I am not sure its wise to give a 31 year old his biggest contract of his career. If that is Muzzin's ask, you let him walk. I think anything more than 3 years term unless he take a longer front loaded deal with the thought of eventually retiring early or whatever, you just let him go. His best days are probably behind him. He's still really good no doubt but to expect value out of a contract like this is extremely risky.

This is the first time he's been injured, but yes the idea is front load it, so it can be moved if required down the line

Muzz will probably be offered 18-20 million over 4/5 years and that's about all he should be offered

Dermott will want at least 3.5

Moving a 6+ million dollar cap hit isn't easy. Ever, look how many teams are near or close to the cap, you can't afford to ever have a high cap hit for potentially declining assets. This contract is terrible.

I am still not sure I'd do that, 20 over 5 years isn't bad and since the Leafs would do most of it as bonuses, it would make it easier to move later on. Since 4 Mill cap isn't the worst thing especially if the actual cost is around a million or so.

Why? How? Yes he is younger and has slightly more experience than Holl, but they're playing together, Holl was actually higher in the lineup until Rielly's injury, and theyre producing at pretty much the exact same clip. How is Dermott worth almost DOUBLE what Holl got? More yes, but definitely not double.

Opinions opinions. I think we can agree that the panarin and backstrom signings were too much. Yes they’re good but not for the price.

I would be hesitant with term for Muzzin, 4 years would be the best fit. You need to be careful about your cap flexibility for resigning Andersen, Rielly and the rest of the D before that contract is up (Sandy and Lily's ELC's will be done). That 20 mil over 4 is the highest I would want to go, more then that and you need to let him go. Tying up that much money in LHD is dangerous because that right side doesn't look great.

Dermott can want whatever he wants, he hasn't been healthy for a full season yet and has yet to consistently show he can handle top 4 minutes. This is his chance to show he deserves money. If he slots in as a third pairing D giving him more than 2 is insane.