Trades and Free Agency 2021 | Any day now?

[Mickey Marner]

Have to consider that if we trade Andersen for Merzlinkins -or any US goalie- we're rolling with Campbell/Hutchinson for two weeks. Too bad Arizona is still in the playoff hunt, Kuemper would be a solid addition.

 

[123offtheglass]

Vanecek has been performing similarly well, is younger with upside (so he could be a longer term option for us possibly), and would open up a ton of cap space for us, even if we retained on Andersen. We can probably get an asset on top of him too. If we are running with Campbell, he wouldn't be the worst tandem partner... It is not like guys like Ullmark does not have uncertainty himself.

Chicago retained the max 50%, and then we retained an additional 44% on the remaining 2.5 mill. Vegas only had to deal with 1.4 mill of the 5 mill cap hit. I didn't know you could do that either, but that (and the Mark Streit deal a few years ago; I think Maatta is like that too) proves you can.

I never knew this, apparently a player's contract can be retained twice, with each time the maximum amount retained being 50%. So ultimately in a 3 team trade, you could get the player's contract down to 25% of what it was initially was, but nothing more once 2 retentions are made (by separate teams). I'm shocked cap restrained teams have not done this more often.

Ullmark definitely has uncertainty to him, but in comparison to Vanecek's 19 game NHL career with mediocre (but not bad) stats on a good team... there's a large difference. He's young for a goalie no doubt (25) and I agree he could be a tandem goalie with potential to progress, but I don't think the timing is right given the state of the Leafs team and where he is currently at in his career... Ullmark in contrast has 109 NHL games, & 71 games in his last 2 seasons with better numbers on a pretty bad team. I honestly thought he had more games than that to be honest. He's only really been a regular NHL goalie this year & the last 2 prior.

 

[123offtheglass]

Have to consider that if we trade Andersen for Merzlinkins -or any US goalie- we're rolling with Campbell/Hutchinson for two weeks. Too bad Arizona is still in the playoff hunt, Kuemper would be a solid addition.

What if we were to swap Andersen (5m cap hit but 1m salary) and draft picks for Kuemper? Arizona recently lost a lost out on their high draft picks and they were looking for a 1st round pick + return in the summer for Kuemper I believe.

 

[123offtheglass]

Maybe Andersen, Engvall and a B level prospect can get it done for Merzlikins. We then flip a 3rd for Eric Staal with some retention.

That line is good with Mikheyev - Engvall - Hyman, why fix what isn't broken? Is Eric Staal even a fit for the Leafs? He wouldn't exactly fit the 3rd line checking role, although he is a good player

 

[Dreakmur]

If I am Dubas I think we are set on D. Sandin, Lily, Lehtonen offer enough depth. Andy may be changing my thinking but they really need to find a winger to compliment Tavares and Willy. Having two dominant lines that compete each night would be a game changer. Third line is never going to get out worked. Granlund or Forsberg may be ideal.

I’m not sure I want any of those guys stepping into the middle of a tough playoff series. Now, I don’t think it would be disastrous by any means, but I’d much rather have a reliable veteran ready to step in.

 

[123offtheglass]

View attachment 405658

We can afford to do the trade and would actually have enough to move Engvall for a Staal (not that I say we should) without retention.

We would get retention because we'd likely have a full time #7 on the roster though.

EDIT: The real issue is they'd need to choose between Gavrikov and Dermott, so it likely doesn't make a ton of sense for them without other assets involved.

It's too bad capfriendly doesn't have a mid-season armchair gm because accrued cap hits, LTIR, & the teams utilization of their cap space throughout the season affects the team's cap space later in the season; although it is very useful. They've been riding the cap ceiling while using LTIR and if they were to have a player comeo off their books, that player's remaining cap hit would be different than their initial cap hit.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

It's too bad capfriendly doesn't have a mid-season armchair gm because accrued cap hits, LTIR, & the teams utilization of their cap space throughout the season affects the team's cap space later in the season; although it is very useful. They've been riding the cap ceiling while using LTIR and if they were to have a player comeo off their books, that player's remaining cap hit would be different than their initial cap hit.

