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It’s been awhile, but with the news slowing down it is a good time to answer some questions from the wonderful world of Twitter about the Leafs.

Any signings/trades in the works to fill out the Marlies forward ranks? Does David Warsofsky provide value for the blue line? Pat from Toronto

— Patrick Connors (@81912CON) November 2, 2020

A – After signing Michael Hutchinson and Joey Anderson last week, the Leafs have 46 pro contracts (not counting players that will not count due to using the entry-level slide). The limit is 50, so GM Kyle Dubas will likely go out and sign a number of players on AHL deals to stock up the Marlies.

To finish off, forwards are also readily available.

In a normal year, I would be shocked to see some of these names available nearly three weeks into free-agency. But with the market so unpredictable right now because of outside circumstances, it is less surprising.#AHL pic.twitter.com/mFRu1qF49h

— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsNHL) October 28, 2020

In previous years, that might be a difficult task to get players on a minor league contract, but that should be a relatively easy with so many looking for jobs. Warsofsky is 30 years old and has some NHL experience, so he should provide the Marlies with some veteran stability on the blueline.

Should the Leafs pull for an all Canadian division as opposed to a division bubble

— Steve- 🍁Thank God I live in Canada 🇨🇦 (@steveborn1) November 2, 2020

A – We all know that talk of a Canadian Division is because of the current travel restrictions at the US – Canadian border. From a strictly hockey point of view, the seven teams north of the border would be put at a distinct disadvantage if this happened.

You could make the argument that if the league maintained the current divisional structure that six of the seven teams (Ottawa being the exception) could make the playoffs, but that would be limited to four in a strictly Canadian Division. The Leafs would likely be one of the top four, but they would have a significant travel burden playing Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton multiple times.

With the 2021 roster all locked in should Dubas prioritize a Hyman extension at this point? Is anything gained by waiting on this? (Looks to me that best move is to act now)

— Grins Above Replacement (@GrinsAbove) November 2, 2020

A – The motivation for moving out Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen was in part to clear space to improve the club’s blueline (which they did by signing TJ Brodie), but also to clear salary down the line to re-sign Hyman, who is entering the final year of his three-year contract.

Based on his consecutive 21-goal seasons and nearly matching his point total from 2019 in 20 less games, it would be fortuitous for Dubas to get Hyman locked up before the season, since he could put up another good year and increase his asking price. Based on comparable contracts and the realities of the market in the COVID age, the Leafs would probably want to sign the 28-year-old winger for less than $4 million AAV for a deal lasting three or four years.

Which two of the new signings will have the most impactful season? Will Brodie be even better than expected, like Muzzin was?

— steve clay (@steveclay) November 2, 2020

A – Brodie plays a much different type of game than Muzzin, but will have the most impact depending on how he gels with Morgan Rielly. Wayne Simmonds is motivated to show that at 32, he still has something left in the tank to make a difference in the NHL.

What is the plan for goaltending beyond this season? Moving on from Andersen will not be easy as an adequate replacement may only be available by trade and the younger prospects are not ready. The team needs a #1 goalie while the core is still locked up.

— David Arulpooranam (@darulpooranam) November 2, 2020

A – Everything hinges on how Andersen plays in front of a revamped Toronto defense next season. If the Leafs have success in the post-season, then they likely go all out to extend Andersen, but that will likely cost them in the same neighborhood that Calgary signed Jacob Markstrom for ($6 million AAV).

If they do not have success or Andersen is hot and cold (as he has been in past seasons), then Dubas will be looking to free agency or the trade market for a new starter.

Many Leaf fans believe that Vesey and Kerfoot will have roles in TOR's top 6. I cannot buy that. Especially Kerfoot playing in the top 6 or 3rd line center for TOR. Do you think that Jumbo Joe will cement the 3rd line center role, and where do you see Kerfoot and Vesey in 20/21?

— Gardiner (@gardinerlife) November 2, 2020

A – Some believe that Kerfoot projects better as a winger on the top two lines than at center, but it appeared that he played better up the middle when the Leafs returned to play. My projection is that Vesey and Kerfoot will play on the third line and that Thornton will move up and down the lineup, but play mostly at fourth line center.

so who is gonna go? nick robertson is the best LW the buds have and makes 800k. there is NO WAY he isnt on this team.

— jakə bənigni (@jbenigni) November 2, 2020

A – Robertson will almost definitely play for Team USA at the 2021 World Junior in Edmonton, but his place on the Leafs roster is not guaranteed. Hyman and Mikheyev will likely be the left-wingers on the top two lines, with Vesey on the third line. Toronto will give KHL import Alexander Barabanov an opportunity to start the year, and if the OHL does start in February, playing regularly in Peterborough will be better for the 19-year-old than being in and out of the lineup with the Leafs.

Is Jack Campbell more than a back-up? Is he viewed as a potential No. 1? #Leafs

— My#1LeafsReport (@MyLeafsReport) November 2, 2020

A – Campbell will get an opportunity to play more next season with the expectation of many back-to-back games in a compacted schedule. The 28-year-old put up a .928 save percentage in 31 games with the Kings two years ago, so if he puts up similar numbers next season, he might be able to convince Leafs management that he can handle the #1 duties. Anything is possible.


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