You'd almost think Pittsburgh didn't do this Crosby, Malkin and Letang. Fortunately for Pittsburgh there was no pandemic causing the anticipated cap escalation to vanish after inking those controls. How dare Dubas not factor COVID-19 into his long-term plans.
Ummmm they all happen to be under 10mill each.
9.5 - Malkin
8.7 - Crosby
7.25 - Letang
24.5mill for those three.
Compared to the 33.5 of the Leafs big 3. Almost 10mill in difference.
They all signed under what the going rate at the time for star power was 10mill+. The going rate now is around 11-12.5mill for top level. They were still signing under league highs.
The whole thing that you are getting at about the pandemic and the cap is an issue with everyone. Not just Toronto. It’s just for all the praise Dubas gets he handled the cap space terribly. They’ve had the same results with Tavares that they had without him. He wanted to come to Toronto they should of got a discount. Especially for the past 5yrs their issue has been defense but hey let’s get another center which they didn’t even need. Lock up Holl at 2mill per for the role he plays you could of got someone from league minimum to 1mill to do. Marner was given a ton of money as well. It’s Dubas you should be after no complaining about Pittsburgh’s roster and how they are ok and not struggling with cap problems. Every team is facing it not just Toronto like I said earlier.
The problem is Marner and Tavares for as bad as they wanted to be in Toronto they didn’t give any home town discount. Where as Crosby and Malkin took less to be able to insulate the team with capable wingers and grit.
Their issue is their defense was subpar this year as well as goaltending in the playins. Toronto’s big 3 the only one who really tried and showed up was Matthews. Toronto needs their big 3 to show up. Their defense played decent in the playins.