Team: 2017-18 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: May 2, 2017

Published: May 2, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

So first of all let me start by saying, I'm doubting the realism of this AGM. It kind of seems too perfect, which probably means I've overvalued Leafs players at some point, but anyways here I go.

The Trades:

PIT:

I have PIT winning the cup (I hope Crosby comes back and brings the Pens to glory again). They lose Bonino to FA, but are still looking to repeat. With this new whole they need a centerman that can put up points on the 3rd line and move up in case of injuries. There's no better than newly 50pt man Tyler Bozak. He has a history with Kessel to boot and he can play signficant minutes if injuries arise. With a 50% retention he's the perfect fit for a cup or bust season.

Coming back I have the 31st overall pick and Rights to Filip Gustavsson who was drafted in the late second round last year. I don't think this return is unlikely, as I'm comparing Hanzal's return of a 1st, a second and a 4th to Bozaks.

WSH:

Okay this was my trade that I think probably is a little lopsided but here's my logic. WAS faces major contractual issues with Oshie, Kuznetsov, Alzner, Williams etc being potential UFA's. In here I decided that they can't afford to reup Burakovsky and I offer them a plethora of cheap prospects that are for the most part NHL ready. Soshnikov and Leipsic are good prospects that bring some grit that I could see Trotz really liking. Lindberg is an organizational depth prospect to add value. Coming back we have a LW whose shot metrics suggest he's due for a breakout year. This trade relies on WAS deciding to resign their other players first, and potentially replacing Burakovsky with Vrana.

FLA:

Florida is stacked on defense, but struggles to score. Recently re-appointed GM Dale Tallon (who should have never been replaced) decides to make a move to bring them back to the playoffs. He's been quoated (link to article here:http://mynhltraderumors.com/nhl-rumors-arizona-coyotes-shane-doan-florida-panthers-jaromir-jagr/2017/05/02/) saying he really needs a natural goal scorer, and JVR is definitely that. He's traded along with a contract extension (that greatly benefits Florida as they benefit from no state tax). Coming back the Leafs is 23 year old rookie defenseman Matheson who scored 17 points this year. Also Florida only has 5 draft picks so they move back in this draft and get an extra 2nd rounder.

WIN:

Cheveldayoff decides he needs to trade Trouba before there's another nasty RFA negotiation. If his top need is a left handed defenseman than we send back Matheson. Matheson is extremely mobile, he's 6'2" and he's also EXPANSION EXEMPT, which considering he plays top 4 minutes is a HUGE bonus for them. We also send rookies Valiev (who could challenge for a roster spot on the Leafs this year) and Rychel and Johnson. They're not fantastic rookies but definitely B/B- quality, and we know that Winnipeg loves acquiring prospects.

ARI:

Computer GM see's analytics darling and sends almost nothing back, similar to Holland deal.

MTL:

Montreal also only has 5 picks so they move back as well and collect an extra 2nd.

Signings:

Leafs mostly stay away from FA again, however they sign Trevor Daley to a 1 year contract (to avoid a Robidas situation again) to play as a 5th defenseman.

They also add a really good backup in Kinkaid, who although is a little pricey is definitely worth it.

Since the Leafs move out 7 forwards in this scenario I have them signing some of their forward prospects to get them in the AHL developing.

Draft:

I have them selecting Timothy Liljegren whose fallen out of favour after being the consensus #2 in this draft at the 10 slot, and I have them selecting Erik Brannstrom who I read an article on (link here:http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2017/5/1/15443476/toronto-maple-leafs-entry-draft-target-swedish-defenceman-erik-brannstrom-2017)

Prospects:

Forwards:

The Leafs forward prospect cupboard looks less sexy with a huge amount either joining the NHL or being traded but there's still some hidden gems in there.
1.Jeremy Bracco
2. Carl Grundstrom
3. Adam Brooks
4. Miro Aaltonen
5. Dmytro Timashov

Defense:

The Leafs severely bolster their depth in the offseason, Leafs could end up having a very above average defense core in the future.
1. Timothy Liljegren
2. Travis Dermott
3. Andrew Nielsen
4. Calle Rosen
5. Erik Brannstrom

Goaltenders:

Who knows with goalies anymore? At least we have some good depth starting

1. Filip Gustavsson
2. Joseph Woll
3. Garrett Sparks
4. Kasimir Kaskisuo



I would really appreciate feedback granted its constructive and polite.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.