Brown and Hyman could use longer deals so they are not due further raise as Matthews and Marner are negotiating their next contracts...I doubt zaitsev signs that long for that little...

I get what you mean but in all honesty, I think brown and especially Hyman are having such a breakout season due to them playing higher than they should. If you look at the lines now, I think they would settle down a little and we can pay them somewhere between 2-2.5 for 5 years after this contract. I don't think there is any way that they score 40 or even 30 points on the lines that they should be on at which point we would be competing for a cup and brown and Hyman would have less leverage or desire to leave. Also for Zaitsev, I heard on sportsnet that he would probably get 4X4, if you add the extra year of money, its like paying him 4 million for 4 years and guaranteeing him 2.75 regardless of performance. Plus he would be committing 5 years to a cup contender. I wouldn't mind doing 4X4 maybe even 4X5 but not more than that.

Shab and JDP: Yea it's always tough to know what to pay guys coming off their ELCs. One reason is that it's different to find comparable. Shaw of Montreal 3.9 m per year for 6 years. Clutterbuck (I know he was approaching UFA...3.5m per year for 5 years. I guess the question management has to decide....do I think Brown and Hyman are going to effective players long term. If you do, I don't think an offer of 2.75m per year for 6 years is unreasonable. In seven years we will know the correct answer.
Zaitsev is a little different, because of age he is UFA in two years I believe (like Panarin). If you short change him on term and money, if might just take the bridge contract for two years....then walk.
Again if Leafs management believe he is a long term NHLer and Zaitsev want job security maybe 4.6m per year for 6 years is reasonable for both sides.
Those trades: Maybe value wise they are fair, but IMO the Leafs are weaker overall especially at the forward. Just too players traded without getting "playing value" in return.