There’s so much in your explanation that makes no sense.

Actually it makes perfect sense

As a leafs fan trust me you are spot on

I disagree. In 2 years, Shattenkirk, Staal, and Lundqvist’s deals expire. With more prospects due to come in on ELCs, players like Buchnievich and DeAngelo who are expendable can be moved in the future. Furthermore, the cap goes up each year, which would be helpful. The leafs were extremely unlucky that it didn’t rise by the expected amount this year. Signing Panarin comes with its flaws, but he is an elite player that I believe is capable of putting up 90 points with players of Kakko and Kravstov’s caliber.
Lastly, if we sign Panarin, it’s because Jeff Gorton did it (obviously lol). And Jeff knows what he is doing. Over the past years, he has made some terrific moves and has earned our (many fans including myself) trust. So if he signs Panarin, then it is because he has a plan for the future.

I don't disagree woth a single thing you said its more of what is kakko gonna want on his next contract? We all thought 7-7.5 for mitch a few years ago and look how that is going? all im saying is cap space is the most important asset in hockey and we had money coming off the books too than we signed Tavares (which i don't regret) but now we are screwed? i mean look at our D core again? just trying to help you avoid being where we are now. It's not like players are taking home town discounts anymore. And the cap spiked when Vegas came in and now look at it just saying it might not go up as much as expected, but i agree gorton has done a great job for you guys? just saying be cautious expect the cap to not inflate as much as you are projecting and whatever you think your players are going to sign for (in the future) just add more and look at a worse case scenario if you still think you will be ok then go for it and fwiw i still think panarin signs with you guys and he will be great for you guys and i DONT think that you will regret it (like me with Tavares) just do us a favour and send us Kreider lol

Leafs cap position is not solely because they signed Tavares. Contracts for guys like Nylander, and Zaitsev also hurt them. And not all young players are like Marner demanding to be paid McDavid money.
Leafs don’t need Kreids. You need D. Past Reilly and Muzzin who do they have that is really making a difference out there defensively? Leafs need to move Nylander imo. They have young forwards such as Kapanen, Johnson, and Bracco ready to take the next step. They just need an opening, and Nylander being traded can create that for the young forwards, and get them cap space. If Nylander is swapped for a solid defenseman on a good contract, then the Leafs could become cup contenders, or at least closer to being contenders than last season.
At the end of the day, I get what your saying. If the Rangers aren’t careful on how they deal with free agency this year, they could handicap themselves in the future. But I don’t think signing Panarin will handicap them (unless his contract goes over 11.25-11.5 million)

I know it was Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, Zaitsev and now Marner. I'm not saying that all good young players are holding their teams hostage like Marner, but you have too admit that there has been a big spike in salaries to good young RFA'S and when I say good i mean elite. And agree to disagree about kreids, lol we need too get bigger, and stronger without sacrificing speed or skill. And he is one of the few players in the league who can provide us that and play in our top six. Yes we definitely need help on D. Dermot is also pretty good defensively.i agree about moving Nylander but we can until we know what happens with Mitch ie offersheet then we can't move Nylander. Also if we move Kadri we can't move Nylander because 34 is too injury prone ie sliding him to C until Matthews retuns. But one of the two will be moved for D help. An Edmonton fan on here said he read an article in the athletic stating that EDM and TOR, are talking about a deal centered around Kadri for Nurse, he couldn't remember who the other pieces where, but who knows if it happens or is just a fluff piece. Yeah just be careful with your cap. But your in good hands with Gorton. And don't let our situation defer you from making a good signing either, which Panarin absolutely is? good luck

Good luck to u as well with Marner (except if Isles sign him because I want them to mess up and offerhseeting Marner would be a mistake)

Thanks but honestly at this point idc either way. If he signs he sings if not we get 4 1st and much needed cap space for D. No worries there they could be losing 2 captains in 2 years plus Leiner(spelling) then offersheet Mitch (who almost all stats show that Tavares drove that line) plus Barzal's up in a year no Breadman or Bob which will be more satisfying for you when you land Breadman and no 1st for the next 4 years plus u just got Trouba and Kakko. You got nothing to worry about dude heck Jersey will be better then them 2????

Exactly