Team: 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 29, 2019

Published: Mar. 29, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I hate to say it, but the guy we can most afford to lose after of course Marleau is the 3rd line centre. I have liked his grit and production for the team but it is time for his dollars to be allocated elsewhere.

Lets all try to be real for a minute.

Marleau isn't going anywhere. He is not retiring and not being traded. He has a NTC-NMC and isn't going to approve a move. Even if he did approve no one is going to take him without us eating a bunch of salary. He hasn't missed a game in over 10 years and still contributes about 20 goals. He has been a good guy to have around and had we not signed Tavares the team needed some of the veteran savvy he has. We knew when Lou signed this contract that year 3 was going to look bad and fantasizing about a trade or retirement is a waste of time.

Zaitsev is another guy who I see regular postings that include him leaving for 2019-20. I realize he is signed for a too much term and at too much money. Again, we knew that when Lou signed this deal and no one is going to jump to the rescue and give the Leafs anything of value. Lets not forget that the team is the best they have been in decades with him playing 17-20 minutes on right defence in the middle pairing. The guy isn't my vote for the Norris, but he does bring some value just in the minutes he eats and position he plays. Plus we don't have anyone to replace him with. The Marlies are building our future defence but realistically they are a year or two from sending anyone that could fill Zaitsev's spot. Have you looked at who is going to be available on the UFA market for right shooting defence, its a wasteland and anyone of them are going to be paid so much that we can't afford them.

Naz is a guy I have loved but is the most expendable piece that has value, is paid enough that the savings are worth getting rid of and can be moved. Of course they would love to move Marleau or Zaitsev's money but it just isn't happening in the real world.

So....here is my suggestion:

Once he submits his 10 team list that he cannot be moved to you have to trade Naz for prospects or picks and it frees up enough salary for us to survive the pain of Marleau for 2019.

The Leafs were supposed to dominate this year offensively with the advantage having a player of his calibre on 3rd line. I haven't seen this and that is with Nylander playing on the 3rd line for most of the season. Kadri's current role of 3rd line centre can be replaced more economically then any other position. His place on the underperforming power play can be replaced by moving any of a Nylander/Kapenan/Johnsson to the top unit. And Naz's contract is a bargain for anyone getting him. He is paid 4.5 for 3 more years, is recently a 30 goal scorer, can play the power play and has proven good in the room. He even brings a little grit which is meaningful to many.

I know a bunch of you will flame this,but when I look at what moving that salary does to the health of the salary cap I find it hard to dispute. It means you get to keep Kapi and Johnsson and even Brown (who arguable contributes as much as Kadri considering the ice he gets). I know they are slightly over the cap limit with my suggestions, but you will notice that I have 2 extra forwards and 1 extra defensemen signed and rostered who can be moved up and down to the Marlies to create the needed space.

We can all argue who the trade is with, I picked Buffalo because I see a need there for him and don't care that it is a division rival, but Ottawa, Carolina, Arizona, Detroit Islanders all need a guy like this and have cap space.

I am sure I will get flamed for "giving him away" for just picks, but remember this is being done to free up the space. I think whatever we get in picks is a bonus when you consider it allows us to keep Kapi/Johnsson/Brown, etc. In my mind you are trading Kadri for the picks plus one of Johnsson or Kapanen

Sorry Naz in my mind it is either you or Nylander and i don't see your value to the team being nearly what Mats is long term. I hate to say it but I think its time to go.