensive defenseman in a 7 game sample, it doesn't mean we can't replace his production level and inferior 5 on 5 output of the last 2 seasons.

If Zaitsev had the consistent numbers of Jake Muzzin throughout his career, nobody would be complaining.

Agreed. Think Scott Harrington.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

3 primary points (last I checked) in over a calendar year... yeah, that's appropriate for a 4.5M defenseman signed for 5 years, SeaOfBlue.

It's good that production is not the only thing that quantifies good defensemen I guess right?

Especially defensive defensemen?

 

[SprDaVE]

It's good that production is not the only thing that quantifies good defensemen I guess right?

Especially defensive defensemen?

If you're making that much money, it plays a big part into it yes. And as a defensive defenseman, he gets buried in shot attempts anyway. There is very little redeeming about Zaitsevs performance when you consider his contract over the past 2 seasons unfortunately. His efficiency is terrible, which is why Dubas needs to trade him for as much value as possible... if at all possible.

Jake Muzzin is what you think Zaitsev is.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Believe it or not, you can replace what Zaitsev accomplished with a bottom pairing level defenseman paid probably around the league minimum, or at the very least between the 1M and 2M range.

Just because he did well next to an actually good defensive defenseman in a 7 game sample, it doesn't mean we can't replace his production level and inferior 5 on 5 output of the last 2 seasons.

If Zaitsev had the consistent numbers of Jake Muzzin throughout his career, nobody would be complaining.

I don't know where you are getting values from but all of that is pretty optimistic. You are lucky to get a decent bottom pairing guy for less than 2 mill these days. Zaitsev is quite a few tiers higher than that.

Like if you think Harrington could replace Zaitsev, then you deserve a defense at the bottom of the league.