Jeremy Laura: There will be sellers, will Detroit strike an accord with Toronto?

Unless Detroit can get a young impact player I’d rather just hoard picks for taking on contracts.

Unless Detroit can get a young impact player I’d rather just hoard picks for taking on contracts.
- Feds91Stammer

I can agree, for sure. A good draft will yield 1 - 3 players, and anyone not high up will take 3 to 5 years to get to the NHL. If a 21 - 25 year old prospect is a good fit, that could be a very good get. Picks can always be flipped to teams who are running low in that department. Valuable commodities to be sure!

As always, thanks Feds!

For starters I’m pretty sure the only way Toronto keeps their 1st is if the lose and subsequently win the lottery. Outside of that it goes to Carolina I believe.

Next I think Hyman is about as safe he can get, he’s on a dream contract and has the playing style necessary to succeed in the playoffs which is something I think the leafs management recognizes.

Kapenan, johnsson, and kerfoot are the three most likely players to move. With the cheap euro signings and rookies developing, 3rd and 4th liners will be where budget cuts are made (at least if they want to retain/improve their D core).

The way I see it Johnson and keefoot will likely be moved before kapenan. Kapenan is the most desirable of the three which also makes him the hardest for the leafs to replace. Also if they deal johnsson or kerfoot don’t expect picks or prospects with them to dump contracts as they are still pretty valuable players. While it won’t cost the acquiring team as much it’s likely a deal for either would be along the line of what Tampa did with JT miller last year

200! Feels like just yesterday. Glad to have you; you've been an honest and open writer for this blog: it's very refreshing.

For starters I’m pretty sure the only way Toronto keeps their 1st is if the lose and subsequently win the lottery. Outside of that it goes to Carolina I believe.

Next I think Hyman is about as safe he can get, he’s on a dream contract and has the playing style necessary to succeed in the playoffs which is something I think the leafs management recognizes.

Kapenan, johnsson, and kerfoot are the three most likely players to move. With the cheap euro signings and rookies developing, 3rd and 4th liners will be where budget cuts are made (at least if they want to retain/improve their D core).

The way I see it Johnson and keefoot will likely be moved before kapenan. Kapenan is the most desirable of the three which also makes him the hardest for the leafs to replace. Also if they deal johnsson or kerfoot don’t expect picks or prospects with them to dump contracts as they are still pretty valuable players. While it won’t cost the acquiring team as much it’s likely a deal for either would be along the line of what Tampa did with JT miller last year
- RedC21

Hyman, for sure, is on a dream deal. But, it expires after next season. 2.25 will probably need to get doubled (at least). I have a feeling that if Dubas can’t get the extension done by the trade deadline next year, he’ll be looking. As a UFA, Hyman could well have 15 plus teams, and someone is always willing to overpay (see Buffalo). That contract will be where we see a significant shift. That may be when Nylander is moved. The dollars are going to be insanely tight while they figure it all out.

200! Feels like just yesterday. Glad to have you; you've been an honest and open writer for this blog: it's very refreshing.
- cnatch

Thanks for that! It’s been a lot of fun. Looking forward to the return of hockey!

For starters I’m pretty sure the only way Toronto keeps their 1st is if the lose and subsequently win the lottery. Outside of that it goes to Carolina I believe.

Next I think Hyman is about as safe he can get, he’s on a dream contract and has the playing style necessary to succeed in the playoffs which is something I think the leafs management recognizes.

Kapenan, johnsson, and kerfoot are the three most likely players to move. With the cheap euro signings and rookies developing, 3rd and 4th liners will be where budget cuts are made (at least if they want to retain/improve their D core).

The way I see it Johnson and keefoot will likely be moved before kapenan. Kapenan is the most desirable of the three which also makes him the hardest for the leafs to replace. Also if they deal johnsson or kerfoot don’t expect picks or prospects with them to dump contracts as they are still pretty valuable players. While it won’t cost the acquiring team as much it’s likely a deal for either would be along the line of what Tampa did with JT miller last year
- RedC21

Thanks for that on the draft pick (Marleau related?). Good catch!

