I forgot to write this, but this Carolina-Toronto trade scenario only happens if Hyman leaves in UFA. Because of this, the Leafs extend Niederreiter for 4 years, $5.7M AAV.

Personally, I wouldn't sign Hamilton and use the cap space on something else, but you did a really good job on this.

I think Toronto would rather sign Hyman at that value. There's really no need for Niederreiter in Toronto and especially not at the trade price you have here.

I think that Hyman can get more in UFA, particularly when there are cap floor clubs like Detroit that are severely lacking in right-handed shots. In that case, Nino would be a great pickup for Toronto.

Niederreiter And Hyman are completely different players and Toronto already have enough Niederreiter type players.

This notion of Hyman getting $6M a year on a long term deal is getting a little ridiculous and it's nothing more than Toronto media making a story. So you're telling me that he's almost worth the same as Nylander? Or Pastrnak? Or more than Konency? The reality is he's a hard working guy that was carried by 2 elite linemates. He's 29 and has a history of significant knee injuries that will affect his long term play and his style of play doesn't help that. $6M right now is his ask. Players always start high and teams always start low in talks. It's called negotiating. I'd honestly be shocked if Hyman gets anything more than $5.5M if he went to the open market but I wouldn't be shocked if he signs for around $5M in Toronto with heavy signing bonuses and it's announced right after the expansion draft

Nino is not some soft teddy bear. He actually has a similar playing style to Hyman, except with less of the pure physicality that can impact your knees as you age. Strong forechecker that works as a great complement to both star players and second line players alike.

Reinhart gets more for 6 years. A 800k raise when he's top 10 in the NHL in goals while playing center and he has arbitration rights?

Reinhart plays the wing, not the pivot. There's also up to $2M more in cap (if you place McCormick in the AHL) to negotiate upwards. $6M is a floor, not a ceiling.

He just has all the leverage, 1 year from UFA, he can go to arbitration and then walk to UFA, gotta offer a bundle to take away that right.

The Canes have a ton of leverage here, as well. You don't think that Sam would find playing for a (likely) perennial contender and getting fed daily by either the Finns or Trocheck/Necas an exciting proposition? Players are far more likely to hardball a team like the Sabres than an elite club like the Hurricanes have proven to be.