Trade and Free Agency Thread - 2022 - Off-season

[WTFMAN99]

Some feelings/dots I have as we head into the busy 10 days or so

1. There seems to be a lot of smoke around Fleury and the Leafs.

2. As expected, seems like Jack Campbell and the Leafs both know he will be able to cash in and that’s the best thing for him to do at this point in his career

3. With CJ linking the Leafs to Deslauries and Aston-Reese, it feels like they might go more physical for the fourth line

4. It certainly appears the Leafs are in a position of Rasmus Sandin or Jake Muzzin. There’s arguments to them both.

A. Taking the step into a top 4 role is hard to do. Can Sandin do so or could he have trouble like Dermott did?

B. Jake Muzzin looked great once he seemingly got healthy at the end of the season and the playoffs. His play earlier in the year still had good impacts, but was a warning sign.

C. How much is Rasmus Sandin asking for? It appears he’s wanting much more than Liljegren signed for, despite not much more (if at all) of a track record. I think most would take the gamble on a 4M deal long-term for Sandin, but what if he’s wanting that money for just 2 years?

D. We saw what a Jake Muzzin likely looks like with Tampa trading Ryan McDonagh. A lesser contract you still don’t really like and a shot in the dark prospect. With Rasmus Sandin, the Leafs could get a big return. Perhaps filling a hole on the right side of the defense, goaltending, or the top 9.

Logic dictates you trade Muzzin and commit to Rasmus Sandin.

5. I’m not surprised to hear chatter of Curtis Sanford joining the Leafs new goalie department. He’s learned under Ian Clark the past few seasons, someone the Leafs reportedly had interest in, in the past.

6. I’m curious of how the forward group is currently frame worked. Have to imagine Bunting, Matthews and Marner will be like 1 once again. Is Nylander viewed as the winger with Kampf and Engvall as we saw had some success, or do they have him penciled in beside Tavares again? This is important because it most likely dictates the type of two top 9 forwards we go after.

7. I found the Nichushkin link mighty interesting. Hard to imagine the Avs letting him go, but would certainly be a great addition if it could be swung

8. Speaking of Top 9 forwards. I wonder where Nick Robertson is slotted on the internal depth chart. Had a great end of the year in the AHL.

9. Finally, Alex Kerfoot. Somehow still underrated but our own fanbase. However I do find it interesting there’s been very little trade speculation around him this close to the draft.

Nice summary...

I'd probably at the least move on from Holl, Kerfoot, Mrazek and probably Muzzin this off-season.

Seems silly to keep 88 with Kampf...either he and JT mesh or they don't.

 

[supermann_98]

Looking to guage opinions, what does everyone think of a Muzzin + 2023 1st (Protected) for Mayfield ?

Make it Muzzin + 2nd and I'm making that move. We get a cheap year of Mayfield while Muzzin's salary looks worse every year, and we get a RHD to play with Sandin who gets a chance to play every day.

Reilly - Brodie
Gio - Liljegren
Sandin - Mayfield

Looks REAL solid to me, but that 1st rounder is too much, gotta be a 2nd max

 

[BertCorbeau]

Should start seeing things heat up tomorrow with the draft on Thursday.

 

[SprDaVE]

Some feelings/dots I have as we head into the busy 10 days or so

1. There seems to be a lot of smoke around Fleury and the Leafs.

2. As expected, seems like Jack Campbell and the Leafs both know he will be able to cash in and that’s the best thing for him to do at this point in his career

3. With CJ linking the Leafs to Deslauries and Aston-Reese, it feels like they might go more physical for the fourth line

4. It certainly appears the Leafs are in a position of Rasmus Sandin or Jake Muzzin. There’s arguments to them both.

A. Taking the step into a top 4 role is hard to do. Can Sandin do so or could he have trouble like Dermott did?

B. Jake Muzzin looked great once he seemingly got healthy at the end of the season and the playoffs. His play earlier in the year still had good impacts, but was a warning sign.

C. How much is Rasmus Sandin asking for? It appears he’s wanting much more than Liljegren signed for, despite not much more (if at all) of a track record. I think most would take the gamble on a 4M deal long-term for Sandin, but what if he’s wanting that money for just 2 years?

D. We saw what a Jake Muzzin likely looks like with Tampa trading Ryan McDonagh. A lesser contract you still don’t really like and a shot in the dark prospect. With Rasmus Sandin, the Leafs could get a big return. Perhaps filling a hole on the right side of the defense, goaltending, or the top 9.

