Once a Kings Fan Too
Joined: Jun. 2018
Posts: 40,292
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Let's put aside for the moment losing three inexpensive assets to acquire Ellis. Next year Ellis has to be re-signed, which is probably going to cost an additional $3M. That is offset by Hainsey's presumed retirement, so no harm there. You've still got to sign or promote a 23rd player to fill out the roster, so you'll have about $5M in cap room left plus what I think is the $1.5M you're overpaying Nylander. Next year Toronto will be able to take advantage of the LTIR for Horton's $5.3M, so you'll have roughly $11.8M plus whatever the increase in the cap ceiling is (let's say another $1.5M). So with $13.3M, you have to re-up Matthews (likely an additional $10M beyond what he's getting now), Marner (at least $5.5M), Johnsson ($1M), Kapanen ($1M), and Gardiner and Carrick. Assume you don't sign those last two but replace them with less expensive alternatives. You'll still have to sign or promote 7 more players (let's say $6.3M total). That's a $23.8M barrel out of a $13.3M pot. My figures would have to be off $5M EACH WAY for your scheme to work. Bottom line: I'm afraid Toronto just can't afford Ellis.