Team: 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 9, 2019

Published: Mar. 10, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Notes:

I'm probably a little high on Marner's contract AAV, if you think I'm low then you probably have to see what similar (and better) wingers have signed for over the last year.

This is the type of trade I think the Leafs would need to make to get out from under the Zaitsev contract (taking back a similar money deal that they can buyout) Russell has a big buyout hit in 2020 (nearly 3.5M ) but a very low 917K buyout number in the other 3 years including 2019 when the Leafs really need cap space because of the final year of the Marleau contract.

I chose Edmonton for this type of deal because of 2 reasons. They were reported to have tried very very hard to add Connor Brown at the deadline but it didn't work out. If Edmonton were to ask for a mid round pick to be added to this trade as a sweetener I don't think it would be a deal break so add a pick or C level prospect to the trade if you think Brown is too light a return to take on Zaitsev (the way they were reported to be after him I don't think it is but
you may)

There are other options in the NHL however to do a deal similar to this but this is the sort of deal the Leafs would have to look at.

I went for a 2 year bridge with Kapanen to keep his AAV down considerably could also see it being a 1 year deal.

Went longer on (5 years) on Johnsson to buy up 2 UFA years but they could easily sign him to a 1 or 2 year bridge as well to give themselves more breathing room. I maybe up to 500k too low on AAV with Johnsson but I think this will be the general range for his AAV on a 5 year deal.

Pick whatever cheap UFA or international free agent you want to fill in around the edges on D.

I went with the low end of what's been reported to be the expected cap ceiling for next season (83-85M)

I'm certain to be roasted for this AGM post.