The Leafs' Life is Never Dull

Let's first discuss the issue of the backup to Andersen?  The trade of Sparks pretty much opens the door for Michael Hutchinson. I really like Michael. I think he gives the Leafs a chance every night he plays. The Maple Leafs offering Michal Neuvirth a PTO might muddy the waters. Michal Neuvirth is a bona fide NHL  goaltender, who has been plagued by injury issues. I would still pick  Hutchinson, but the Leafs are exploring all their options, which is wise.

The Sparks trade adds an interesting twist with the David Clarkson contract. The Clarkson contract gives the Leafs more LTIR. Which means they need to bury only two cheap players to get as close to the cap as possible and get LTIR relief.  The Maple Leafs could use that to sign Marner on the second game of the season.

THE TRADE IS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING—OR IS IT?

The Leafs and Blues consummated a trade that sent defencemen Andreas Borgman to the Blues for defencemen Jordan Schmaltz. Most people were confused, thinking the Blues were getting the better player. The Leafs feel Schmaltz is more ready to compete for the number seven defencemen spot. Borgman is the better prospect and needs playing time, which he might not get in Toronto.  Again, it is a small deal, but the Leafs are adding depth on the blue line.

Look for the Leafs to dump some salary if they can. The Leafs do not want to wait to sign Marner. They only took the Clarkson contract in case they need to go that route. It may be harder than they think to make cap room, but they are exploring every option. There are no worries in the Marner negotiations. He really wants to be a Maple Leaf.

The Off-Season So Far

The biggest deal has to be the Kadri trade. Kadri, of course, vetoed the first trade, which would have sent him to Southern Alberta. The trade naturally had to happen for two reasons: first, for his lack of discipline in the playoffs and second, to make room for the Marner signing. It ended up only being for the first reason, because the Maple Leafs did not save any salary on the trade to Avs. So what did the Leafs get in acquiring  D Tyson Barrie (retaining 50% of salary) and F Alex Kerfoot?

D Tyson Barrie

Tyson is an offensive dman who will add to the deadly powerplay. Tyson is a great puck distributor. Even more importantly, he knows which player to give it to. Tyson will take the pressure off of Morgan Rielly big time. The Leafs now have two offensive defencemen who can get the puck up to the explosive forwards. Barrie is not known for his defensive play, but who is on the Maple Leafs? Of course, I am a little facetious, but you get my point. If you put him with Travis Dermott, it would be a perfect match. The only negative is Tyson is an RFA. There is speculation that Tyson wants 8 million a year.

F Alex Kerfoot

Alex is a versatile forward who can play centre or wing. Which means he can be a top-six forward. Again, he is another player who can move the puck upward with great speed. Alex will fit in nicely with the Maple Leafs' forwards and will be another weapon in their offensive game. He is a solid forward, and his being locked up is fantastic news for the Leafs.

What is next?

Can you say, Mitch Marner?  Can you say sign Mitch Marner? They are in dialogue every day and getting closer and closer to sign him. The Leafs are going to have to do another trade to make room for him. The most likely being Nylander. The problem they're having in trading Nylander is, who is going to fill in his offensive numbers? They have Jeremy Bracco coming up from the minors. The young prospective forward recorded 22 goals and 75 points for a grand total of 79 points. He is the closest and might be given a chance to stick with the Club.

How much will Marner get?  I suspect it will be 11 million for six years. It will be if the Leafs had anything to say about it. Marner wants 4 or 5 years the Leafs don't want Matthews and Marner going out at the same time. So they are countering with 2 or three years and 7-year offers.