CUP CHAMPS 2019

Team: 2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 11, 2018

Published: Jun. 11, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

What needs to happen:

1. Salary cap increased to $79M.

2. Bridge deal for #29. ($4.5M x 3Y, similar to what Kucherov got for almost the same stats)

3. Sign Tavaras. Shut up and don't be stupid. ($11M x 7Y)

4. Trade for D Josh Manson. This deal works for both teams. ANA has to basically start a rebuild because their current core is not getting it done in the playoffs when it matters. For the last seven years they have been a cup-contending team, yet always fail to clinch the goal. The sweep by the sharks this year makes matters worse because you can start to see the regression in the team's play but the management staff are not showing the urgency to make a culture change. The time is now to make that change. ANA gets 3 quality prospects in this deal PLUS a first-round DP to expedite their rebuild. TOR gives up a hefty but fair price to get a RHD, a position they desperately need help in.

5. Trade Carrick, Gauthier and Martin to MON. MON needs defence and centers and this should help them out for the price that they are paying.

6. Trade Leivo + Mac to CHI. CHI is always in cap trouble so this should give them some flexibility as they both are pretty cheap. CHI can always flip Mac if they wanted too but if Crawford seems to struggle, they might trade him and run with Mac and Anton Forsberg down the stretch. Also, Leivo can be a solid winger for them that is cheap and can play anywhere in the lineup.

7. Trade for F Ryan O'Reilly. There's been plenty of speculation that O'Reilly has lost his his love for the game and even he has publicly admitted to being "OK with losing". If I was the GM of the Sabres, I wouldn't think twice about removing him from the locker room. It is this kind of mentality that drive teams straight into the ground. The more he talks, the less other GMs would value him and want his losing attitude on their team. On the flip side, sure its a bit of a game for the leafs, but a change of scenery (like a drive up the QEW) may do wonders to this game. Not to mention, the Leafs could use a 60% face-off man as one of their centers. BUF gets the top AHL goalie this year which should set their shaky goaltending situation for many years to come. The picks should help replenish their prospect pool and the cap space can be used to sign Alex Nylander and Casey Mittelstadt.

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