"Securing 1st overall". Really? You haven't been watching the other Ontario team, who aren't even trying to tank.

Problems at home?

Not at home. Just my hometown team.

The popular belief is that Babcock has it out for your talent/young guys. Team defense issue?

For years I've been saying Babcock is terrible game manager. He costs the Leafs points and playoff series by his poor coaching choices. Now I believe the Leafs are worse talent wise this year because of the removal of three good Dmen....Hainsey, Zaitsev and Gardiner and the three replacements haven't been near as good. Plus paying your big three RFA, 4.5m too much, you just don't cap to upgrade in net and defence. So I thought the Leafs would be battling for playoff spot this year, I didn't think the Leafs would be this discouraged/disorganized and so really bad.
No, I don't think Babcock "has it out" for young players. HIs incompetence as an NHL head coach just doesn't let him coach to his players abilities. Babcock's best coaching is with all star national teams where he has all stars, not where he has to think out a game plan against 30 different opponents and where the talent level is somewhat equal among your opposition.

Hainsey and Zaitsev are not 'talented' per-se. They are responsible defensively and don't try to make plays they can't (from what I've noticed watching them on the Sens). The advanced statistics say they aren't great possession wise but that isn't supposed to be their forte. Defense first and then offense figures it out eventually. D.J. Smith is down a fantastic job with the young guys as it is. From what I've seen watching the Sens and Blackhawks this year is that when you spend too much time pinned in your own zone, your forwards won't have the energy to bring the puck back up ice for a scoring chance. I imagine it's something similar with the Leafs.

Ceci doesn't help the cause. Barrie is being misused and your not giving Dermott nearly enough minutes. Rielly is fine but is hindered with Ceci. Muzzin is Muzzin and is a bit better, skating wise, then Hainsey is and well... what happened to Sandin? I think your offense should be the best in the league and should keep you most games.

Is “[salary] floor” referring to Arizona? If so, please check their Capfriendly page, and explain why a “[salary] floor“ team has the least cap space in the NHL. Also the phrase “cap floor” contradicts itself (cap=ceiling, therefore you are saying ceiling floor).

No... cap floor for next year for Ottawa... should've switched the trade details.

Love the NJ trade hahah

So how do you rig the Lottery ? That is your biggest obstacle . They won't let you near those lottery balls . LOL All the gutting and picking 4th overall would suck