This is how I would LIKE to see the Leafs this upcoming season. The physical Leaf team these playoffs have been a blast to watch and now I want that all season long.
First thing, there is alot of speculation on Murray's injuries. While having an ok year, he has been hurt more than any team would like their backup hurt. I feel like this is a situation where you keep him on the team to start the year, and IF he suffers a major injury, you shut him down for good. I worry for his long term health with concussion more than anything. When healthy, I really like him over Woll just due to his experience. That being said, Woll is MORE than ready to take over the back up role, which is why we don't need to sign a vet for the 3rd string goalie.
Second thing is the Nylander for Konecny swap. Are the Leafs getting the worse player? Yes they are, but I think it is a deal that benefits them long term. I have been a big Nylander fan for years and he has shown he is an 80 point player, yet I am still asking for more. This playoffs more than ever, he has avoid hits, and slacked on back checking multiple times. Thankfully no major mistakes but still. I feel like Konecny is that player to add that physical side I want, while also still being productive. I don't see Konecny putting up 80 points but if he can stay around 60 while being physical, I think this deal works for the Leafs. The bigger issue than the back checking / hitting with Nylander is the contract. He will likely command 8-9 million on his next deal and the Leafs simply can't afford that. So why lose him for noting if we can get him for something.
Third thing is resigning O'Reilly, Accari, Schenn and even Bunting. I think it goes without saying that O'Reilly, Accari and Schenn have all had amazing playoffs so far with the Leafs, and I would welcome back all with open arms. All play the right style of hockey I would love for the Leafs and all seem like great locker room guys. Bunting is a bit of a wild card here. I feel like some team could easily offer him 5 million in UFA this offseason and I think 3.75 is a little low for his resume over the past 2 seasons. However, I could see him taking a second price cut to stay and play with his hometown team. I would not go higher than 4 million on him over 4 years due to his reputation with officials and with the coach but there is no denying he is a good player.
Overall, this is a team I would love to watch all season. If Murray does go on LTIR, you open up nearly 5 million in cap space too for the deadline to add to the depth scoring.
Also lets get back into this series with Florida! GO LEAFS GO!
Konecny, while not as offensively gifted as Nylander, can hopefully hover around that 60 point plateau while in Toronto. His cap is also easier to keep players like O'Reilly and Bunting
Nylander comes with extension for Flyers. I believe Nylander is by far the better player between the two, however is not the playoff performer. I would prefer to keep this tough guy look the leafs have going right now into next year which is the reason for this trade. I also don't know how Toronto keeps Nylander past this season.
I see Willie re-signing with Toronto or hitting UFA where he'll cash in big. Flyers aren't trading 2 years of Konecny for 1 year of Willie.
Other than the fact that the Flyers don't need to move Konecny, I am unsure why the Flyers wouldn't be interested in Nylander. I understand the waiting till UFA but then you have 31 teams bidding for a player / prices going up.
Other than the fact that the Flyers don't need to move Konecny, I am unsure why the Flyers wouldn't be interested in Nylander. I understand the waiting till UFA but then you have 31 teams bidding for a player / prices going up.
It's more about Willie not willing to sign an extension because he knows he'll cash in as a UFA entering his prime years. And he'll get to choose his team.
It's more about Willie not willing to sign an extension because he knows he'll cash in as a UFA entering his prime years. And he'll get to choose his team.
Totally agree, this deal is WITH a Nylander extension, Obvs if Nylander does not have an extension in place for this deal, I agree Flyers have no reason for this trade as they are likely a bottom 10 team again.
Lol, imagine saying nylander isnt a playofd performer. Just hilariously wrong on every level, like he's literally been the leafs best playoff performer since he's been a leaf.
you need to read before you comment, this is based on an extension already in place so they would be get ting 9 years vs 2.
By that logic, what's in for the Leafs.....9 years versus 2.
Why I consider almost these extension trades silly is three fold.
Flyers can keep Konecky and spend cap on a UFA this season or next. Flyers would much better off.
What's really in for Nylander? Signing before he hits for free agency for a lousy team.
Then it's the discussion the Leafs would have with Nylander. "Willy, we want your sorry ass outta town, so hurry up and sign an extension so we can trade you to the Flyers. But of course if you and the Flyers can't come to agreement, you're welcome back in the Leaf family for a Cup run in 23/24." Yeah I want to be in the room when that discussion occurs.