Trades and Free Agency - 2022 Off-season

[Leaf Rocket]

Nik Soshnikov getting another NHL contract came out of nowhere.

which idiotic...nvm...explains everything. surprised it wasnt the oilers.

 

[Legion34]

Kopitar could be re-signed by the Kings. If you pay him $1 million on a retirement deal that only frees up $9 million. Where's the other $6 million? Between now and then Byfield, Moore, Kaliyev, Grundstrom will all make a little more than present day. They might also need another goalie to replace Quick next year in a tandem with Peterson. The money is mostly spent before you even think about it. Top it all off, Kings aren't even that good yet.

But by all means choose to live in fear.

There is no fear. It’s a possibility. Kopitar is going to be like 37.

They have like 50 million in space. Danault and kempe are on m NTC. They easily could move money around. Every team could for Matthews. Vgk does it all the time.

The most likely scenarios. IMO

1.) he signs long term for 15-16% aav
2.) he signs short term to time tbr jump
3.) he refuses to sign and gets traded. If he says he wants La they can move him. The idea that teams won’t know if they are competitive for him is nuts.

 

[kb]

1.) kopitar is coming off las books that year. That’s 10.. Kreider goes to m NTC. You can try it on cap friendly. It’s pretty easy to do.

2.) Daly just said the cap might jump his ufa year

And what does LA do with all their young talent needing drastic raises before and after?

Same question, Rangers.

 

[aingefan]

The Isles new top 9 forward apparently

Hard not to love that guy when he’s healthy.

 

[fahad203]

Hard not to love that guy when he’s healthy.

Still has the wheels and had put together few good KHL seasons
Concussion really slowed him down in NHL. Dude had balls to run over Bergy right front of Chara, then paid a price later in the game

I will always admire for his bravery, or naivitity

 

[Stephen]

There is no fear. It’s a possibility. Kopitar is going to be like 37.

They have like 50 million in space. Danault and kempe are on m NTC. They easily could move money around. Every team could for Matthews. Vgk does it all the time.

The most likely scenarios. IMO

1.) he signs long term for 15-16% aav
2.) he signs short term to time tbr jump
3.) he refuses to sign and gets traded. If he says he wants La they can move him. The idea that teams won’t know if they are competitive for him is nuts.

I just think Los Angeles is being over-estimated here as a Matthews suitor.

The Kings are just coming out of their rebuild cycle and Kopitar is still their highest scorer and still a factor why the Kings would be remotely interesting as a destination. I assume he'll still be a good player in 2 years time and even if his $10 million comes off the books, it won't come off completely. So that won't be free cap.

Jonathan Quick is still their 1A platoon guy making $5.8 million ahead of Cal Peterson. He comes off the books next summer, but to remain at this level, the Kings will need to invest some portion of that money in net since Peterson hasn't shown he's a workhorse.

Third, 10x players out of Moore, Arvidson, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom, Roy, Durzi, Lizotte, Anderson, Bjornfot will be on a new deal than what they played under in 2021-22 by 2024. Many of those guys were making under $1 million on ELCs or just cheap deals. Arvidson is the only older guy, so conservatively assuming each guy gets a $1 million raise, that eats up $10 million. Just to give an idea.

I think of LA as on a similar curve to Ottawa. If their kids are going to be good, the money will be spent in a hurry. If they want to add a guy in 2023, the money will be spent. If they want to blow up the roster to carve out $15 million for 1x player, they'll have to drop some pieces that make them mildly attractive in the first place. I don't see it.

 

[smitty10]

I like Calgary's team more now than before. Don't see a winning formula with Tkatchuk, Gaudreau and Monahan. I hope Kadri can keep his play to at least 75 point range, I'd hate if this one year is just a flash in the pan. Will be interesting to see these guys under Sutter.

I'm having a tough time understanding the continued Kadri hype as though he's a 1st line center. Naz had a great season at 31, however I believe that he is a 2C that will give you 50-60 points per year just like he's always been. I mean, he's only cracked 60 points twice in 12 seasons.

Last year was his career year. He's still a very good $5.5-6m player. Just not the top line $7m guy that he's suddenly hyped to be.

 

[ACC1224]

It's *somewhat* easier for the Toronto Maple leafs because we've been paying out late 2020's cap hits since 2019. So you delete out Tavares at $11 million and you're already close to McDavid for example.

Most other teams aren't like that. LA Kings have Kopitar coming off the books in 2024 at $10 million, but it's hard to imagine Kopitar wouldn't come back for some portion of the money. Factor in some modest raises for the Byfield generation and poof, money is gone, or else what makes the current Kings build attractive is already getting thrown out.

On the opposite end, if it's a rebuilder like Chicago, who let's say has second year Bedard as an attractive destination, signing Matthews opens up Bedard to a massive offer sheet possibility as well in 2025. Good luck getting anything done if you end up paying Matthews and Bedard a combined $30 million in any cap situation. As an example.

