2019 Toronto Maple Leafs Offseason Discussion

[Bender]

Not only are Zaitsev and Marleau's contracts bad just in terms of dollars and length, but they're both so poorly structured. What the heck was Lou thinking.

That Dubas was taking his job pretty soon and he'd be off elsewhere?

Exactly what I was thinking. A little goodbye gift.

I mean both contracts were signed about a year before Dubas was promoted so I doubt that was it.

Lou: Masterful negotiator, puts fear of God into all that cross his path
Dubas: Greenhorn that gets taken for a ride by players/agents

 

[Kin]

Not only are Zaitsev and Marleau's contracts bad just in terms of dollars and length, but they're both so poorly structured. What the heck was Lou thinking.

That Dubas was taking his job pretty soon and he'd be off elsewhere?

Exactly what I was thinking. A little goodbye gift.

I mean both contracts were signed about a year before Dubas was promoted so I doubt that was it.

You won't find anyone on the board who was more critical of Lamoriello and his time here than me but I don't think for a second that an old school professional like Lamoriello would look to sabotage things on his way out the door.

 

[princedpw]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

 

[cabber24]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

 

[Bill_Berg]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

While unlikely I agree, it is possible. It only requires a trade partner and Marleau agreeing to waive his no-trade.

 

[Kin]

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

So the idea that Marleau maybe could be moved in the third year had some legs when he would be owed 1.25 million post-July 1st but since he's actually owed 2.75 million it's some sort of outlandish fantasy?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

So the idea that Marleau maybe could be moved in the third year had some legs when he would be owed 1.25 million post-July 1st but since he's actually owed 2.75 million it's some sort of outlandish fantasy?

I think that's in regards to the theory that Marleau only signed the 3rd year of the contract to bring the AAV down and he never had an intention to actually play it.

 

[Highlander]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

Never say never, attach a good prospect/draft pick to take him on and it may happen.

 

[cabber24]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

Never say never, attach a good prospect/draft pick to take him on and it may happen.

No, it won't, he has a no-movement clause.

 

[Guilt Trip]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

Never say never, attach a good prospect/draft pick to take him on and it may happen.

No, it won't, he has a no-movement clause.

Said it before. Leafs have to approach Marleau and tell him in no uncertain terms based on this year, his iron man streak will end next season. Load management will be in place for him. He may also find himself on the 4th line playing 4th line minutes. If he's good with that then all is good and he won't be moved. If he has an issue with it then he'll want out.

 

[Bill_Berg]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-intrigue-around-nhl-draft-starting-take-shape/

3. Another Toronto assistant, Jim Hiller, has blanket permission to interview with anyone, and is not expected back. Nashville is believed to be among the interested teams. Makes sense as Hiller has a reputation for power-play expertise. Former Florida coach Bob Boughner is a possibility as an Edmonton assistant. There are lots of rumours about Andrew Brunette next to Joel Quenneville in Florida, and there?re also rumblings of movement alongside Jeff Blashill in Detroit.

4. Odd quirk in Patrick Marleau?s contract: his signing bonus is paid in two instalments, one in July, one in December. Remember, he controls his future, but that adds a wrinkle to any potential move.

That should end any talk that the contract was designed to be moved in the 3rd year. Looks like its the opposite and Marleau wanted it this way to ensure he controlled his final year.

I'm amazed that I have never heard of this wrinkle before... all the more pressure to move Zaitsev.

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

Never say never, attach a good prospect/draft pick to take him on and it may happen.

No, it won't, he has a no-movement clause.

Said it before. Leafs have to approach Marleau and tell him in no uncertain terms based on this year, his iron man streak will end next season. Load management will be in place for him. He may also find himself on the 4th line playing 4th line minutes. If he's good with that then all is good and he won't be moved. If he has an issue with it then he'll want out.

Or even tell him he'll be sitting if he stays with the Leafs playing sitting minutes. I doubt they would go that far, but you never know. There is a way out, it's just that Marleau holds all the cards. Doesn't mean he won't play them, especially if his seat is on fire.

