I'm curious on why you think Matthews will make more than Tavares? I don't see that happening. Also what is Tavares doing this year? Signing a one year deal somewhere then coming to Toronto?

Made similar team then saw yours
I edited my teams similar to yours
RFAs were close too
Really really like this foundation

First off don't think it will cost us so dearly to send Marleau back. A middling prospect and or pick The very least they will be creative and pull a Lou somehow.
I'm letting Gards go. I left the spot open on my team hoping for feedback cause not sure who works. 5M cap space.
Like your team they're will be a heavy reliance on development especially defense. Ther won't be much room for future FAs outside of gradual cap rising.
I really like the quality spread out and feel these guys will be interchangeable on the wings if needed.
And my god the middle. Leafs will be a major nightmare for opponents

The weakness remains defense
Absolutely need a top and 2nd pairing to come from within. The cap savings is crucial.

If that's not a cup winner then it's awful close

Thanks for the question. I think Matthews makes more due to the McDavid effect. He will want to be close to McD (professional athlete pride at play). Plus you are getting the prime years (22-26) of a superstar's career. 10-20 years ago, stars used to be paid for past performance, now they are paid for future performance. Plus JT will be in his 30's for most of the contract so a little less is what I think. As for his 1st year, he will be a Leaf under the same cap number of maybe one of those 1-year max "wink-wink" deals. I just think year two and beyond is where it gets interesting regarding the cap.

Great minds think alike. lol. Thanks for responding.

Yes, D is going to be a challenge. And developing them seems to be the best way to go. May Timoth or Sandin or Durzi or someone comes through. Duncan Keith was, after all, a 2nd round pick - #54 overall. I hope Gards is signed - even if his defensive hockey sense is sometimes lacking. Otherwise we are going to have trade some real quality if we want to get a Trouba or Dumba, etc. And then of course you can only protect 3 D in the Seattle expansion draft which is another consideration too.
Good thing Dubas and Shanahan are at the helm. They can at least think more than one or two seasons out...