Leafs Offseason 23

Team: 2023-24 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: May 13, 2023

Published: May 13, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Breaking up the core four:
After 5-7 years with the core four, I think it is clear that on the ice and financially, they simply are not the right mix to get it done in the playoffs. Trading generational and borderline generational talent is foolish unless your hand is forced (i.e. Matthews refuses to resign), so the Leafs should not overreact and trade Matthews or Marner. Tavares has a NMC, so Nylander is the logical choice to be moved, especially given his value is likely highest relative to skill currently. Trading Nylander allows his cap hit to be spread throughout the roster to better complement the core of Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Rielly.
Adding pushback:
What the Leafs lack the most is an element of F you on their team. Over the years this team has sulked when down, whereas teams like Tampa, Boston, Florida, etc. make you pay physically for success, wearing down opponents over the course of a 7 game series. The additions of Bertuzzi, Domi, Jenner, and Peeke, and bringing back Schenn and Acciari are meant to address this.
Forward lines:
Pure skill 1st line, with a mix of skill, speed, grit, and physicality throughout the rest of the lines.
Defense:
Peeke has the ability to move players from the front of the net which Schenn did a nice job of but is still lacking. De Haan helps to fill Holl's PK time. Liligergen, much like Sandin is not good enough to play in the Leafs' top four, but has far too much potential to be wasted on a third pair.
Goalies:
Run it back

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