Logic dictates you trade Muzzin and commit to Rasmus Sandin.

5. I’m not surprised to hear chatter of Curtis Sanford joining the Leafs new goalie department. He’s learned under Ian Clark the past few seasons, someone the Leafs reportedly had interest in, in the past.

6. I’m curious of how the forward group is currently frame worked. Have to imagine Bunting, Matthews and Marner will be like 1 once again. Is Nylander viewed as the winger with Kampf and Engvall as we saw had some success, or do they have him penciled in beside Tavares again? This is important because it most likely dictates the type of two top 9 forwards we go after.

7. I found the Nichushkin link mighty interesting. Hard to imagine the Avs letting him go, but would certainly be a great addition if it could be swung

8. Speaking of Top 9 forwards. I wonder where Nick Robertson is slotted on the internal depth chart. Had a great end of the year in the AHL.

9. Finally, Alex Kerfoot. Somehow still underrated but our own fanbase. However I do find it interesting there’s been very little trade speculation around him this close to the draft.

All the insiders have pointed to the Leafs keeping Muzzin. They have no problems keeping Sandin and Muzzin, the problem is that Sandin is apparently being difficult and wants more money than they Leafs want to pay.

So this isn't about Muzzin or Sandin, this is about Sandin or something else. I have a feeling Sandin settles for a 1 year contract but it will be with understanding that Dermott got. If not used or happy with the role, or if he isn't playing as well as the Leafs want, he will be dealt eventually.

 

[stickty111]

 

[Amadeus]

Weekes will break tons of trades!

This though was common knowledge.

 

[Magnum23]

Wonder what MAF is looking for on his next contract.

Perhaps we could see a MAF-Husso tandem?

Tandem would look nice but where is Dubas getting the money to lock them up, especially Husso who is likely gonna ask for the moon

 

[Apex Predator]

I don’t think we will see Mrazek, Holl, Kerfoot & Muzzin/Sandin all traded. I have feeling mrazek plus one of the others will only be traded. We will see one of Kerfoot or Holl with the Leafs next year. I’m guessing they only get rid of Mrazek and Holl or Ferfoot.

 

[aingefan]

Great insider article. Quick summary:

-Curtis Sanford is going to be hired by the Leafs for the new goaltender coach position. He was poached from the Canucks. It's not sure if he's part of multiple hires for their revamped goaltending department but he's expected to be one. Jon Elkin is also staying.

-Mentions Mrazek and Holl as the pieces trades to gain cap space. (duh)

-Still a remote chance Leafs and Campbell settle on a new contract. It will depend on what he can get on the market. Same for Blackwell and Lyubushkin but they are more likely to return.

-Leafs want to keep Kase and Engvall but would rather avoid arbitration. Talks are ongoing before July 11th. If contract talk fail, they have a tough call on qualifying either player.

-Sandin doesn't have arbitration rights but has an uncertain future with the team. His play time was blocked by veterans, and reportedly doesn't want to sign a team friendly contract like Liljegren did. So things are complicated there. (He's also subject to an offer sheet)

-Goaltending is the #1 priority but the Leafs will also concentrate on forward depth. Likely a revamped bottom 6 with departures to Mikheyev, Spezza, and maybe Blackwell, and uncertainty with Kase and Engvall.

-Husso, Kuemper and Fleury should be targets if Campbell talks fail. He mentions Husso might come in cheaper than Campbell and Kuemper.

-Cheap under-the-radar forwards will be targetted. Zach Aston-Reece, Johan Larsson and Nic Deslauriers noted names.

-Promotions will probably be a big part of the new lineup next season. A good amount of spots up for grabs.

Thanks for the summary.

“-Sandin doesn't have arbitration rights but has an uncertain future with the team. His play time was blocked by veterans, and reportedly doesn't want to sign a team friendly contract like Liljegren did. So things are complicated there. (He's also subject to an offer sheet)”

Things like this irritate me. Liljegren signed a fair deal. Sandin hasn’t earned anything more than the same

Yeah not a fan of that pov from a young player.

Meanwhile, I’ve yet to sniff any detail that Lili’s character is anything but exemplary. I love that kid.

 

[Nylanderthal]

Don't they already have a guy who went .890 in the playoffs? Seriously one good regular season is not the hill to die on unless he is signing for backup money.

