13 Mar 2018 00:57:49
There is a high probability that Kyle Dubis will take over as GM next year which could present some new opportunities for the organization. And even though the cap is expected to increase to $80M I don't see the Leafs looking to go all out and sign too many big name free agents. Rather, I see Dubis lobbying more for some of his Marlies players to help increase the team's youth, speed and aggressiveness - all while managing the cap properly for when the likes of Nylander, Matthews & Marner sign their next contracts.

Here is my projected line up card concept over the course of two (2) years that doesn't break the bank yet still increases the Leafs youthful progression.

2018 Draft:

NYI or DET:
Matt Martin (LW, RW)
Connor Carrick (RD) * Player Rights
4th Round Draft Pick, 2018

TOR:
3rd Round Draft Pick, 2019

VGK:
Jake Gardiner (LD)
Josh Leivo (RW)
7th Round Draft Pick (ANA), 2018

TOR:
Oscar Lindberg (LW, C)
1st Round Draft Pick, 2019

2018 Free Agency Signings in Order:

John Tavares (C)
$11,750,000 t/ 8-year Contract
William Nylander (LW, C)
$5,000,000 t/ 6-year Contract
Andreas Johnsson (LW)
$1,200,000 t/ 3-year Contract
Miro Aaltonen (C, LW, RW)
$1,100,000 t/ 3-year Contract
Igor Ozhiganov (RD)
$1,775,000 t/ 2-year Contract
Justin Holl (RD)
$925,000 t/ 2-year Contract

Auston Matthews (C)
$11,850,000 t/ 10-year Contract
* 2019-20
Mitch Marner (LW, C)
$5,000,000 t/ 6-year Contract
* 2019-20
Kasperi Kapanen (RW)
$1,750,000 t/ 3-year Contract
* 2019-20

2018-19 Season Line Up

Hyman ($2.25M) Matthews ($925K) Nylander ($5.0M)
Marleau ($6.25M) Tavares ($11.75M) Marner ($894K)
Brown ($2.1M) Kadri ($4.5M) Kapanen ($863K)
Johnsson ($1.2M) Lindberg ($1.7M) Aaltonen ($1.1M)

Rielly ($5.0M) Zaitsev ($4.5M)
Hainsey ($3.0M) Ozhiganov ($1.77M)
Dermott ($863K) Holl ($925K)
Borgman ($925K)

Andersen ($5.0M)
McElhinney ($850K)

Total Cap Minus LTIR = $62,570, 833

2019-20 Season Line Up

Hyman ($2.25M) Matthews ($11.85M) Nylander ($5.0M)
Marleau ($6.25M) Tavares ($11.75M) Marner ($5.0M)
Johnsson ($1.2M) Kadri ($4.5M) Kapanen ($1.75M)
Aaltonen ($1.1M) Lindberg ($2.7M) Brown ($2.1M)

Rielly ($5.0M) Zaitsev ($4.5M)
Dermott ($863K) Liljegren (925K)
Borgman ($1.5M) Ozhiganov ($1.77M)
Holl ($925K)

Andersen ($5.0M)
Sparks ($675K)

Total Cap Minus LTIR = $77,813,333

1.) 13 Mar 2018
13 Mar 2018 07:28:47
I didn't see this til now and posted a very similar lineup projection (a little less detail) . but I totally agree that it is very realistic to sign Tavares and be able to pay value to ALL of Mathews, Tavares, Marner and Nylander! With the continued pipeline of solid prospects that Hunter (and team) have been drafting. the Leafs can commit to the above 4 and still round out a very solid team. wouldn't it be incredible to see Tavares as a Leaf!

2.) 15 Mar 2018
14 Mar 2018 22:28:49
Marner won't come that cheap nylander depends what he does in the playoffs.

3.) 15 Mar 2018
15 Mar 2018 17:18:16
No way Marner and Nylander sign for 5 million per.

4.) 16 Mar 2018
16 Mar 2018 05:06:37
Also I believe Tavares can only sign 7 yrs with us unless sign and trade. Matthews can only sign 8 yr. Yes, Marner will be 7.5 I’d say Nylander 7.