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Forums/Armchair-GM

Adding Cernak And Some Forecheckers

Created by: AnalyticsGeek
Team: 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs
Initial Creation Date: Aug. 12, 2020
Published: Aug. 12, 2020
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
Before I showcase and explain this armchair team, I want to make 1 thing clear. Until the Leafs make some noise in the Stanley Cup playoffs, I will always be on the "Trade Marner" bandwagon. I just don't think it's right to keep the guy who handcuffed his own team by asking for the highest and most unreasonable salary possible, plus he didn't play particularly well this season which set them back even further. I also think Marner could use a change of scenery, cuz even during the nights where he is giving a good effort, he just doesn't look like he has any confidence.

However, Elliot Friedman did say that Kyle Dubas wants to give the big 4 one more season to figure it out. Whether that's true or not, I decided to create an armchair team looking at how the team can possibly be improved under this scenario.

First, I traded for a defenceman. There are a few different options but I decided to go after Erik Cernak. Just a big body player who is great at preventing scoring chances as well as moving the puck out of his own end. His quality of competition is pretty high, so I feel putting him with Muzzin on a shutdown pair should work. I could only afford to keep 1 of Dermott and Holl. I chose Dermott because he's younger and has more potential. I also felt he played better in the playoffs as Holl had trouble handling the speed of the Blue Jackets in transition, but either would work.

While I'm not a big believer in size and physicality, I do think this team could use more guys like Hyman who just forecheck the opposition relentlessly, retrieve pucks and generate an offensive zone cycle. Even the 2016 Penguins, who were the definition of a finesse puck possession team, had a few guys who could play that type of style such as Chris Kunitz, Carl Hagelin and Conor Sheary. In order to make room for these players, I traded Kasperi Kapanen, who didn't have a great playoffs but I feel on a team that needs right wingers, he could establish himself as a full time top 6 player. He seems to be too straight line to play the possession game Keefe wants to play. I had to trade Johnsson as well to fit under the cap.

I probably overpaid in the trades but these are the players I'd target in this armchair thread. Overall, I think this team has all the pieces to make a deep run in the playoffs as their defence is improved plus they have the right complimentary forwards, so if they disappoint again, major changes need to be made to the core.

What'd y'all think?
Free Agent Signings
RFAYEARSCAP HIT
2$900,000
2$3,850,000
2$1,700,000
2$1,700,000
UFAYEARSCAP HIT
4$1,500,000
2$700,000
Trades
1.
TOR
  1. Cernak, Erik [RFA Rights]
  2. Verhaeghe, Carter [RFA Rights]
TBL
  1. Liljegren, Timothy
  2. 2021 1st round pick (TOR)
2.
TOR
  1. 2021 2nd round pick (PIT)
  2. 2022 2nd round pick (PIT)
3.
TOR
  1. 2020 2nd round pick (COL)
4.
NYR
  1. 2020 2nd round pick (COL)
Retained Salary Transactions
DraftRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7
2020
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the VGK
Logo of the VGK
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the CAR
Logo of the COL
Logo of the SJS
Logo of the STL
Logo of the WPG
2021
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the PIT
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
2022
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the PIT
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
Logo of the TOR
ROSTER SIZESALARY CAPCAP HITOVERAGES TooltipBONUSESCAP SPACE
23$81,500,000$81,459,783$0$300,000$40,217

Roster

Left WingCentreRight Wing
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$2,250,000$2,250,000
RW, LW
M-NTC
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$11,000,000$11,000,000
C, LW
NMC
UFA - 5
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$10,903,000$10,903,000
RW
UFA - 5
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$821,667$821,667
LW, RW
RFA - 4
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$11,640,250$11,640,250
C
UFA - 4
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$6,962,366$6,962,366
RW
UFA - 4
$1,500,000$1,500,000
LW, RW
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$3,500,000$3,500,000
LW, C, RW
UFA - 3
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$1,700,000$1,700,000
LW, RW
UFA - 2
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$1,250,000$1,250,000
RW, LW
UFA - 2
$900,000$900,000
LW
UFA - 2
Logo of the New York Rangers
$863,333$863,333 (Performance Bonus$300,000$300K)
RW
UFA - 1
Left DefenseRight DefenseGoaltender
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$5,625,000$5,625,000
LD
NMC
UFA - 4
$3,850,000$3,850,000
RD
UFA - 3
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$5,000,000$5,000,000
G
M-NTC
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$5,000,000$5,000,000
LD
M-NTC
UFA - 2
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$1,700,000$1,700,000
LD/RD
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$1,650,000$1,650,000
G
UFA - 2
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$894,167$894,167
LD
UFA - 2
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$925,000$925,000
LD
UFA - 1
ScratchesInjured Reserve (IR)Long Term IR (LTIR)
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$925,000$925,000
RW, LW
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$700,000$700,000
C, RW
UFA - 1
Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs
$700,000$700,000
LD
UFA - 1

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Aug. 12, 2020 at 3:46 p.m.
#26
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Quoting: MitchMarnerElite
Yep forgot about Barabanov. He can play over Sheary.


