Leafs extended Engvall 2 x 1.25. Very solid deal, he is also an RFA at the end of it too, so that's a big plus.
I imagine they will resign McHeyev (trade value low after injury), he was off to a great start (16G, 46pt pace), but he had a major injury, which hurts his value a little bit. To put things into perspective, Kapanen and Johnsson had similar seasons (both hit 20 goals though), and they got between 3.2 and 3.5M over 3 and 4 years respectively. Off of that valuation (which will change very little since cap is not expected to rise by a lot - if at all), McHeyev would be worth slightly less (premium for goals). 2 x 2.5 gives McHeyev a chance to prove he is a top 6 player (i think he will be), and earn a larger contract from someone else. Him and his agent like the way leafs handled the injury (a lot), so I think they will want to stay. He also gets some security after his major injury. For leafs they get 2 years of a guy who is quick, works hard, great offensive upside and can play PK/PP.
I think Brooks and Marchment both get a legitimate shot at 4th line next year, both on min deals. Korshkov looked good earlier in the season as well. If Spezza wants to stay then it should be a no brainer to resign him ~40pt pace playing minimal minutes, plays PP, great teamate, hometown guy. He would have to take league minimum again, but I have a feeling that would not be an issue, he has made his money, I have a feeling he wants to stay. I would love to resign Clifford, but him making 1.6M this year, he is likely going to get around that money again, give or take, and I am not sure the Leafs could afford that. If he wants to stay and take less then i would definitely keep him, but otherwise he is likely going to walk. I would also be open to finding a similar player to Clifford in free agency or trade, I just dont know who is available within the price range (for contract and trade).
This creates a bit of a logjam in our forwards, particularly LW. Hyman, McHeyev, Johnsson and Engvall all play LW. Engvall also plays C, but I like Kerfoot in that role, he is a good 2 way player who can play middle six minutes. Either Johnsson or Kapanen should be on their way out, and I personally like Kapanen more. He is the fastest guy on the team, he is one of the best puck-trackers (Leafs bias) in the game on the PK, just watch the way he is able to slow teams PP's down from entering the zone. He also has the skill to score 20, maybe get 50 pts on a good year. He is also an RFA 2 years from now, and that matters too.
Johnsson to me seems like the guy to go. He is still a great player, who I think has a higher ceiling than Kap. Keep in mind he was basically PPG for ~40 games last year, I think given a larger opportunity he can breakout, potentially be a 60 or 70 pt player. He is an attractive asset because of his skill-set, potential, age and contract (3 more years at 3.5M). Jeremy Bracco will not be getting an opportunity in TO, andhe still has value in terms of a trade piece (plus, it would be nice to see him get an opportunity somewhere else). 2021 4th as an extra asset to add to the trade.
Josh Manson is beloved by Anaheim, but they are 3rd worst in goal scoring this year, and are in need of a rebuild. Johnsson could slot into their top 6, Bracco could be given an opportunity and they get a 4th round pick in next years draft. They already have a lot of good D man, with Mahura and Guhle looking promising for the future. Toronto gets a big body RD, plays big minutes, and will play with Reilly on the top pair. He has 2 more years left after this one, the same as Reilly. Ideally Leafs might want someone younger, potentially with more term, but the $$$ is perfect, and the type of player he is is exactly what TO needs, especially for next year and years to come.
Sandin and Liljegren are sure to make the team next year (Sandin for sure, Liljegren has looked decent so far, should be more comfortable next year). Big question mark whether Sandin can play top 4 next year (and have a successful team, but we will see how he develops. Holl is in TO for 3 more years at a good cap hit for a top 6 D man. hoping he can play top 4 with Sandin. Dermott will need a new contract, i don't think he will get a lot, likely a short bridge deal where he proves himself.
The lineup could still use improvements: more physicality in the 4th line, maybe use the cap space to get another top 6 D to solidy things on the backend.
ANA loves Manson, but they desperately need goal scoring (3rd worst in the league this year. Johnsson on a good contract for 3 years, still relatively young afterwords. Consistent top 6 minutes could make his contract a steal (he was PPG for around 40-45 games last year). Bracco is another forward who could get the opportunity in ANA and potentially breakout.
Spezza’s been good this year and a fine depth option but I’d really like the leafs to land a better 3C (perhaps Eric staal or Erik haula) as well as a gritty defensive-minded 4C who can kill penalties like Trevor Lewis. Leafs need to improve team defense more than anything else in the offseason and that might not leave room for spezza
ANA desperately needs RHD... they're trading one away in this trade, ANA does NOT need middle 6 forwards, their lack of scoring is not because of lack of middle 6 forwards (Johnsson) it's because they really don't have a single legit top line forward, Johnsson doesn't fix that, and he just adds to the clutter of middle six forwards already in ANA...
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