I feel like if the Leafs do actually plan on limping into the playoffs then this year would be the year to sign Marner long term. The extra million or so allocated to him this year won’t be as crucial because they aren’t planning to compete. By next year and beyond Marleau’s contract won’t be an issue. The same can be said for the Johnsson contract but maybe 5 years. The 2.55m is a little low for him as well.

Johansson is 24 yrs old only played 1 season, you sign him for 5 yrs at 3/4 range your in Ziatzev territory with that contract and we're all back here next year dumping his cap on another team
He's worth 2 - 3@3 yrs tops

Good point. I guess that’s the risk you gotta take. Maybe he’ll put up 30 next year and end up costing the Leafs 5m+ the next extension. Maybe he’ll flop. ??‍♂️

The Kings would probably give you the second pick in the fourth round for Zaitsev, and the Ducks would almost certainly give you pick #101, so that New Jersey trade is poor asset management, especially since the going rate for Brown seems to be the Islanders' third round pick that the Edmonton Oilers own.

Miller was a healthy scratch in the playoffs and regular season. Kapanen can get you more than someone who was a healthy scratch on a team with holden and engyland
Also vegas wont take on rfas. They want to shed cap not take on more

YES!!! Yakupov. a gold star sticker for that add.

Getting Kapanen for a 2nd is a waste, considering when a team offer sheets him that's probably what you're getting. I would try and get more than that for sure.

The right side of that D is awfully suspect and I doubt very much Anaheim is taking on Zaitsev. I think the best strategy with him is to play with 2nd pair with Muzzin (which seemed to do well in the playoffs) and then try to trade him at the deadline or next summer when he has more value. Or, since the cap will keep increasing and Marleau comes off the books, potentially he is a guy you can keep because @4.5 AAV you may not be able to do better in the open market.