Team: 2022-23 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Sep. 16, 2022

Published: Sep. 16, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Not a Leafs fan, but thought I'd take a stab at solving the puzzle Toronto finds itself in.

I do think the Leafs should hang onto Sandin and find a way to sign him. Even though he is still more potential than production right now, he can still contribute and is part of a young core that will keep the Leafs competitive into the future. It might seem like they have too many LD now, but that won't really be the case in a couple of years once Giordano and Muzzin are gone. I used Durzi's deal as a template for the sort of bridge contract Sandin might receive.

Of course, part of the problem is Toronto's distinct lack of cap space. Most CapFriendly scenarios involve Kerfoot and/or Holl being shipped out. However, with the flat cap neither player will likely return much, so at this point they have more value to the Leafs than anyone else. And while Toronto won't have a LD logjam in the near future, in the present they do. That to me makes Muzzin the most sensible choice when it comes to clearing cap space. If they move him, they'll have the ability to carry a full 23 man roster and give them a fighting chance at retaining Bunting and/or some of their other free agents next summer.

As for the trade, I picked Detroit largely because they're the only team I could find that both has cap room and are trying to win. That means there may be at least a chance Muzzin is willing to go there. I think Muzzin is going to cost serious draft capital to move given his contract and rough season last year, but his defensive capabilities and off-ice impact might interest a young improving team like the Red Wings.

I'm open to feedback on this! Is this something either the Leafs or Red Wings consider? What do you think Toronto does to get under the cap before the season? Let me know!