Roster Architect
Joined: Mar. 2021
Posts: 2,643
Likes: 909
I can't see any good reason for Nylander at centre anymore. I agree he was dominant and carried his line in the playoffs, but to be a centre he needs more defensive responsibility and consistency in his game and that's just not his style. I think he plays best as a complimentary guy to someone like Tavares but can also be shifted around to help create more offence like he was in the playoffs this year. For that reason, I really don't see them moving him to centre. I think if they were going to develop him as a centre it would have been years ago, not when they're desperate to win now.
Also, from watching Kivihalme play more and more, I don't think he ever cracks the NHL. Not enough consistency or strength to be a NHL defenceman. If he gets a few games, great for him. But I don't think a team that is serious about contending ever has him on their roster permanently. But with Liljegren I think he's ready for bottom pair minutes, but now's his time to show what he has. Time is ticking on him so he better get more NHL time soon.
Tatar I personally have no interest in. Way to selfish of a player and he's basically a Nylander of a few years ago. I know he's done better in Montreal, but there's a reason why he was a healthy scratch for an actual contending team when he was in Vegas. He doesn't have the speed or acceleration to keep up in Toronto.
I agree that Bernier is a decent fit for a backup, but I'm not comfortable paying more to a backup goalie than a starter. I know Campbell is on a great contract, but I think that shows that there's good options out there for cheap and they should be targeted instead so the rest of the cap can be spent on actual roster upgrades that play every night.
As for the Engvall/Mikheyev debate... Engvall is as good as gone with this team. Overpaid and underperforming since he signed the extension. The most inconsistent forward in the league, and even though he was better in the playoffs, look who it was that took the first penalty in game 7 that led to the game winning goal (or at least first penalty that was called)... it was Engvall. He's either traded for a 6th or 7th round pick or sent to the minors for all of next season. But I'd be shocked if he played another game for the Leafs barring any long list of injuries.
I also agree with at least looking at moving Rielly. I don't think it's the smartest idea because it creates such a hole in the backend for creating offence, but if the package is worth it then I highly consider it. It was be a good shakeup to the leadership core and Rielly is the only remaining player that Dubas didn't bring into the organization himself so I could see it happening if the offer is there and I think it might be.
Finally, I'd say check out my last ACGM so the moves I was thinking. They're similar to yours but just target different players that I feel fit the team a lot better:
https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/2441081