I think regardless we are still able to afford it on the cap.

 

[stickty111]

I think the best target is Ullmark. Great numbers on a terrible team. His HDSV% is top 5 among goalies with 10 games played, and signed at only 2.6 million.

 

[Faltorvo]

That line is good with Mikheyev - Engvall - Hyman, why fix what isn't broken? Is Eric Staal even a fit for the Leafs? He wouldn't exactly fit the 3rd line checking role, although he is a good player

the 3rd line is not a checking line,,it's a heavy forecheck line,,lol,, if soup did not have stone hands,,that line would be scoring at a great pace

here is my take on Engvall/Eric Staal,,i want to have both

try Staal with JT/WN

IF Engvall gets overwhelmed in the POs as our 3C,,we have a nice vet safety net in ES to take over 3C.

 

[Jozay]

Ullmark is a FA and I doubt he'd want to return to Buffalo. Good option imo if we wait until FA to look for a change in net.

Yeah, seems like a good target.

I wonder if Dubas would actually pull the trigger on something like that.

 

[Faltorvo]

I’m not sure I want any of those guys stepping into the middle of a tough playoff series. Now, I don’t think it would be disastrous by any means, but I’d much rather have a reliable veteran ready to step in.

i'm more worried about the 2nd lines production and Engvall getting in over his head as a C come PO time

 

[123offtheglass]

View attachment 405658

We can afford to do the trade and would actually have enough to move Engvall for a Staal (not that I say we should) without retention.

We would get retention because we'd likely have a full time #7 on the roster though.

EDIT: The real issue is they'd need to choose between Gavrikov and Dermott, so it likely doesn't make a ton of sense for them without other assets involved.

It's too bad capfriendly doesn't have a mid-season armchair gm because accrued cap hits, LTIR, & the teams utilization of their cap space throughout the season affects the team's cap space later in the season; although it is very useful. They've been riding the cap ceiling while using LTIR and if they were to have a player comeo off their books, that player's remaining cap hit would be different than their initial cap hit.

I think regardless we are still able to afford it on the cap.

Yea you're right, the difference in cap would be insignificant.

 

[stickty111]

Yeah, seems like a good target.

I wonder if Dubas would actually pull the trigger on something like that.

I think a goalie is a more important need then a top 6 forward. I'd like a forward but without a decent goalie, you aren't going anywhere. I don't want even elite, just a goalie who won't cost you games. We have a good enough team to win with slightly above average goaltending.
Dubas can't afford to run a weak goalie and waste all the good stuff he did in the off season, and the good performances of the team so far.
With the savings, you can improve the other areas too.

Adin Hill is interesting too, but then you are running 2 unprovens in him and Jack.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I think the best target is Ullmark. Great numbers on a terrible team. His HDSV% is top 5 among goalies with 10 games played, and signed at only 2.6 million.

Would likely cost less than we'd get for Andersen too. Goalie prices are weird, but Ullmark's lack of a starter's track record brings down his value quite a bit.

Wouldn't be shocked if we could get him for a prospect and a 4th, which is pretty much our staple package for any mid-tier UFA right now.


G Linus Ullmark (2.6 mill cap hit)
2nd round pick 2022 (WSH)

OUT: Andersen (2.5 mill retained), Hollowell, 4th


G Frederik Andersen (2.5 mill retained by Leafs, 1.25 mill retained by Sabres; 1.25 mill cap hit)

OUT: Vanecek, 2nd round pick


G Vitek Vanecek
RD Mac Hollowell
4th round pick 2021 (TOR)

OUT: Ullmark, 1.25 mill retained on Andersen.

I would say the value just about balances out and I think everyone is happy with the end result. Cap should also work for everyone too, since we only take on an extra 100k after taking on Ullmark and Andersen's retention. Worst case, we may need to cut down Andersen's retention just a touch (maybe 250k maximum) and the Capitals should still be able to afford him on their cap... With the price likely not changing.

Obviously, Washington could just prefer to pay Vanecek and a 2nd to get Ullmark at 50% too... But I think Washington would prefer Andersen more, even though they would need to wait a little bit to get him there.