 

[hockeyfan1]

All this move Marleau talk is complete jiberish. I have not heard a single convincing argument that would suggest it's even possible. It's not happening.

Never say never, attach a good prospect/draft pick to take him on and it may happen.

Perhaps with Marleau?s blessing, (hypothetically speaking here), to provide the Leafs with some sort of cap relief from Marleau?s contract, a trade with team needing to reach the cap floor would seek to buy-out Marleau?s contract.  The real deal maker would be either a top prospect or current young player along with Marleau.  Said team?s buyout of the Marleau contract would essentially make Marleau a UFA and thus he could re-sign with the Leafs for roughly $1M.

In summary, Leafs get cap relief, buyout team incures the $6.25M cap hit but with the two-year salary of close to $850,000.  Marleau?s re-signing with the Leafs would garner him making more for a year?s contract.

The catch is would the Leafs want to lose a prospect and re-sign a veteran?

This scenario makes sense in one way (for cap relief reasons) and doesn?t in another way (losing a top or key player).

Better the Leafs stay the course, deal with the ?wrinkle?, and find some other ways to cap heaven.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

https://www.tsn.ca/kessel-tops-first-tsn-trade-bait-board-of-the-spring-1.1307202

6 of the 15 players on TSN's trade board heading into the offseason are right-handed defencemen. Zaitsev is one of them, so 5 of them are potential targets. There probably isn't much interest here in Shattenkirk, particularly at his cap hit. Cap hit + cost to acquire probably rule out Subban and Trouba (although if Dubas wants to make a huge splash who knows).

That still leaves Travis Hamonic and Colin Miller though. Both players have been linked to the Leafs in the past. There were legitimate reports of a trade offer for Hamonic when he was an Islanders, while Miller is linked because of his connection with the Soo and the fact that he's an analytics darling right-handed defenceman so everyone just assumes Dubas would covet him. Both would look pretty good in a Leafs uniform.

 

[herman]

Spurgeon?

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Yeah he was an odd omission. Maybe they don't think he's as available as Friedman does.

 

[herman]

Yeah he was an odd omission. Maybe they don't think he's as available as Friedman does.

Maybe they forgot Minnesota existed as a team.

 

[Highlander]

where and what is a Minnesota?  ???

 

[bustaheims]

Yeah he was an odd omission. Maybe they don't think he's as available as Friedman does.

Maybe they forgot Minnesota existed as a team.

I mean, they do include Zucker as trade bait, so....

 

[Guilt Trip]

https://www.tsn.ca/kessel-tops-first-tsn-trade-bait-board-of-the-spring-1.1307202

6 of the 15 players on TSN's trade board heading into the offseason are right-handed defencemen. Zaitsev is one of them, so 5 of them are potential targets. There probably isn't much interest here in Shattenkirk, particularly at his cap hit. Cap hit + cost to acquire probably rule out Subban and Trouba (although if Dubas wants to make a huge splash who knows).

That still leaves Travis Hamonic and Colin Miller though. Both players have been linked to the Leafs in the past. There were legitimate reports of a trade offer for Hamonic when he was an Islanders, while Miller is linked because of his connection with the Soo and the fact that he's an analytics darling right-handed defenceman so everyone just assumes Dubas would covet him. Both would look pretty good in a Leafs uniform.

Would the Leafs entertain Nylander, Brown for Subban(30 years old) swap? Pretty much equal money coming and going. He has 3 years left at 9 mill cap hit. In 20-21, 21-22 he has a 6 mill signing bonus in each so his salary is only 2 mill and he has no restrictions for being traded. I don't know if I'd do it but it does make me think.

 

[herman]

Yeah he was an odd omission. Maybe they don't think he's as available as Friedman does.

Maybe they forgot Minnesota existed as a team.

I mean, they do include Zucker as trade bait, so....

Maybe I forgot Jason Zucker existed