Trades & Free Agency Thread - Still Too Soon Off-Season Edition

[mydnyte]

tampa literally has the best goaltender and dman in the league ....

and players dont need to find a crooked accountant because TB also has the lowest tax rate in the NHL (tied with a few other teams) Toronto and Ottawa have the highest. and TB is 18 million over the cap right now lol

 

[WTFMAN99]

When the cap was going up, it was logical to keep the core forwards. It was certainly doable and you could easily add to the team each year.

But with a flat cap, this is unsustainable and will just lead to gutting the team. They have already lost Kapanen, Johnsson, Andersen (imagine if he was still good and there was no Campbell), and now Hyman. Rielly might also be on the way out.

The only way this works now is if two of them play like McDavid.

Fringe changes will do nothing to this team. Adding a winger will do nothing. Just watch how Tampa plays and be realistic about the Leafs' chances next season. They will get swept.

They have to restructure the cap and be honest with themselves.

That was well written.

 

[gyzmo]

Does a lineup like this do anything to change things or is it just rolling out the same costume at Halloween each year?

***Keep in mind, there is still 4.3 million available for the top line winger, so shift each player down a line.

There's also the thought of going cheaper at Galchenyuk's spot with Robertson, or at Mikheyev or Engvall spot which can free up more for a top line winger, or keep Holl instead of Dermott.

 

[WTFMAN99]

View attachment 448712

Does a lineup like this do anything to change things or is it just rolling out the same costume at Halloween each year?

***Keep in mind, there is still 4.3 million available for the top line winger, so shift each player down a line.

There's also the thought of going cheaper at Galchenyuk's spot with Robertson, or at Mikheyev or Engvall spot which can free up more for a top line winger, or keep Holl instead of Dermott.

Goodrow and Nosek are at best 3rd line players.

Perry is mostly an elite 4th line wing that you can move up at times in the playoffs.

The defense is awful.

You're putting lipstick on a pig.

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

tampa literally has the best goaltender and dman in the league ....

Agreed but I was referring to the premise that you can't spend half the cap on 4 players and win when a team could win back to back championships by doing just that.

Tavares was injured but if Matthews and Marner played like two of the best players in the world as they are paid too, as Tampa's stars had, we would have been playing them right now in the conference finals.

We didn't lose because we don't have a Hedman or Vasilevsky. The goaltending and defense were fine.

 

[mydnyte]

When the cap was going up, it was logical to keep the core forwards. It was certainly doable and you could easily add to the team each year.

But with a flat cap, this is unsustainable and will just lead to gutting the team. They have already lost Kapanen, Johnsson, Andersen (imagine if he was still good and there was no Campbell), and now Hyman. Rielly might also be on the way out.

The only way this works now is if two of them play like McDavid.

Fringe changes will do nothing to this team. Adding a winger will do nothing. Just watch how Tampa plays and be realistic about the Leafs' chances next season. They will get swept.

They have to restructure the cap and be honest with themselves.

No, they need to maintain their elite talent until the cap goes up again.

How well did the playoffs work out for the team with the 2 best players in the world? swept by a team that then got swept themselves... should they sell Drais to restock the roster with better support players (which they lack far more than us) or wait for $$ to become available and address it then?

think of it like the stock market... Apple almost went bankrupt, and tons of people panicked on sold everything, but, a few saw that they would not go bankrupt, and that the stock would improve in the future. ...those that sold got killed, and those that maintained, or bought more got rich.

when the cap goes up again, which it will, then we can utilize that extra money and still have the high end talent.

 

[Cor]

When the cap was going up, it was logical to keep the core forwards. It was certainly doable and you could easily add to the team each year.

But with a flat cap, this is unsustainable and will just lead to gutting the team. They have already lost Kapanen, Johnsson, Andersen (imagine if he was still good and there was no Campbell), and now Hyman. Rielly might also be on the way out.

The only way this works now is if two of them play like McDavid.

Fringe changes will do nothing to this team. Adding a winger will do nothing. Just watch how Tampa plays and be realistic about the Leafs' chances next season. They will get swept.

They have to restructure the cap and be honest with themselves.

This is what it comes down too. Take out the playoff performance by Marner and Matthews. It still stands true. 3 players at 11M is no longer viable in a post-covid cap world, that is supposed to remain flat for another 3-4 seasons.

 

[ToneDog]

This is what it comes down too. Take out the playoff performance by Marner and Matthews. It still stands true. 3 players at 11M is no longer viable in a post-covid cap world, that is supposed to remain flat for another 3-4 seasons.

More and more people are starting to see this. How long will it take Shanny and Co. to see it or worse, know it and ignore it?

 

[Brobust]

When the cap was going up, it was logical to keep the core forwards. It was certainly doable and you could easily add to the team each year.

But with a flat cap, this is unsustainable and will just lead to gutting the team. They have already lost Kapanen, Johnsson, Andersen (imagine if he was still good and there was no Campbell), and now Hyman. Rielly might also be on the way out.