I understand what you’re saying but don’t agree.
Any Team would find a way to make it work and sure it may be more painful for some than others but if there is a chance to bring in a generational talent for nothing but cap space you live with any short term pain.

All moot anyway, Matthews isn’t leaving and McDavid likely stays where he is.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Thomas, Kyrou

Those aren't even post-ELC contracts, and Robertson is better than both.

 

[zeke]

I just think Los Angeles is being over-estimated here as a Matthews suitor.

The Kings are just coming out of their rebuild cycle and Kopitar is still their highest scorer and still a factor why the Kings would be remotely interesting as a destination. I assume he'll still be a good player in 2 years time and even if his $10 million comes off the books, it won't come off completely. So that won't be free cap.

Jonathan Quick is still their 1A platoon guy making $5.8 million ahead of Cal Peterson. He comes off the books next summer, but to remain at this level, the Kings will need to invest some portion of that money in net since Peterson hasn't shown he's a workhorse.

Third, 10x players out of Moore, Arvidson, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom, Roy, Durzi, Lizotte, Anderson, Bjornfot will be on a new deal than what they played under in 2021-22 by 2024. Many of those guys were making under $1 million on ELCs or just cheap deals. Arvidson is the only older guy, so conservatively assuming each guy gets a $1 million raise, that eats up $10 million. Just to give an idea.

I think of LA as on a similar curve to Ottawa. If their kids are going to be good, the money will be spent in a hurry. If they want to add a guy in 2023, the money will be spent. If they want to blow up the roster to carve out $15 million for 1x player, they'll have to drop some pieces that make them mildly attractive in the first place. I don't see it.

Old Leafs vs Young Kings

Matthews 25 ---- Kopitar 35
Marner 25 --------- Fiala 26
Nylander 26 ------ Kempe 26

Tavares 32 -------- Danault 29
Bunting 27 -------- Arvidsson 29
Kerfoot 28 --------- Iafallo 28

Jarnkrok 31 ---------- Byfield 20
Engvall 26 ------------ Moore 27
Robertson 21 ------- Kaliyev 21

Kampf 27 ---- Lizotte 25
ZAR 28 -------- Grundstrom 25
NAK 26 -------- Lemieux 26



Rielly 28 ------ Doughty 33
Brodie 32 ---- Roy 27

Muzzin 33 ---- Walker 28
Giordano 39 - Edler 36

Liljegren 23 --- Durzi 24
Sandin 22 ------ Anderson 23


Murray 28 ------ Quick 36
Samsonov 25 - Peterson 28

 

[Legion34]

I just think Los Angeles is being over-estimated here as a Matthews suitor.

The Kings are just coming out of their rebuild cycle and Kopitar is still their highest scorer and still a factor why the Kings would be remotely interesting as a destination. I assume he'll still be a good player in 2 years time and even if his $10 million comes off the books, it won't come off completely. So that won't be free cap.

Jonathan Quick is still their 1A platoon guy making $5.8 million ahead of Cal Peterson. He comes off the books next summer, but to remain at this level, the Kings will need to invest some portion of that money in net since Peterson hasn't shown he's a workhorse.

Third, 10x players out of Moore, Arvidson, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom, Roy, Durzi, Lizotte, Anderson, Bjornfot will be on a new deal than what they played under in 2021-22 by 2024. Many of those guys were making under $1 million on ELCs or just cheap deals. Arvidson is the only older guy, so conservatively assuming each guy gets a $1 million raise, that eats up $10 million. Just to give an idea.

I think of LA as on a similar curve to Ottawa. If their kids are going to be good, the money will be spent in a hurry. If they want to add a guy in 2023, the money will be spent. If they want to blow up the roster to carve out $15 million for 1x player, they'll have to drop some pieces that make them mildly attractive in the first place. I don't see it.

I don’t know. No one knows what will happen. The point is that it is absolutely possible. They have about 50 million in space In 2 years. They are signing their young players to bridge deals.

He MAY want to go out west…. He MAY want to live near celebs. CJ reported it is important to him to grow the Hispanic market. He MAY decide it’s important to do that in LA.

He may decide it’s easier to win in the weak pacific.

No idea. But lA appears to have a young up and coming team. Which may appeal to him. We really don’t know. They may not explode. They haven’t so far.

It’s a possibility

 

[SprDaVE]

Interesting tidbit. I assume PTO wasn't something he wanted either, so I can understand the Leafs not going for it.

 

[Fogelhund]

 

[DraftSchmaft]

I don’t know. No one knows what will happen. The point is that it is absolutely possible. They have about 50 million in space In 2 years. They are signing their young players to bridge deals.

He MAY want to go out west…. He MAY want to live near celebs. CJ reported it is important to him to grow the Hispanic market. He MAY decide it’s important to do that in LA.