Hyman, for sure, is on a dream deal. But, it expires after next season. 2.25 will probably need to get doubled (at least). I have a feeling that if Dubas can’t get the extension done by the trade deadline next year, he’ll be looking. As a UFA, Hyman could well have 15 plus teams, and someone is always willing to overpay (see Buffalo). That contract will be where we see a significant shift. That may be when Nylander is moved. The dollars are going to be insanely tight while they figure it all out.
- Jeremy Laura

If he wants 5mil he can enjoy it with some team like the Wild.

Only in Toronto would a player making 6.9 through his prime and just had 31 goals, 59 point sin 70 games (And was actually on an 82 point pace once Keefe was hired-Nylander's usage was below what it should have been) be viewed as overpaid. It' spretty ridiculous. And no, he' snot getting traded. I know it makes me more fun to talk about Nylander, but moving a Jonsson and/or Kerfoot will occur and Willy stays. He can be an 80-90 point forward in a full season.

Detroit would be much better off with Nylander than Hyman. Hyman will be 29 when his contract is up. Not sure giving him a long-term deal with the style he plays is smart. Nylander will be putting up huge points in years when HYman is regressing.

If he wants 5mil he can enjoy it with some team like the Wild.
- AdamFrench

To be fair, i have no idea what he wants. But, he’s a valuable player who took a very team friendly deal up to UFA. This next deal may be his “career” deal. I’d have to think he’ll get in the 4.25 range at least. If he hits the market, someone will over offer. I’m sure the west coast teams love his game, Buffalo loves to try and get anyone from Toronto.

He’s what I love about a player. Leaves it all out there. Very good guy

For starters I’m pretty sure the only way Toronto keeps their 1st is if the lose and subsequently win the lottery. Outside of that it goes to Carolina I believe.

Next I think Hyman is about as safe he can get, he’s on a dream contract and has the playing style necessary to succeed in the playoffs which is something I think the leafs management recognizes.

Kapenan, johnsson, and kerfoot are the three most likely players to move. With the cheap euro signings and rookies developing, 3rd and 4th liners will be where budget cuts are made (at least if they want to retain/improve their D core).

The way I see it Johnson and keefoot will likely be moved before kapenan. Kapenan is the most desirable of the three which also makes him the hardest for the leafs to replace. Also if they deal johnsson or kerfoot don’t expect picks or prospects with them to dump contracts as they are still pretty valuable players. While it won’t cost the acquiring team as much it’s likely a deal for either would be along the line of what Tampa did with JT miller last year
- RedC21

If it's 10 or below in the draft they keep it I believe.

BTW, don't you think the idea Hyman plays makes him so valuable is abit of a dated cliche? I know he was injured, but Jesus, he was terribe last year.

I keep seeng people claim Matthews hasn't been that good in the playoffs. The stats disagree.

Hyman, for sure, is on a dream deal. But, it expires after next season. 2.25 will probably need to get doubled (at least). I have a feeling that if Dubas can’t get the extension done by the trade deadline next year, he’ll be looking. As a UFA, Hyman could well have 15 plus teams, and someone is always willing to overpay (see Buffalo). That contract will be where we see a significant shift. That may be when Nylander is moved. The dollars are going to be insanely tight while they figure it all out.
- Jeremy Laura

Good point, if it came down to either nylander or Hyman I would keep Hyman. He’ll likely be cheaper than willy and the leafs have a number of players with a similar skill set as nylander while they only have one Hyman. But that seems like a decision that can wait until after next year when Hyman’s next contract starts. At worst case they can use him as an own rental like what they did with JVR and Bozak since they won’t find a cheaper replacement.

By the way forgot to congratulate you on the 200th blog. As someone from redwings territory you provide a lot good insight for non wings fans and provide respectful content for us to enjoy and create healthy debate. Keep up the good work 👍

Only in Toronto would a player making 6.9 through his prime and just had 31 goals, 59 point sin 70 games (And was actually on an 82 point pace once Keefe was hired-Nylander's usage was below what it should have been) be viewed as overpaid. It' spretty ridiculous. And no, he' snot getting traded. I know it makes me more fun to talk about Nylander, but moving a Jonsson and/or Kerfoot will occur and Willy stays. He can be an 80-90 point forward in a full season.