The only way this works now is if two of them play like McDavid.

Fringe changes will do nothing to this team. Adding a winger will do nothing. Just watch how Tampa plays and be realistic about the Leafs' chances next season. They will get swept.

They have to restructure the cap and be honest with themselves.

Maybe true but they just cannot win a Marner trade. So keep him and be a good team with some faults or trade him and be a significantly worse off team.

These are the cards that have been dealt.

 

[mydnyte]

This is what it comes down too. Take out the playoff performance by Marner and Matthews. It still stands true. 3 players at 11M is no longer viable in a post-covid cap world, that is supposed to remain flat for another 3-4 seasons.

3-4 season post flat cap, this will be common.
i dont know how the NHL/NHLPA can survive for 3-4 more seasons with a flat cap, when every team is already at the cap and cat even resign their own players, unless they are trying to manipulate salaries again, and then an NHLPA lawsuit will address the collusion once more

 

[Gabriel426]

More and more people are starting to see this. How long will it take Shanny and Co. to see it or worse, know it and ignore it?

Pretty sure they see it but can't do a thing about it for now.
IF the 10mil plus boys end up staying, they better be split up into three lines

 

[ToneDog]

Pretty sure they see it but can't do a thing about it for now.
IF the 10mil plus boys end up staying, they better be split up into three lines

All 3 could not do it 5 on 4 with 88 and 44. It makes some sense but I doubt all 3 are split up.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

No, they need to maintain their elite talent until the cap goes up again.

How well did the playoffs work out for the team with the 2 best players in the world? swept by a team that then got swept themselves... should they sell Drais to restock the roster with better support players (which they lack far more than us) or wait for $$ to become available and address it then?

think of it like the stock market... Apple almost went bankrupt, and tons of people panicked on sold everything, but, a few saw that they would not go bankrupt, and that the stock would improve in the future. ...those that sold got killed, and those that maintained, or bought more got rich.

when the cap goes up again, which it will, then we can utilize that extra money and still have the high end talent.

Cap is supposed to stay flat for approximately 4-5 years.

Do you think the core four will be around in 5 years if they keep losing due to the flat cap? I would say it's a 100% guarantee that Dubas, Shanahan, and likely two of the forwards will be long gone anyway.

This is why he has to be realistic.

 

[gyzmo]

Goodrow and Nosek are at best 3rd line players.

Perry is mostly an elite 4th line wing that you can move up at times in the playoffs.

The defense is awful.

You're putting lipstick on a pig.

What additions would you make assuming most of the team is back, meaning the top 4 forwards and top 3 D.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Cap is supposed to stay flat for approximately 4-5 years.

Do you think the core four will be around in 5 years if they keep losing due to the flat cap? I would say it's a 100% guarantee that Dubas, Shanahan, and likely two of the forwards will be long gone anyway.

This is why he has to be realistic.

I'm decently confident if he runs the "big 4" back again, Shanahan, Keefe and Dubas are all fired.

To be safe though, I would prefer that they don't even make the playoffs.

 

[Cor]

More and more people are starting to see this. How long will it take Shanny and Co. to see it or worse, know it and ignore it?

You have to imagine Pridham is yelling it from the rooftops.

 

[Cor]

I'm decently confident if he runs the "big 4" back again, Shanahan, Keefe and Dubas are all fired.

To be safe though, I would prefer that they don't even make the playoffs.

Well, IMO, Tampa, Boston and Florida are all in the playoffs next year. As are the Caps, Pens, Canes and Isles. So.... we are competing for the 2nd wildcard spot with Montreal, Rangers, Flyers, and maybe the Sens as a sneaky candidate.

Even if we kept Marner to be as "competitive" as possible, we are at best a small favorite over that group, and at worst, the 3rd or 4th favorite. Carter Hart is a massive rebound candidate and I think the Rangers could take a big step forward. Habs are in the final four and beat us.... Those teams have question marks, but so do we.

 

[Jozay]

This is what it comes down too. Take out the playoff performance by Marner and Matthews. It still stands true. 3 players at 11M is no longer viable in a post-covid cap world, that is supposed to remain flat for another 3-4 seasons.

Yeah, im kind of shocked that they are pretty adamant about staying in this current situation.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Well, IMO, Tampa, Boston and Florida are all in the playoffs next year. As are the Caps, Pens, Canes and Isles. So.... we are competing for the 2nd wildcard spot with Montreal, Rangers, Flyers, and maybe the Sens as a sneaky candidate.

Even if we kept Marner to be as "competitive" as possible, we are at best a small favorite over that group, and at worst, the 3rd or 4th favorite. Carter Hart is a massive rebound candidate and I think the Rangers could take a big step forward. Habs are in the final four and beat us.... Those teams have question marks, but so do we.

Yes...even if other teams take bites out of us and take points like Ottawa etc...

