Team: 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 26, 2019

Published: Jun. 26, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I realize it's a little crazy, and the LW depth chart doesn't look great (until Hyman comes back at least) but it's one potential outcome if Marner doesn't get an offer sheet and Zaitsev can't be moved for something reasonable.

I think the Leafs need to add a RHD to play with Reilly. Is Murphy perfect, no, but he's fairly cheap and he can help Reilly with the heavy defensive lifting. He (or someone like him) is a good option for a stop-gap. I still think the best time to get a #1 RHD is the 2020 UFA class.

This is obviously not the contract Marner wants. BUT he doesn't want to sign long-term and the Leafs don't want 4 or 5 year terms. I don't see him getting a blow out of the water offersheet, so this is at least potentially an option. It does make him and Freddie UFA's at the same time, but with a potential cap bump hopefully that impact can be lessened.

If you move Zaitsev yes you save money but you also create a hole you then need to fill. Keeping him is probably not ideal for everyone, but you need to do what's best for the team. His performance with Muzzin in the playoffs makes me think there's some potential there.

Would love to know your thoughts. The value on the Murphy trade may be slightly off either way, but with the moves they have made to upgrade their D, I think AJ can fit well into their top 6 and they can afford to lose Murphy.

1.

2.