UFA Signing Explanations:
Michael Bunting at 2.5mx3: Bunting can serve as a Hyman replacement on either the second or third lines - he got 10 goals in just 21 games, which is excellent production for a middle six guy. He also has great Corsi, Fenwick, and expected goals so he fits in well with the analytics driven Leafs. He also got 28 hits in those 21 games which adds much needed physicality. I think he would be worth paying up to 3.25x3, though if he had that much money, I'd prefer the term to be slightly longer as well in order to keep him on a cheap contract for more of his prime.
Tomas Nosek at 1.75mx2: Nosek is a cheap Kerfoot replacement - he's more willing to put out hits and use the body and should be somewhat cheaper (I think up to 2.25m/yr is acceptable for him). He also has strong Corsi and expected goals numbers, fitting in with the Leafs analytical focus. His physicality, along with Bunting and Balcers, should help the Leafs create a desperately needed physical bottom-six line.
Jason Spezza at 0.75mx1: Spezza brought leadership and heart to the team and was a strong performer in the series against the Habs. Since he's willing to accept a minimum, wants to play in Toronto, and all the fans love him, he's a no-brainer to bring back to play on the fourth line. I've moved him to the right wing, but he could also play centre, depending on what Keefe wants to do.
Laurent Brossoit at 2mx2: Brossoit had a decent save percentage and average advanced states - he is an acceptable backup if Campbell continues with his current level of play or he could be part of a tandem with him. Regardless, he would help move on from Andersen and save significant cap space.
Trade Explanations:
SJS Trade: Pierre Engvall is flipped to SJS along with a 6th and 7th round pick in order to acquire the rights to Rudolf Balcers. Both players had similar levels of productivity, though Balcers did have 5 more points and significantly more hits than Engvall. Both players have relatively similar advanced stats, but Balcers is still the slightly better player. I included a 6th to help even up the trade, but would be willing to go up to a 5th round pick or a 7th + tier 3 prospect like SDA or Rindell. The pick/prospect helps the Sharks rebuild, while Balcers at 1.75mx3 is a strong winger for the new physical Leafs third line.
SEA Trade: Toronto lets Kerfoot go to Seattle in order to replace with him Nosek, which both creates cap flexibility for this trade deadline, but also for next offseason to help sign Reilly.
NSH Trade: Without Hyman, the Leafs need a new second line player. Jarnkrok can play on the second line - notching almost 15 goals and 30 points last year, he would be a fine complement to Tavares and Nylander. He doesn't quite have the great advanced stats or hits that the Leafs might want, but at just 2 million dollars he's a suitable second line winger. One thing about this trade is that I would prefer to pick up Trenin from Nashville and slot him on the third line, moving Bunting up to the second, but I'm unsure how much that would cost the Leafs. If any Preds fans would weigh in on if its possible at all?
NSH declines. A 2nd and a small plus (B prospect or a 4th or so) would be the asking price for Jarnkrok. The Preds have enough Hallander type guys in their system.
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