All in now Anders Lee style

Team: 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 1, 2022

Published: Mar. 1, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

*Disclaimer*
This roster is banking entirely on Campbell figuring his stuff out again

Last year Anders Lee was placed on LTIR around a month before the TDL and stayed there until the post-season where he was expected to play but the Islanders got eliminated first. At the trade deadline NYI used that newly available LTIR cap space to add Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac, and Braydon Coburn.

Similarly Toronto has placed Muzzin on LTIR for the foreseeable future and can also make use of his provided available cap space. However I am making a bit more "big moves" here.

Here is a breakdown of the trades and my though process

New Jersey:
First off moving on from Holl is probably a must at this point. He's a serviceable #5 that can fill in for a top 4 role if needed but he cannot be a mainstay on any team trying to contend. On a secondary note, you can't just move on from him without a suitable replacement either. Severson is a proven top 4 RD with an excellent defensive game (yes Leafs fans, he is excellent defensively even though the 2 games you watched him play he did not look good). He can move the puck well and kills penalties.
He won't be cheap though as I have Jersey retaining 50% of his remaining 2 years here. I feel like if Jersey is selling their multi year top 4 RD they would want a good RD prospect coming back as well as Holl working as a stopgap here for them.

Someone Like DeMelo could also work here but I find it very unlikely that Winnipeg will retain on him even if made available

Arizona:
I saw a similar proposal recently that was in response to the Washington game last night where (similarly to the Calgary game not long ago) Toronto just got ragdolled around at points. This is likely something that needs to be addressed for the playoffs. I think Crouse would fit that perfectly, he's a proven powerhouse of a forward that is massive, hits a lot, and is not afraid to get scrummy or stand up for his team. He also helps fill that question mark on Toronto's LW depth.
Again, similar to Severson he won't be cheap since he's a pending RFA. I think Arizona would have extended interest in local kid Matthew Knies to be part of a deal here.

Seattle:
I think Gio is the perfect short term replacement for Muzzin here. Proven leader with an excellent 2-way game. Only a rental so you don't have to worry about his age. Excellent PKer and solid on the PP with a bomb of a shot. Hard working and always engaged. Not afraid to get scrummy after the whistle. Proven chemistry with Brodie. Likely wants to chase a cup
List just goes on and on here.
I think Toronto should use what remaining cap space they have after addressing other needs to acquire him. If Muzzin returns then he can be moved down to the 3rd pair with either Lyubushkin, Sandin, Liljegren, or Dermott and that is some really respectable defensive depth.

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