Vast majority will agree with you. But I still say it's way too early. Kadri is almost 30 and his #'s have declined the past 2 years. Kerfooot is almost 5 years younger and looked really solid this year until he got injured. Barrie also will very likely be gone, but he's still playing next month for the Leafs.


And Is Nylander most likely to get moved or is it Jonsoon or Kerfoot or Kapnanen? I put Nylander as the 4th most likley forward to be traded. In otherwords, he will once again NOT be moved by the Leafs. He's too good and Leafs have too many moveable contracts.
- RogerRoeper

Good chance that the Leafs can convince another team that they would rather have Kerfoot, Jonson or Kapanen. And, for some teams (eg Sens), Kapananen might be a more attractive acquisition if he signs for $4m at x years. Problem is, not sure how this helps the Leafs. How many Jason Spezza type deals can the Leafs carry and still remain competitive over the long haul?

My original point remains the same. The cap freeze creates structural problems for multiple teams. The Leafs have too many dollars dedicated to elite forwards. They have challenges on defense. They need a realignment of their salary allocations. Multiple teams face the same problem.

I do because of the fact his money is paid so that increases the market to struggling teams (Financially). I also think people will note how he appears to be a 80-90 point forward as long as Keefe keeps using him more than Babcock did. He's entering his prime years and is signed for 4 more years. Teams would line-up imo. But Dubas likes him and they have multiple other options so I do not think it will happen.
- RogerRoeper

I did not realize that most of his money was paid upfront. In that case, it certainly does make him more attractive to some teams.

I did not realize that most of his money was paid upfront. In that case, it certainly does make him more attractive to some teams.
- spatso

Although Dubas and the Leafs were mocked on July 1st for paying so much in bonus $ to their players, it does increase their trade value and it offsets any "tax" arguments.

Although Dubas and the Leafs were mocked on July 1st for paying so much in bonus $ to their players, it does increase their trade value and it offsets any "tax" arguments.
- RogerRoeper

The upfront payment was an attempt to offset the $1m differential between the Nylander ask of $8m and the Leaf offer of $6m. It appears that the final year of the deal is logged in at $10.8m. (although the actual payout appears to be less than $6m). Does the final year of the deal turn off some potential trade partners? Kapanen may be the better target for potential trade partners.

The upfront payment was an attempt to offset the $1m differential between the Nylander ask of $8m and the Leaf offer of $6m. It appears that the final year of the deal is logged in at $10.8m. (although the actual payout appears to be less than $6m). Does the final year of the deal turn off some potential trade partners? Kapanen may be the better target for potential trade partners.
- spatso

does the last year require him to be qualified at a number x% above that number? not sure what this CBA says on the topic... assuming he'll be an RFA at that point.

does the last year require him to be qualified at a number x% above that number? not sure what this CBA says on the topic... assuming he'll be an RFA at that point.
- kaptaan

UFA

i don't give a poop where Laf goes, so long as it's a western conference team......I wouldn't even mind Edmonton, because seeing him on a line with McDavid would be RIDICULOUS

Although Dubas and the Leafs were mocked on July 1st for paying so much in bonus $ to their players, it does increase their trade value and it offsets any "tax" arguments.
- RogerRoeper

I don't think it increases their trade value, it just means they may be more attractive to teams that are cash strapped but need to add cap.

for teams that are already hard against the cap, the bonuses already being paid means nothing.

Lisa Dillman, of The Athletic, speculates on the merit and situation where it might be possible for the LA Kings to move up into the #1 draft slot. It would have to be an incredibly difficult deal for any team to work out.