Pal: I see what you are trying to do, although I think Vegas would pass on the above! Nobody touches Lupul until at least the question of whether he can play is put to bed. Johnson and Leivo are actually left wingers, and while Leivo likely will be moved and/or waved, I would hate to see us give up on Johnson. I do see Lou making a move of this type, with or without the Lupul factor to balance out contracts, but not sure Vegas would be in the mix!

Doug: Yes, I should have indicated that it only happens when/if Lupul FAILS his medical. But as shown, even with 15.5m in LTIR the Vegas are still under the cap. Come October they can still LTIR those players.
I tried to get Vegas value in two potential wingers and a pick. Might be too much give Vegas, but I don't want to known as homer and overrate Leafs prospects. As you suggested, I'm sure Lou has a trade for Lupul lined up.

We don't need to trade Lupul, and we don't need to worry about bonus overages THIS season.

Can't Lupul be sent to the Marlies if he passes his medical causing a decent amount of AAV to be burried

Just 1.025m is saved in cap space by sending a player making more than 1.025 to the minors. In effect a fourth liner, the Lupul replacement.

True that. I'm not too worried as I think he will end up failing the medical, the league doesn't want to open Pandora's Box and have to investigate all the bogus LTIR going on around the league.

Wotisthebest: I'm sure the league or the NHLPA doesn't the bending of the rules. It's the insurance companies that have a big stake in it.