He may decide it’s easier to win in the weak pacific.

No idea. But lA appears to have a young up and coming team. Which may appeal to him. We really don’t know. They may not explode. They haven’t so far.

It’s a possibility

Matthews has never shown to want the easy way out.

He moved to Switzerland for harder competition instead of owning leagues here surrounded by friends and family and things he knows.

 

[Stephen]

Interesting tidbit. I assume PTO wasn't something he wanted either, so I can understand the Leafs not going for it.

Door seemed to open up a little bit with Muzzin being hurt day one…

 

[Stephen]

I don’t know. No one knows what will happen. The point is that it is absolutely possible. They have about 50 million in space In 2 years. They are signing their young players to bridge deals.

He MAY want to go out west…. He MAY want to live near celebs. CJ reported it is important to him to grow the Hispanic market. He MAY decide it’s important to do that in LA.

He may decide it’s easier to win in the weak pacific.

No idea. But lA appears to have a young up and coming team. Which may appeal to him. We really don’t know. They may not explode. They haven’t so far.

It’s a possibility

Anything is possible, but I just feel like you’re hyping up the threat by pulling in celebrity lifestyles and regional factors. From a pure hockey and financial point of view, Toronto seems like a great option that checks off many boxes. LA is a phantom threat. LA in hockey is not the same LA in other sports.

 

[Stephen]

View attachment 587254

Technically, you win in late spring but whatever.

 

[ACC1224]

Anything is possible, but I just feel like you’re hyping up the threat by pulling in celebrity lifestyles and regional factors. From a pure hockey and financial point of view, Toronto seems like a great option that checks off many boxes. LA is a phantom threat. LA in hockey is not the same LA in other sports.

There are 29 other markets that would make space as well.

 

[Legion34]

Anything is possible, but I just feel like you’re hyping up the threat by pulling in celebrity lifestyles and regional factors. From a pure hockey and financial point of view, Toronto seems like a great option that checks off many boxes. LA is a phantom threat. LA in hockey is not the same LA in other sports.

I don’t disagree. I have said that he is clearly in another celeb bracket here than in LA.

I mean no one knows who doughy and kopitar are in lA. They openly say it.

I don’t think it is the most likely scenario. I also don’t think their kids hit the way that ours did. Probably more busts.
But people saying that NY and LA couldn’t make room are just are incorrect at this point.

 

[Stephen]

I don’t disagree. I have said that he is clearly in another celeb bracket here than in LA.

I mean no one knows who doughy and kopitar are in lA. They openly say it.

I don’t think it is the most likely scenario. I also don’t think their kids hit the way that ours did. Probably more busts.
But people saying that NY and LA couldn’t make room are just are incorrect at this point.

The Rangers cap money is largely spoken for with some higher profile kids yet to be re-signed. Not an impediment if the really wanted to make it happen but again, you’d be pitching over guys that make the Rangers competitive just to fit Matthews in.

 

[Stephen]

There are 29 other markets that would make space as well.

Did we see many examples of teams that could easily and painlessly move salary out with nothing coming back the last few years? To use this summer as an example, a team like Vegas would have to give away Pacioretty and Stone with as little as possible coming back to get close to the $15 million range and put an league min contract in to fill an evacuated roster spot.

 

[ACC1224]

Did we see many examples of teams that could easily and painlessly move salary out with nothing coming back the last few years? To use this summer as an example, a team like Vegas would have to give away Pacioretty and Stone with as little as possible coming back to get close to the $15 million range and put an league min contract in to fill an evacuated roster spot.

A McDavid or Matthews type has never made it to UFA so we don't have any history to base it on.
In your example, I'm sure Vegas would happily dump either of those guys plus whatever else to make room for either.

 

[notDatsyuk]

A McDavid or Matthews type has never made it to UFA so we don't have any history to base it on.
In your example, I'm sure Vegas would happily dump either of those guys plus whatever else to make room for either.

Perhaps the closest is Tavares, and see what the result has been here: a poorly constructed team that can excel in the regular season but not the playoffs. And in his case, the team already had three excellent forwards.

 

[ACC1224]

Perhaps the closest is Tavares, and see what the result has been here: a poorly constructed team that can excel in the regular season but not the playoffs. And in his case, the team already had three excellent forwards.

That’s not what we were discussing

 

[Menzinger]

I don't see Matthews' leaving

Either:

- the Leafs have playoff success this season with him leading the charge (and he'll want to re-sign)
- the Leafs fail again, Dubas gets fired, and a new GM will come in an absolutely want to prioritize extending Matthews in re-tooling the team

And the fact is, the amount of US teams that can offer him

1) the money he wants (he's not giving any team a Sunbelt discount)
2) offer him a market that will treat him like a star/celebrity

Is actually fairly small.