 

[stickty111]

Would likely cost less than we'd get for Andersen too. Goalie prices are weird, but Ullmark's lack of a starter's track record brings down his value quite a bit.

Wouldn't be shocked if we could get him for a prospect and a 4th, which is pretty much our staple package for any mid-tier UFA right now.


G Linus Ullmark (2.6 mill cap hit)
2nd round pick 2022 (WSH)

OUT: Andersen (2.5 mill retained), Hollowell, 4th


G Frederik Andersen (2.5 mill retained by Leafs, 1.25 mill retained by Sabres; 1.25 mill cap hit)

OUT: Vanecek, 2nd round pick


G Vitek Vanecek
RD Mac Hollowell
4th round pick 2021 (TOR)

OUT: Ullmark, 1.25 mill retained on Andersen.

I would say the value just about balances out and I think everyone is happy with the end result. Cap should also work for everyone too, since we only take on an extra 100k after taking on Ullmark and Andersen's retention. Worst case, we may need to cut down Andersen's retention just a touch (maybe 250k maximum) and the Capitals should still be able to afford him on their cap... With the price likely not changing.

That sounds good. I just hope Dubas sees goaltending an area to actually upgrade.

 

[123offtheglass]

I’m not sure I want any of those guys stepping into the middle of a tough playoff series. Now, I don’t think it would be disastrous by any means, but I’d much rather have a reliable veteran ready to step in.

He may not be reliable but absolutely a change in depth personnel: Kurtis MacDermid. Just something on the side of PK depth and physicality/toughness in the case of injuries or particular games in a rough series against a team like Vegas or Washington...etc Could see someone like him being used as a 7th D there or to fill a whole like Bogosian in the case of an injury.

Lehtonen, Sandin, Liljegren, Rosen seem a lot like the same type of player for the most part; besides Marincin but I'd hope it wouldn't come down to that..

 

[SeaOfBlue]

He may not be reliable but absolutely a change in depth personnel: Kurtis MacDermid. Just something on the side of PK depth and physicality/toughness in the case of injuries or particular games in a rough series against a team like Vegas or Washington...etc Could see someone like him being used as a 7th D there or to fill a whole like Bogosian in the case of an injury.

Lehtonen, Sandin, Liljegren, Rosen seem a lot like the same type of player for the most part; besides Marincin but I'd hope it wouldn't come down to that..

I don't think the Leafs get a defenseman unless they trade Dermott. Lehtonen and Liljegren would get priority.

I also think LA likes MacDermid.

 

[123offtheglass]

Would likely cost less than we'd get for Andersen too. Goalie prices are weird, but Ullmark's lack of a starter's track record brings down his value quite a bit.

Wouldn't be shocked if we could get him for a prospect and a 4th, which is pretty much our staple package for any mid-tier UFA right now.


G Linus Ullmark (2.6 mill cap hit)
2nd round pick 2022 (WSH)

OUT: Andersen (2.5 mill retained), Hollowell, 4th


G Frederik Andersen (2.5 mill retained by Leafs, 1.25 mill retained by Sabres; 1.25 mill cap hit)

OUT: Vanecek, 2nd round pick


G Vitek Vanecek
RD Mac Hollowell
4th round pick 2021 (TOR)

OUT: Ullmark, 1.25 mill retained on Andersen.

I would say the value just about balances out and I think everyone is happy with the end result. Cap should also work for everyone too, since we only take on an extra 100k after taking on Ullmark and Andersen's retention. Worst case, we may need to cut down Andersen's retention just a touch (maybe 250k maximum) and the Capitals should still be able to afford him on their cap... With the price likely not changing.

Obviously, Washington could just prefer to pay Vanecek and a 2nd to get Ullmark at 50% too... But I think Washington would prefer Andersen more, even though they would need to wait a little bit to get him there.

Looks really really good; Buffalo would probably need a better return though because I think they could pretty easily do better for what they're offering. Maybe Washington adds a late round pick or we send off a bit better prospect than Marc Hollowell (like Abramov) but additionally receive a late round pick from Washington.

