Leafs get bigger, heavier, more physical, deeper. Only remove two roster players.
Addresses most perceived needs though a better 3C would be ideal with Kerfoot gone, but Willie can slide over if needed due to injury to 34 or 91 (or Bjugstad could be a short term option). An upgrade on Holl without breaking the bank on assets would be nice too, but there aren't a lot of options.
Crouse comes with another 4 years of contract in his prime years. Jeannot is an RFA with team control coming off a down year and shouldn't cost too much to resign short term with potential to return to 21-22 form. Lauzon has 3 more years at only 2M, essentially a Holl replacement with more physicality. Meaning the assets spent come with more than one playoff run and address that need for more physicality moving forward. (I'm tired of hearing about it every TDL, how about you?)
Leafs hold onto their prime assets: 2023 1st, Knies, Niemela, Minten, and Hirvonen. (There is still a 2024 2nd available to add should one of the trades need a boost in return)
If Kerfoot rejects a trade to ARZ, he could be flipped to another team for minimal return (4th?) instead for cap space. Might be a decent add for a team trying to get into the playoffs or in a wild card spot.
Knies could come in for the playoffs if signed as well to replace ZAR, who is more expendable with all the additional forechecking from the acquisitions. Knies would likely boost PP2 as well. If he shines he could move up the lineup as well. Nyquist could also come in off LTIR and provide a similar boost/more depth. I popped them both on PP2 despite not being in the regular season lineup as an example.
Bunting likely is not resigned next season as Crouse's contract takes his money, Given Bunting's relationship with the refs this might not be a bad thing (I love Bunting, but without the calls he can do more harm than good and I would be weary of a long term contract).
Kampf and Engvall on the 4th line should be an advantage over most teams (though sadly even then TB/BOS are on par or better - Go Atlantic division)
Korpisalo provides good insurance against another Murray injury. He has playoff experience (and success with the play-in against Toronto). He has seen his play bounce back this season and at 50% retention, he can be the press box/practice goalie.
Lots of NHL-capable depth to protect against injury (as seen on the Taxi Squad list), that is if they can make it out of the first round.
Yes, the Leafs give up on Sandin who has a bright future (and is the current team leader in hits - 112), but I think he isn't ready for a playoff grind yet and holds significant value as a trade chip. Plus with Niemela coming, his replacement isn't too far away. Hopefully his departure doesn't affect Liljegren negatively.
Trade values are estimates as always. Just random ideas with limited time. I'm also not a pro or amateur scout so feel free to suggest alternatives or offer reasoning why you feel value doesn't work (from your perspective).
Why? would a tough guy help them score goals in game 7 lol
Physical and defensive grit is good for lineup matches. Jeannot plays 15 minutes TOI and takes hard matchups. Having a good and physical bottom 6 is great for wearing down your opponents and shutting them out, something Toronto's bottom 6 lacked last playoffs.
I believe this scenario puts the Leafs at 53 standard player contracts, the limit is 50. Even NHL 23 wouldn't let you do this.
3rd, 5th, young goalie prospect for old goalie and out for the year forward. That one isn't adding up to me, regardless if Nyquist can come back and be free money. I like the Acciari trade