 

[Cor]

Yeah, im kind of shocked that they are pretty adamant about staying in this current situation.

It's why I am skeptical that is actually the case. Perhaps they can't find a deal for Marner and that is one thing. But to rule it out completely, a day and a half after losing in round 1 again to a team that you should've beat easily?

If we can see it, cap guru Pridham can't see it?

It doesn't make sense to me. This feels like a "we don't want to move them, they aren't available..... but if the right offer comes across" narrative they want.

But perhaps that's just my optimistic nature lol

 

[Cor]

The news out of the Leafs is kinda baffling.

No management changes. No coaching staff changes - unless the assistants want to take an opportunity elsehwere. (Friedman)
Rielly trade apparently unlikely (CJ)
Leafs aren't looking to trade any of the top 4. (CJ, Friedman, Russo, Shanahan himself)
Hyman not gonna be back (CJ - Friedman)

So like..... we just gonna sign a backup goalie and some bottom 6 guys and hope for the best?

I just can't believe, with all of the big moves Shanny and Dubas have been willing to make - dealing Kadri, bringing in Tavares, bringing in Muzzin, bringing in Campbell, bringing in Brodie..... THIS is the off-season they aren't gonna do something major? Sure, Friedman and CJ have teased the Leafs wanting to do something big.... but if the top 4 and Rielly are all back.... I don't see how that is anything more than a tease. The reports contradict themselves.

 

[Dreakmur]

Maybe true but they just cannot win a Marner trade. So keep him and be a good team with some faults or trade him and be a significantly worse off team.

These are the cards that have been dealt.

Winning a trade and making the team better aren't the same thing.

 

[Twine Tickler]

It's why I am skeptical that is actually the case. Perhaps they can't find a deal for Marner and that is one thing. But to rule it out completely, a day and a half after losing in round 1 again to a team that you should've beat easily?

I can almost guarantee that trading Mitch is not a "closed door". KD/Shanny gain absolutely nothing by saying they are going to explore changes to this core. They would diminish their values knowing that they are available, and potentially infuriate the player to the point of requesting a trade. Which would further diminish a possible return. KD and Shanny will listen, and no other NHL GM is going to watch their post playoff presser's and be like "oh well I guess I can't offer player-X for Mitch now"

as a fanbase I'm sure some on here would have felt better with a management group publicly putting a for sale sign on the lawn, but it just wouldn't have made sense. Especially given the fact that there is a high likelihood we bring back this same core group. There's just not going to be many Mitch Marner trades that work out favorably for us, KD and Shanny know that. Best to give the player the vote of confidence now so that he hopefully returns happy and motivated rather than jaded

 

[4thline]

The news out of the Leafs is kinda baffling.

No management changes. No coaching staff changes - unless the assistants want to take an opportunity elsehwere. (Friedman)
Rielly trade apparently unlikely (CJ)
Leafs aren't looking to trade any of the top 4. (CJ, Friedman, Russo, Shanahan himself)
Hyman not gonna be back (CJ - Friedman)

So like..... we just gonna sign a backup goalie and some bottom 6 guys and hope for the best?

I just can't believe, with all of the big moves Shanny and Dubas have been willing to make - dealing Kadri, bringing in Tavares, bringing in Muzzin, bringing in Campbell, bringing in Brodie..... THIS is the off-season they aren't gonna do something major? Sure, Friedman and CJ have teased the Leafs wanting to do something big.... but if the top 4 and Rielly are all back.... I don't see how that is anything more than a tease. The reports contradict themselves.

Accepting everything as true it pretty much boils down to Muzzin/Brodie (unlikely, but not specifically ruled out) ponying up to get someone heavily retained, or a big swing on an ELC player. Maybe if we're going to re-sign Rielly Sandin goes 1 for 1 for a young forward?

 

[mydnyte]

Cap is supposed to stay flat for approximately 4-5 years.

Do you think the core four will be around in 5 years if they keep losing due to the flat cap? I would say it's a 100% guarantee that Dubas, Shanahan, and likely two of the forwards will be long gone anyway.

This is why he has to be realistic.

that is just not possible, every team (save 3) is at the cap.
unless the NHL starts changing rules, or have 'franchise' player categories that dont count vs the cap like some leagues do its impossible without calling it collusion and salary fixing.
plenty of teams have mid-range talent signed to 4-6 million contracts, those are what are going to kill teams, not the few overpaid 'star' players.
MacKinnon comes up in a couple years, where will Col find 10-12 mil to sign him? ...or is he going to leave as a UFA and go to Seattle, or Detroit because they will be the only 2 teams that have enough cap space to sign him?

teams are going to follow one pattern, pay your stars and fill the rest of the lineup with cheap deals. mid-level salaries are going to be eliminated if there is a flat cap for 4-5 more years, there is no other way. ...unless you have a team of only middle salaried player and no stars of course.