Team: 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 7, 2021

Published: Jun. 7, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This won't happen but it's an interesting idea to think about.

Toronto tries to reunite Marner with his former teammates from his days in London (Tkachuk would be too expensive). This also allows Toronto to load up line 1.

In this scenario, Toronto elects to use the 7-3-1 protection plan for the expansion draft and Seattle takes Holl over Dermott since Dermott is an RFA and (I assume) they rather have the certainty. I like Holl but he only ever seemed to work well with Muzzin. I honestly think given an opportunity, Liljegren could take his spot as soon as next season.

Columbus is in full rebuild mode (especially with Jones potentially walking after next season) so they happily trade pending UFA Max Domi for a top 10 protected 1st (similar conditions to the Marleau trade). Also aware Domi is hurt and will miss the start of next season, maybe that drives the price down even further?

Arizona is a team desperate for futures given their recent scandals. Big takeaway for them is Toronto's 2 2nd rounders and prospect (and QMJHL champ) Abramov. Kerfoot is a big downgrade to Dvorak but I think Arizona considers it in this package given when they expect to contend and remaining salary owed. Kerfoot's contract costs less over time where Dvorak's costs more. Adin Hill is added to the transaction to address Toronto's backup goaltending requirement, Ian Scott is included so the Yotes have a goalie prospect coming the other way. Engvall is a serviceable bottom 6 player who unfortunately can't have his entire salary buried when he's out of the lineup.

Re-signed Spezza as is tradition
Re-signed Bogo, Dermott and Galch to buriable contract amounts

Signed some UFAs who I like but don't think would cost too much in a flat-cap world. If you think that's too low feel free to replace Wennberg with your fav cheap 3C UFA like Nick Foligno (although I think he's going back to Columbus)

I think Robertson makes the team and plays in the top 9 (3LW most likely) but I have him out of the lineup to show the team can still be cap compliant with the more expensive option.

I also assume the NHL will keep the taxi squad as a safety measure next season as I doubt the pandemic will be completely eradicated by next fall even if all the divisions go back to their original alignment.

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