Better than committing big bucks to jack who had one good month

 

[Duke16]

Thanks for the summary.


Yeah not a fan of that pov from a young player.

Meanwhile, I’ve yet to sniff any detail that Lili’s character is anything but exemplary. I love that kid.

I feel like that probably changes if he has a clear spot (ie. Muzzin moved). I can see why he wouldn't be inclined to go cheap if he's not going to be put in a good position to earn much of a raise on the next one. At the end of the day, he doesn't really have bargaining power to demand to much more than Liljegren. I could see like $1.6-7M or so at most and only cause he made the league sooner and is still younger/in a similar spot

 

[justashadowof]

-Leafs want to keep Kase and Engvall but would rather avoid arbitration. Talks are ongoing before July 11th. If contract talk fail, they have a tough call on qualifying either player.

This is one thing I had been speculating. It's advisable to sign extensions with these players before the qualification date in order to avoid arbitration which would probably reward both players above and beyond what the Leafs can afford to pay either player. If I had to choose, I like Kase more than Engvall, Engvall has the wrong talent mix for his role on this particular team.

Sandin is an interesting case. I can like the player all I want but if he's honestly entertaining accepting an offer sheet, he probably should be preemptively traded to avoid that situation.

Liljegren's contract still makes me scratch my head. He definitely could've gotten more. It'll be interesting to track into the future whether this pays off for the player. It's a cut throat world in pro sports hiding behind polite talk. This good guy behaviour is often not really reciprocated.

 

[Lightsol]

Domi brings the right attitude that the Leafs need on the ice. I think if they can get him at a decent deal they should sign him. We have enough players who when they’re off we just don’t notice them all game, they’re invisible. You will notice Domi all game even when he’s off. We need those guys in the bottom 6.

Uh, the constant criticism when it comes to Max Domi going all the way back to junior was that he only shows up when HE wants to... And his NHL career has actually told that story; notice his best years are contract years, when he has to prove he's good enough for an extension.

 

[aingefan]

A lot of smoke about the apparent "entitled" attitude that was rumoured last year. Seeing Kral is developing quite well I'd have no issues trading Sandin if his contract demands aren't reasonable.

And Kokkonen on the left side right behind him. Not a great leap to think either could be pushing for playing time by the start of 23-24.

 

[Apex Predator]

Uh, the constant criticism when it comes to Max Domi going all the way back to junior was that he only shows up when HE wants to... And his NHL career has actually told that story; notice his best years are contract years, when he has to prove he's good enough for an extension.

Perfect sign him to a one year deal. Sometimes it clicks for guys later in their career. If he doesn’t for him at his next team he’s probably done.

 

[Lightsol]

Outside of a some Dubasites on here and Dubas himself, was anyone else actually convinced he was a real top 4D?

Muzzin just propped him for a season, that's all I saw.

Two seasons, and he was a passable top 4 for that period. But now he's gone from "passable top 4, but better off 5-6" to "shouldn't be in an NHL lineup if you want to win".

 

[Torontonian]

9. Finally, Alex Kerfoot. Somehow still underrated but our own fanbase. However I do find it interesting there’s been very little trade speculation around him this close to the draft.

Kerfoot is criminally under rated and disliked on Leafs HFboard, I think most of that stems from him being traded for Kadri. He's a very good swiss army knife for the Leafs. Can play center or winger when needed, can slide up and down the lineup where ever he is needed and plays solid on the PK, he's going to be more relied on this year even more with Micky leaving. Lastly he put up 51 points in 82 games this season.

I think the smoke around MAF is a sign Toronto is interested in him, and it seems like MAF is opened to playing in Toronto, seeing how he was willing to waive his NTC at the deadline. I don't see him making 5m+ this year but in the range of 3m to 4.5m, MAF and Blackwood tandem would be okay going into the season with.

I am curious on how he molds the bottom 6 this year and who he plans on targeting, ZAR, Deslauries and Nichushkin are the type of players I like to hear the Leafs are interested in, although with Nichushkin, if he's looking for Hyman type money, then I don't think that's doable.

 

[Nylanderthal]

Domi brings the right attitude that the Leafs need on the ice. I think if they can get him at a decent deal they should sign him. We have enough players who when they’re off we just don’t notice them all game, they’re invisible. You will notice Domi all game even when he’s off. We need those guys in the bottom 6.

