Is this based on pedigree or production, if the former, Hedman should be in... If the latter, Rielly should be in and Lilly should be in for Rielly

Bonus points for no canadiens

20 man roster isn't really cap complaint. McCabe and Lafferty are certainly iffy players on the roster .

Based on team I think has best chance to win a Cup, I'm taking Hedman over Rielly everytime.

Who would you replace them with?

Despite Rielly being the best offensive defensmen at 5v5 this playoffs?

Definitely. Already have Dahlin, Montour and Hedman who are all very capable offensively.

But Rielly was the best at it... and, it gives you a little more room to upgrade elsewhere

Hedman and Rielly earn essentially the same. Much prefer Hedman's penalty killing ability and physical presence, nevermind his Conn Smyth, Norris Trophy and two Stanley Cups. And he's produced offense at a higher rate than Reilly over his career. Wasn't Rielly a whipping boy for Leafs fans this year? You must be the only person who would take Rielly over Hedman, but I respect your passion and persistence for Rielly. I also like Rielly but at the same salary I'm taking Hedman every time, no brainer.

What did the Habs do to offend you? 💀

Nothing. I like the Habs. Just didn't see a good contract fit. I did have Dach in for Bennett originally. Who you would you substitute for a Hab?

Again, if it's based of of pedigree, Hedman should be there 10 times out of 10, but, if we are going off of who's better, Rielly played way better than Hedman in these playoffs

Anybody who's says that Rielly was at fault in any season doesn't know sh1t about hockey, it's obviously he's still one of, if not, the best defensemen in the league but is being overused by the Leafs these past few years bc he can and that the Leafs typically have 1/2 struggling defensemen that require Rielly to take on extra hard minutes... There's a reason why the Oilers and others waited until Rielly's extension to sign their guys at 1.5/3 mill more than Rielly, it's bc he was their target... him taking a discount shows character and heart.

But again, if you're only taking form under consideration, Lilly+Rielly>>>>>Hedman+Mike Rielly

I guess their standings placement could do the trick... And that they only have maybe 1 or 2 good contracts

Hedman was hurt in the playoffs. This lineup is based on everyone healthy. Hedman is better than Rielly.

He didn't play in only 1 game... Rielly was also better during RS despite being hurt himself and playing hurt for a considerate amount of time after he came back from injury