 

[123offtheglass]

I don't think the Leafs get a defenseman unless they trade Dermott. Lehtonen and Liljegren would get priority.

I also think LA likes MacDermid.

Makes sense, that's too bad :/

Something like Rosen + pick/prospect for Macdermid would be nice from a Leafs perspective. They'd get future(s) & a left handed puck moving depth D & we'd get upgraded depth on D with physicality

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Looks really really good; Buffalo would probably need a better return though because I think they could pretty easily do better for what they're offering. Maybe Washington adds a late round pick or we send off a bit better prospect than Marc Hollowell (like Abramov) but additionally receive a late round pick from Washington.

I don't think the market is huge for Ullmark, and most teams likely don't pay more... especially without retention involved on him.

We can give up a better prospect, but it shouldn't be someone as good as Abramov. SDA would be my max.

 

[123offtheglass]

I don't think the market is huge for Ullmark, and most teams likely don't pay more... especially without retention involved on him.

We can give up a better prospect, but it shouldn't be someone as good as Abramov. SDA would be my max.

That'd be fair, SDA is definitely an upgrade to Hollowell

 

[meefer]

Two trades. I'd be happy with either and very happy with both. Cap neutral.

To Columbus: Andersen (FA), Kerfoot, Holl, Amirov.
To Toronto: Merzlikins, Savard, Jenner @50% retention.

I think Andersen is burned out in Toronto, he might revive in Columbus - less exposure - and will likely not command a high salary next year. He and Korpisalo should suffice. Holl offers Columbus a solid 2nd RD, cheaper than Savard (who if they wish to re-sign is a FA after this year), while Kukan is solid as a 3rd RD. Kerfoot is not Jenner, but does the inclusion of Amirov close the deal? Does Amirov become the 1st or 2nd best prospect in a Blue Jacket prospect pool that Wheeler ranks as 27th in the league?

Does Toronto believe they can move forward with Merzlikins and Campbell in net? There wouldn't be a lot of experience between the pipes.

To Nashville: Vesey, Engvall, 2nd this year, 3rd next year.
To Toronto: Granlund at 43% retained.

Per Vingan, the Athletic's Pred reporter, two comparable trades to indicate Granlund's value:

PLAYER	ACQUIRING TEAM	RETURN
Gustav Nyquist	SJS	2019 2nd, 2020 conditional 3rd
Mats Zuccarello	DAL	2019 conditional 2nd, 2020 conditional 3rd

[TBODY] [/TBODY]
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

With Engvall pacing Haula (a FA this year) I'd think he'd be considered a useful replacement candidate being 5 years younger and .5M cheaper. Vesey is the cost of doing business and getting a player and 2 picks for an expiring contract. Adding a 2nd and 3rd to the 17th ranked prospect pool (Wheeler) would help the cause.

Hyman Matthews Marner
Granlund Tavares Nylander
Mikheyev Jenner Simmonds
Thornton/Boyd Boyd/Thornton Spezza
Petan, Barabanov, Robertson, Galchenyuk (would Robertson look good beside Jumbo and Spezza?)

Muzz TJ
Rielly Savard
Dermott Bogo
Lehtonen, Liljegren, Sandin

Merz/Campbell
Hutch

 

[hullsy47]

Makes sense, that's too bad :/

Something like Rosen + pick/prospect for Macdermid would be nice from a Leafs perspective. They'd get future(s) & a left handed puck moving depth D & we'd get upgraded depth on D with physicality

Rosen means nothing to any team

 

[Cor]

Should trade Freddy to the Oilers for a draft pick

then acquire Ullmark + Staal for a draft pick

 

[LeafGrief]

If Dallas is considering tapping out on a bad luck season, I'd go after Khudobin. Two more years on the deal, all at 3.33m. Gets us a bit of cap space, cost certainty, and a guy who can get it done in the playoffs. Fred goes there in the deal, retained to match Khudobin's salary. 1st round pick and whatever B or so prospect they want.

God help the team that tries out Buffalo goalies. Pay up for a good player, goalies can make or break a season, especially in the post season. We only get one shot, so pay to get the right guy.