If islanders offersheeted marner

As an Isles fan - I'd make that OS knowing very well it's possible Marner leaves in 4 years. But from your perspective, I feel like Toronto HAS to match that, right? I mean, the compensation is very light for 4 seasons of Marner.

see thats why im asking if they match that or not. You would think they HAVE to. But, if Toronto keeps marner, who are they subtracting out this year to get to the cap?

I would think if Marner signs for anything over $10.5M (which he should), the Leafs have no choice but to trade Nylander. Your other players are too important and your RW depth can take a hit (Marner/Nylander and Kapanen is still very good).

so then let me paint this scenario. you keep marner, and trade nylander away right? Teams now know you HAVE to get cap compliant. so your nylander return is diminished a little, other teams have leverage on a deal here even with a highly regarded young player on a decent deal. What are you looking for back from a nylander deal? What happens if Marner walks in UFA you already lost nylander, and you are left with the pieces you got back for him?

You can't worry about 5 years from now. You can lose anyone when they reach UFA, regardless of who you have on your team or what your cap situation is (i.e. JT and the Islanders).

I think if I'm the Leafs, I don't match a Marner offer sheet, take four 1st round picks, and roll with Nylander and Kapanen as my RWs while gaining valuable cap space on a cap ceiling team. What's standing in the way is Dubas' ego, saying he'll be able to keep your four studs after signing Tavares.

If you do match Marner at over $10.5M/year, you'd have to trade Nylander for either a young player on an ELC or picks/prospects to get cap compliant. You'll also have the money to bring back probably one of or both of Barrie and Muzzin.

Sorry, I'm not as familiar with the Leafs cap situation since I'm not a fan, but I don't see how it's possible in another way.