I think the priority this offseason and next year should obviously be locking up Nylander and Matthews long-term. I think we'll actually start to see the team be a bit more passive in pursuing other players through the trade market. I think they'll focus more than ever on developing their younger players on ELCs and potentially adding even more younger talent to the system. Once Tavares' contract is up that'll free up a lot of space and I think we'll see a bit of a "second phase" to this core's opportunity to win a cup where Matthews/Marner/Nylander are in their late 20s to early 30s. I think then will be our best chance. We just have to remain optimistic and stick with our core.

We'll be HAPPY to give you a 2023 fifth for Timmins, The only RhD we have under contract for next season right now is the rehabbing Jamie Drysdale.

I've seen that Chicago/Murray trade several times now. Wouldn't it be better to buy Murray out for $687,500 and keep the first?

Best Leafs get in that Murray deal is the Rangers '23 2nd.

His buyout goes to 2 million next year in same offseason as Mathews and Nylander extension

(A) The cap ceiling will almost certainly rise by $1 million then, too
(B) There's no assurance that you'll re-sign both Matthews and Nylander then
(C) There's no assurance that you'll want to re-sign Brodie then
(D) There's no assurance that you'll sign Bertuzzi this summer

I think that your objection to a Murray buyout is without merit because it would hold water only in the event of that entire parlay eventuating