Came here to say this. That money would not have sat idle. It would have been spent and we would likely be cursing about who they spent it on rn.

Signing players is a mistake because you could take that money and sign players???? Hmmm

I’m fine with the defence the leafs have now. 9 nhl ready Dmen battling for 6 spots. Top 4 of Rielly, Brodie,muzzin,Holl. Much better than signing a 31 year old petro for another 7 years at 9-10m.Not that it matters, the leafs wouldn’t have 11m right now they would have jvr and bozak. Two players considered cap dumps at the moment.

don't mix words here. all i'm saying is that JT was the shiny new toy Toronto didn't need, they wanted him - big difference.
having 50% of the cap tied up in 4 forwards doesn't seem like a successful model.

i just asked the question, wonder what TML would look like today had they not signed JT? the response is that having him is much better than a 31 year old AP - is that true?
also, free agency isn't the only way to sure up a bad blueline - picks and prospects work just as well.

but whatever - congrats on the regular season title, better hope a cup comes in the next 4 years or that team will get burned to the ground...

Again... they would have jvr and bozak. Leafs spend to the cap every season and when Petro came up in a flat cap they would have been in the same boat.

The idea that you trade and give up assets rather then just sign a player like JT who was willing to take 2m less to come play here just makes no sense to me. He’s been nothing but great for the leafs. Everything seems to have worked out well. Leafs come into the season with scoring, puck possession, leadership, a solid top 4 and tons of depth on forward defence and in net. What’s not to like?

Although I agree with you that Hoffman is one dimensional, it isn't PP, it's scoring. Hoffman has played in every FLA game over the last two seasons, and has 65 goals in 151 games, and would have easily passed the 30 goal mark if the season hadn't been cut short.

Of those 65 goals, 28 were PP goals, and 37 were even strength goals. 37 EV goals in 151 games can be prorated to 40.2 goals, so he's basically a 20 goal scorer before stepping on the ice for the PP. He's fast, can cut back well after carrying the puck into the offensive zone, which he does often, and has a wicked shot.

I wouldn't want him on my team either, but it's not for his lack of on ice skills.

No offence, but Mika isn’t anywhere near Tavares‘ level as a player. Only decency bias will favour Mika because of Tavares’ down year but Tavares averaged 35 goals and 78 points every 82 games for the Islanders. Considering he played with weak linemates like Moulson & Okposo, that is extremely impressive. Zibanejad hasn’t played with elite wingers either but his career average is 60 points per 82 games. Tell me who’s better?