Quoting: Barilko14
Who was his competition when he wasn't playing with Nylander last year?
The entire left side of those proposed lineup could turn out to be busts 20 pt forwards if they don't latch on to a Top 6 job. Hopefully it doesn't happen, and it's not really likely, but none of them are a guarantee to score more than Kerfoot at 5v5.
He's also the most capable of filling in as a top 6 C for a few games if needed.
So you wanna keep him in case one of Matthews or Tavares gets hurt? If they continue to play him in the top 6 as a LW, don't you want more production from him? He doesn't provide enough value for someone making 3.5 aav.
Kerfoot Tavares Nylander and TOI 94.55 xGF/60 3.11 xGA/60 1.88
Engvall Kerfoot Mikheyev TOI 83.38 xGF/60 2.28 xGA/60 2.32
Hyman Kerfoot Mikheyev TOI 55.98 xGF/60 1.64 xGA/60 1.64
If he does have someone a little more offensive:
Engvall Kerfoot Kapanen TOI 76.18 xGF/60 2.82 xGA/60 2.18
Now David Kampf in CHI:
2020
Hagel Kampf Kubalik TOI 124 xGF/60 2.41 xGA/60 1.75
Hagel Kampf Carpenter TOI 81.05 xGF/60 2.57 xGA/60 1.95
Kampf is more than capable of handling the 3C role. And with Engvall, Seymonov, Brooks, Amadio all able to play C and give you the same offensive production that Kerfoot gives. Plus they are all just as good defensively.
This isn't a hate on Kerfoot, I like what he brings, just not a cap strapped team like the Leafs.