Core plus

Team: 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 14, 2018

Published: Dec. 14, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think the leafs have been set-up really well with a solid plan to keep their core and have a run of sustained success, with their best shot starting 2 years from now. I've pencilled in the players that I think the leafs have no interest in trading and created budget lines for the remainder of the roster spots.
Traded out Z and Hyman, although they might stay. I think Kappy is likely to get something like a 3yr bridge next year. I don't conisder Johnsson part of the core plus right now, but a spot is reserved for him, with a 2yr bridge signed next year, at a cap hit that seems appropriate to me. Left Lily and Sandin as I think a steady pipeline of ELC's is part of the plan, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are part of the specific plan. The backup goalie fits for Sparks, but it could be someone similiar. Cap at 85M for 20/21, which is consistent with projections and previous year over year increases.

The leafs might make trades along the way, players may go down with serious career ending injuries, other teams might sign their RFAs to crazy contracts and push our RFA salaries north, but I think something like this could be the general cap structure plan moving forward. And if it is, then the leafs can keep the majority of their current roster and improve year over year as they grow as a team.

Although, eveyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.. so things could and likely will work out differently.