Or take Laff. haha

that would be an option as well. But as I think Covid is impacting the cap during the next 3 years, this would automatically mean to get rid of probably Marner in 3 years, if Laff wants to get paied as well. Therefore, I think the Leafs need a number of quality rookies that can impact the game while being on rookie contracts.

I see the thinking. But that many trades is too risky and if you're gonna trade 1st OA IMO.
I'd consider 1st overall to Ott for 5, 21, and 33. If thats a no, then I'm drafting Laff

Creative idea though

If you have the 1st OA you draft draft Lafreniere or trade it for an equal D or package for an/Elite D.

Having Lafreniere/Roberson 1/2 on the LW both on ELC for the next 2 years is not too shabby

Rubbish.

I was also considering to trade him for an Elite D, but the Salary Cap, as well as probably littele increase of it due to Covid over the next couple of years, I went for the pick route.

When assuming that the big 3 all stay, I was also looking the upcoming Rielly contract. Therefore, my ida was to create room somehow.

Gunler, Robertson and Lundin (if it works that way) could push for the roster spots of Johnson, Kerfoot and Kapanen. By doing so, this could save them like 8m a year in cap space.

It is just hard to be competitive while not having some players playing on rookie deals. Even for next season, the Leafs will have 2-4 (Sandin, Liljegren, the new russian kid and maybe Korshkov) players on ELC contracts and still struggle with the Cap

Your pick isn't lottery-protected, it's top 10 protected. There's a difference. You have a 12.5% chance (if you lose) of getting Laf, and a 87.5% chance of losing your pick. Just for those that aren't aware.

Na. Rather just take Laf. That would make us elite.

this is what I was trying to say. I mean now the whole lottery is only about nr1