Team: 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 8, 2020

Published: Jun. 25, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Trying to approach this with a level of realism. Far too many fantasy deals involving high profile players lately. That isn't going to happen.

This management team has assembled this group with a vision in mind. I don't expect that they will deviate far from that path even with a static salary cap next season.

Does anybody really think that they brought in players like Barabonov and Lehtonen to not use them? C'mon.

Everybody is trading Dermott. Why not just sign him at a reasonable cost and use him effectively?

This notion that there has to be an absolute stud RHD brought in to have success is nonsense. One player will not change the trajectory of this team that much. Buying into a defensive system that works and they stick to, will. That'll come with maturity.

I'd love to keep Clifford but I just don't see him being an affordable option given his UFA status. Anyone who thinks that he will sign for much less than he already makes is kidding themselves. He will chase the money. I am sure of that.

I keep going back to this Anaheim deal involving Deslauriers. I think a guy like that would be a fine replacement on the 4th line. He has a similar game as KC and comes with a reasonable term and AAV.

The goaltending is set for next year. I expect no change there.

The D core could use an add but, I think that the team is confident in the players that they have at present. (Dermott included).

There is the expansion draft to consider too moving forward and the possible exposing of a key defensman already on the team or if they bring one in via trade who is eligible.

Spezza should be back as the 4th line centre. He has proved his worth and wants to be here.

Robertson will likely get a shot to make the team. In a sheltered roll, he could really be a difference maker on the 3rd line.

If the Leafs only made one move in the offseason, I would be comfortable with something like this.

I really don't see any way that one of the mid tier forwards is not moved if Robertson is indeed in the plans. My pick would be Johnsson because I will always keep a centre over a winger. (Kerfoot stays IMO).

They likely re-sign Gauthier but I have not included him in this example.

Players like Engvall, Barabonov, Malgin, Petan are likely rotation players on the 4th line.

I really don't think that we will see much change moving forward.

I'm okay with that.

GO LEAFS GO!!