Just ignore the Sheary signing then lol
Aug. 12, 2020 at 3:46 p.m.
#27
Dubas isnt a genius
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Quoting: MitchMarnerElite
Well, he’s not worth Kapanen, NYR would have to add. But he’s an ELC player who’s extremely fast, has got great size & is a good forechecker.


Sounds like a certain Gauthier we already have...
Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
#28
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Quoting: firezfurx
Sounds like a certain Gauthier we already have...


Frederick is just a big body defensive presence. He can’t skate or hit. Julien is quite the opposite in that regard.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:22 p.m.
#29
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Quoting: MMXD
Just ignore the Sheary signing then lol


I signed Sheary for extra insurance in case Barabanov doesn't pan out.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:29 p.m.
#30
Hockey God Genius
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I havn't really thought about what the Leafs should do .... Still depressed about the Pens, then getting excited about #1 pick, then being depressed again... like the Pens deserved that #1 pick, we have only had like 2-1st Rd picks in the last 15 yrs, lol.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:49 p.m.
#31
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No need for the Leafs to Overpay for Cernak and then undersell Kapenen and Holl
Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:50 p.m.
#32
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Quoting: Sidstick87
I havn't really thought about what the Leafs should do .... Still depressed about the Pens, then getting excited about #1 pick, then being depressed again... like the Pens deserved that #1 pick, we have only had like 2-1st Rd picks in the last 15 yrs, lol.


LOL I feel ya man.
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Aug. 12, 2020 at 4:52 p.m.
#33
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Quoting: MitchMarnerElite
Yeah I guess you could offer sheet him. But I went for the trade because I felt TBL might match.


Doubt they have cap room to match anything over 3
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:10 p.m.
#34
Trad Breliving
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I definitely like the idea. Personally I would hate to see some of these guys go but I would also like to see my team make it past the first round for the first time in 16 years lol.
However I feel that is an overpayment for Cernak. I think if Tampa doesn’t have the cap space to match the offer, we go for it. If they do have the cap to match we go for a trade, a little less than this though.
I also don’t know how confident I am with this d core. You have definitely made it better. I‘m just unsure how much better.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:23 p.m.
#35
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Quoting: Boomer125
Doubt they have cap room to match anything over 3


Well, if that's the case, I'd definitely OS.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:27 p.m.
#36
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Quoting: Kukas26
I definitely like the idea. Personally I would hate to see some of these guys go but I would also like to see my team make it past the first round for the first time in 16 years lol.
However I feel that is an overpayment for Cernak. I think if Tampa doesn’t have the cap space to match the offer, we go for it. If they do have the cap to match we go for a trade, a little less than this though.
I also don’t know how confident I am with this d core. You have definitely made it better. I‘m just unsure how much better.


Thanks for the feedback. Yeah it's a lot to give up for Cernak no doubt, perhaps they can offer sheet him if Tampa can't match. I think the Leafs without Ceci & Barrie being a black hole will be better by subtraction. It will determine how Dermott plays. I think he has the potential to be a top 4 defender & if he can fill that role, the Leafs defence is pretty much fixed.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:34 p.m.
#37
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Quoting: MitchMarnerElite
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah it's a lot to give up for Cernak no doubt, perhaps they can offer sheet him if Tampa can't match. I think the Leafs without Ceci & Barrie being a black hole will be better by subtraction. It will determine how Dermott plays. I think he has the potential to be a top 4 defender & if he can fill that role, the Leafs defence is pretty much fixed.


Let's hope so, although Dubus tweeted out how analytically positive Ceci was for the team from a Defensive POV - I feel like he signs him and if does I'll stop defending the kid lol
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:36 p.m.
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Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:37 p.m.
#39
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Quoting: Boomer125
Let's hope so, although Dubus tweeted out how analytically positive Ceci was for the team from a Defensive POV - I feel like he signs him and if does I'll stop defending the kid lol


Ceci is solid at defending in his own end, but he can't move the puck in transition which kills the team, plus generates nothing offensively. I feel unless he takes a very small contract, he won't be brought back.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:43 p.m.
#40
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You overrate Cernak, this D-core is not much better than the current one
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:45 p.m.
#41
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How would think about replacing Dermott in this trade for Liljegren?
Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:56 p.m.
#42
burn the pegulas
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Quoting: MitchMarnerElite