I don’t think max domi is who you think he is, dudes the definition of a problem child and a headcase. He’s a known floater and a MAGAbro & kkkonvoy supporter. I don’t think he’s the kind of guy this management group would want to bring into the room. Especially with how dogshit of a player he actually is most of the time

 

[SeaOfBlue]

This is one thing I had been speculating. It's advisable to sign extensions with these players before the qualification date in order to avoid arbitration which would probably reward both players above and beyond what the Leafs can afford to pay either player. If I had to choose, I like Kase more than Engvall, Engvall has the wrong talent mix for his role on this particular team.

Sandin is an interesting case. I can like the player all I want but if he's honestly entertaining accepting an offer sheet, he probably should be preemptively traded to avoid that situation.

Liljegren's contract still makes me scratch my head. He definitely could've gotten more. It'll be interesting to track into the future whether this pays off for the player. It's a cut throat world in pro sports hiding behind polite talk. This good guy behaviour is often not really reciprocated.

How is Engvall the wrong talent mix?

He provides good depth offense, he is strong on the PK and in his own end, he is big and fast with good reach... He is exactly the kind of guy our bottom 6 (and especially our shutdown line) needs with Mikheyev leaving.

Kase is fine when he is in the lineup, but he can't stay healthy and he does not provide the defensive value. He would be a solid fit for an offensive bottom 6 line and as someone who can step up into the top 6 on occasion, but shutdown line >>> offensive 4th line and we have a bunch of prospects who are more likely to replace Kase than Engvall right now.

 

[Nylanderthal]

Kerfoot is criminally under rated and disliked on Leafs HFboard, I think most of that stems from him being traded for Kadri. He's a very good swiss army knife for the Leafs. Can play center or winger when needed, can slide up and down the lineup where ever he is needed and plays solid on the PK, he's going to be more relied on this year even more with Micky leaving. Lastly he put up 51 points in 82 games this season.

With 0 pp time. He’s A solid contributor to the group. I’ve had him penciled in as a trade candidate especially if they want to change up the forward groups look in the middle 6, but I also understand wanting to keep him as well.

 

[Dreakmur]

I don’t think we will see Mrazek, Holl, Kerfoot & Muzzin/Sandin all traded. I have feeling mrazek plus one of the others will only be traded. We will see one of Kerfoot or Holl with the Leafs next year. I’m guessing they only get rid of Mrazek and Holl or Ferfoot.

That would be disappointing.

Holl's return would either mean a better player is in the press box, or we have a 2 million dollar healthy scratch that we can't afford. Kerfoot's return would mean his 3.5 million in cap space isn't allocated to transform the bottom 6 into something that would be more useful in the play-offs. Mrazek's return is just a complete waste of our limited cap space.

Bunting - Matthews - Marner
________ - Tavares - Nylander
Engvall - Kampf - ________
________ - ________ - ________

Ideally we add big bodies on to fill out those 2nd and 3rd lines, and we need energy on the 4th line. I'd be ok giving Robertson and Anderson a shot on the 4th line, but we need to acquire players to fill the other holes.

How is Engvall the wrong talent mix?

He provides good depth offense, he is strong on the PK and in his own end, he is big and fast with good reach... He is exactly the kind of guy our bottom 6 (and especially our shutdown line) needs with Mikheyev leaving.

Kase is fine when he is in the lineup, but he can't stay healthy and he does not provide the defensive value. He would be a solid fit for an offensive bottom 6 line and as someone who can step up into the top 6 on occasion, but shutdown line >>> offensive 4th line and we have a bunch of prospects who are more likely to replace Kase than Engvall right now.

One of Engvall or Kase can play with Kampf. If they're both there, we're too soft again.

 

[ULF_55]

How are the Wings feeling about Zadina?

 

[leafsfan5]

Any good 3C options?

I prefer Kampf as 4c, don't think he can provide the consistent offense you need from the third line

 

[Dreakmur]

Any good 3C options?

I prefer Kampf as 4c, don't think he can provide the consistent offense you need from the third line

No chance we find a better player with such limited cap space. He probably doesn't score at an ideal 3rd line pace, but he's elite defensively.

 

[leafsfan5]

No chance we find a better player with such limited cap space. He probably doesn't score at an ideal 3rd line pace, but he's elite defensively.

Well you'll need a 4th line that can chip in some offense then. Because come playoff time you can't count on Kampf to get you a whole lot

Games 5-7 our depth had 0 goals