04 May 2016 21:04:25
There is a big discussion if Stamkos is coming here or not. I am in favour of it, because an elite 1C is something we want (even with Matthews, he'll need time) . However, it is not a certainty, and i'm going to look at other options.

Backes is also a UFA this year, and he won't cost 10M+. He has playoff experience and plays a physical game which we need. He'll likely get 5 maybe 6 years of term, which aligns better with contracts, and would still be able to be a leader and shelter Matthews while he learns the ropes. He'd likely be a better fit at 2C when Matthews takes over as 1C (Kadri will be an expensive but elite 3C for the last few years of his contract) .

Forward Lineup:
JVR - Backes - Marner
Komorov - Matthews - Nylander
Soshnikov - Kadri - Brown
Hyman - Laich - Greening

I'm ok over the season if Brown and Komorov switch, but I want a vet on each like to help teach/ protect the rookies. After the swap, line 2 will be very much a scoring threat, and line 3 will be one of the most annoying lines to play against.

I don't know that we have a slot for Vessey, unless Sosh goes to the 4th line, and he slots in there. But would he want to come here to be 3rd line?

If we do sign Stamkos, who we do have cap room for IMHO, then put him in instead of Backes.

The above lineup assumes Bozak is used to improve either defence or goalie, but I assume defence.

TOR
Bozak
2nd 2016 or 2017
Corrado

NASH
Ryan Ellis

If I recall correctly, he's signed until the 2018-19 season at a reasonable 2.5M. He's not huge, but he's a solid RHD who has a great shot from the point and can quarterback a PP. Nashville gets a serviceable 2/ 3C, and another defence prospect, and a pick to help expedite the process (maybe a 3rd, depending on value) . Leafs move Corrado (who doesn't really have a future here in my opinion) and Bozak for a top 4 D-man to compliment Reilly, Gardiner, and Zaitsev. Plus, Ellis has been mentored by Weber, and is only 25ish, which matches our desires going forward.

Defence Lineup:
Reilly - Ellis
Gardiner - Zaitsev
Marrincin/ Hunwick - Carrick

This top 4 is a mobile, offensively dangerous and good at moving pucks. It could use a true #1 stay-at-home defenseman, but I think this would be a great stopgap to introduce Zaitsev to the NHL while we find/ grow that #1 D-man.

As far as out situation in goal, many people mention going after Murray. I would love to add him, but I think Pits would be more likely to trade Fleury now that Murray has shown he can step up in the post season. Vasilevski is probably a more likely shot, since Bishop is their man going forward. I would thus approach Tampa and try to get a deal done this summer, as opposed to waiting until next summer for the expansion draft. (If Stamkos signs here, it might cause a grudge so this deal may be more difficult) .

Tampa may be interested in Kapanen, since they have a history of trusting young top talent. A pick and another prospect could get it done.

TOR
Kapanen
Sparks or Bibeau
3rd
Harrington and/ or Percy

TAMPA
Vasilevski
2nd

Tampa gets a talented forward, a goalie prospect who is not far away from backup NHL duty, and a defence prospect or two. Toronto upgrades their position in net, and upgrades a 3rd to a 2nd.

(note: I may be way off in value on any/ all of these trades, especially with picks involved. I'm just speculating, and they aren't really the main point.

This season we would have Bernie with the chance to prove he can hack it as a #1, and Vasilevski will back him up and possibly overtake him if he falters.

Goalie lineup:
Bernier
Vasilevski

Additionally, we could bring back Reimer for a lot less assets, who I've always been a fan of, but we do know that the combo of bernier/ Reimer has proved it isn't as effective as we'd like.

Anderson from Anaheim is another option as well.

Ultimately, I feel like these few moves aren't completely unrealistic, and can bring us out of the basement pretty quickly next season.

Let me know what you think!

Shadow.

1.) 05 May 2016
05 May 2016 02:15:42
I like it
Some very good points
Good post

2.) 05 May 2016
05 May 2016 02:31:54
I like the Backes idea, I think he'd fit well I just don't know how Kadri would react playing third line centre to start the season, might work out well but well see! I wouldn't have marner as our number one RW, I'd make him work for it! . I like the Bozak trade, but I think were overpaying with the Tampa trade! I don't feel as if were benefitting at all, I'd stick with the goalies we have for now! Sparks has potential, make him play a full season and go from there! Drafting a goalie this year would be essential as well.

3.) 05 May 2016
05 May 2016 07:55:40
I agree Kadri might not like being 3C, but I envision our lines to be more 2A and 2B, with them getting similar minutes but used in different match up (kadri line vs harder opposition, Matthews line more time than typical 3rd line).

I'm also ok if Nylander and Marner are competiting for the top line. I just want one of them to play with Matthews since they can both dish passes like nobodies business.

I'm not opposed to keeping our goalies for another year and then deciding to change, but if an option to upgrade is available and isn't breaking the bank it might be worth the conversation. I'm thinking we try to get a deal done now ahead of the expansion to limit potential competition (aka Edmonton, Calgary, etc.)

Thanks for the feedback/input though!

Shadow

4.) 05 May 2016
05 May 2016 12:03:18
Not much of a fan of the Backes deal, but the others seem good. IMO, if the Leafs are not going to sign Stamkos, then don't bother signing another C, just roll with Matthews, Nylander and Kadri. Really want the team to sign Vesey as well!