What'd you guys think of this team I put together? Should they be able to make some noise in the playoffs?


good team but they won’t make any noise
Aug. 12, 2020 at 6:10 p.m.
#43
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Yeah Idk. Its not took different from this years team tbh, if not slightly worse. Basically Barrie -> Cernak, Kapanen -> Robertson, Johnsson -> Sheary. It all depends on how you already felt about this team. If you feel like they shouldve gone far, then its still pretty alright in that regards. But if this postseason said anything about their future, this doesnt really move the needle too much. I dont think any big changes need to be made, but if you do, then these are not the big moves youre looking for
Aug. 12, 2020 at 6:10 p.m.
#44
Leafs fan...sorry
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I like Cernak, but I don't think he's enough to move the needle on defence on his own, especially with Holl gone. In the right now I prefer Holl over Dermott defensively, but I obviously think that Dermotts youth should be a factor. I'd keep both if possible, even if that means only having one scratch at a time. I also think that you could just bring back spezza at 700k, and then not aquire verhaeghe, which saves a little big of cap. all in all, while the defence is slightly improved, i dont really think this team is much better than it was this year.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 6:23 p.m.
#45
get ur corsi up
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I’m not opposed to trading Liljegren, imo I think he’s just Rielly 2.0 but shoots right lol. However I think that’s an overpayment for Cernak. I also think we’d be smart to keep our 1st until at least the deadline.

I definitely think Kappy and Johnsson are both gone this offseason, but I imagine it will be for D help.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 7:05 p.m.
#46
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Quoting: Ledge_And_Dairy
You overrate Cernak, this D-core is not much better than the current one


Well if TOR does not plan on moving Marner/Nylander, they aren’t going to be able make significant changes to the blueline. Their options will likely be DeMelo, Weegar, Cernak & Severson. All of them are pretty good for a top 4, but not elite. They are certainly better than Holl & fill the team’s needs better than Barrie.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 7:06 p.m.
#47
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Quoting: Gordon_Bombay
How would think about replacing Dermott in this trade for Liljegren?


I don’t mind that.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 7:16 p.m.
#48
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Quoting: SlickWilly
Yeah Idk. Its not took different from this years team tbh, if not slightly worse. Basically Barrie -> Cernak, Kapanen -> Robertson, Johnsso n -> Sheary. It all depends on how you already felt about this team. If you feel like they shouldve gone far, then its still pretty alright in that regards. But if this postseason said anything about their future, this doesnt really move the needle too much. I dont think any big changes need to be made, but if you do, then these are not the big moves youre looking for


Thanks for the feedback. I agree, all the players that I traded are better than the ones I replaced. However, I also feel that at this point, it’s more about finding the right players that fill needs for the team rather than just the best ones available.

For example, Barrie is much better than Cernak, but Cernak can play big minutes as a shutdown defender who prevents scoring chances and shots. They need someone like that So that’s why I went with him.

For the forwards, I went with those replacements mostly because they’re cheaper (every year that passes will be harder to find depth while keeping the big 4), but I also think they give the team a bit of a new identity because of the relentless forecheck & puck retrieval they bring. Would probably make them harder to play against. Personally, I liked that the team tried to load up with all skilled guys, but it hasn’t worked so there needs to be some changes & if it ain’t with the top players, then it will be the complimentary forwards. We saw Tampa go down a similar path this season.
Aug. 12, 2020 at 7:18 p.m.
#49
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Quoting: KileDoobis
I like Cernak, but I don't think he's enough to move the needle on defence on his own, especially with Holl gone. In the right now I prefer Holl over Dermott defensively, but I obviously think that Dermotts youth should be a factor. I'd keep both if possible, even if that means only having one scratch at a time. I also think that you could just bring back spezza at 700k, and then not aquire verhaeghe, which saves a little big of cap. all in all, while the defence is slightly improved, i dont really think this team is much better than it was this year.


Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I can definitely see the argument to keep Holl over Dermott. I just leaned towards Dermott more cuz of age & the fact that Holl struggled in the playoffs.

I think as Spezza ages, he will play fewer games especially during the regular season. I like the way Verhaeghe plays & feel Toronto could use someone like him.
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Aug. 12, 2020 at 7:18 p.m.
#50
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Quoting: Daryl
I’m not opposed to trading Liljegren, imo I think he’s just Rielly 2.0 but shoots right lol. However I think that’s an overpayment for Cernak. I also think we’d be smart to keep our 1st until at least the deadline.

I definitely think Kappy and Johnsson are both gone this offseason, but I imagine it will be for D help.


Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it is indeed a lot to give for Cernak.
 
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