Detroit would be much better off with Nylander than Hyman. Hyman will be 29 when his contract is up. Not sure giving him a long-term deal with the style he plays is smart. Nylander will be putting up huge points in years when HYman is regressing.
- RogerRoeper

If you look at what I said, I recognized that it wasn’t obscene money. It’s just a bad fit in the current situation. And, with no written trade protection, it’s a much easier transaction. He’s got a scoring skill set, but he needs to be surrounded with the right type of players to maximize that. (A little like Phil Kessel). I don’t think he’d thrive in Detroit’s environment. He’d probably be miserable. Hyman works well with that setup. In all likelihood neither are coming. I’m not piling on Hyman, the dollars invested in offense is not on him. He’s just the easiest asset of those to move

If you look at what I said, I recognized that it wasn’t obscene money. It’s just a bad fit in the current situation. And, with no written trade protection, it’s a much easier transaction. He’s got a scoring skill set, but he needs to be surrounded with the right type of players to maximize that. (A little like Phil Kessel). I don’t think he’d thrive in Detroit’s environment. He’d probably be miserable. Hyman works well with that setup. In all likelihood neither are coming. I’m not piling on Hyman, the dollars invested in offense is not on him. He’s just the easiest asset of those to move
- Jeremy Laura

Nylander has scored everywhere in every league no matter who he plays with. Even his brief call-up in 2015-16 saw him put up preety impressive stats with a horrific team.

Nylander is alegit top-line winger who is just getting started. Look at his usage with Babcock. The kid has been underplayed. He took off under Keefe.

And BTW, teams will line-up to get Nylander if he was available tomorrow. Another big plus to his contract is because it's heabily front-loaded (People laughed at Dubas for this of course) most of his actual $ paid. Therefore all the struggling financial teams (Wil be much more after COVID) will want him.

Good point, if it came down to either nylander or Hyman I would keep Hyman. He’ll likely be cheaper than willy and the leafs have a number of players with a similar skill set as nylander while they only have one Hyman. But that seems like a decision that can wait until after next year when Hyman’s next contract starts. At worst case they can use him as an own rental like what they did with JVR and Bozak since they won’t find a cheaper replacement.

By the way forgot to congratulate you on the 200th blog. As someone from redwings territory you provide a lot good insight for non wings fans and provide respectful content for us to enjoy and create healthy debate. Keep up the good work 👍
- RedC21

Man, thank you! I love hearing from you. It means a lot. Completely off topic, do you think anyone will be traded out of Calgary in the coming year? Lots of talent out there

Nylander has scored everywhere in every league no matter who he plays with. Even his brief call-up in 2015-16 saw him put up preety impressive stats with a horrific team.

Nylander is alegit top-line winger who is just getting started. Look at his usage with Babcock. The kid has been underplayed. He took off under Keefe.
- RogerRoeper

Absolutely, but a good scorer can suffocate in a bad situation. I think he would thrive in Carolina on a line with Svech and/or Aho. He makes very slick plays, he’s creative and has fantastic skills. Detroit’s approach to coaching would probably see him under utilized and unhappy. He’s a special player, for sure, and needs to be with a coach and environment that know how to use him. That’s all I’m saying. Detroit is not that place right now

This idea Hyman's style goes well in the playoffs and Nylander's does not is such an outdated Don Cherry like cliche.

Hyman is very good. But he's the 5th best forward on Toronto, which speaks to their great depth. (I thought 4 forwards for 40 million meant they would have none?)

If it's 10 or below in the draft they keep it I believe.

BTW, don't you think the idea Hyman plays makes him so valuable is abit of a dated cliche? I know he was injured, but Jesus, he was terribe last year.

I keep seeng people claim Matthews hasn't been that good in the playoffs. The stats disagree.
- RogerRoeper

Matthews is generational. Anyone who would say they don’t want that player is insane or a liar. Or an insane liar. For Hyman, he and Larkin had a very good rapport pre NHL. If Detroit gets a stud center, a 2nd line with Larkin/Hyman/Mantha or Bertuzzi would be a good find. Hard working, tough to play against etc.

I’ve been pouring over old championship videos. Hyman is a very specific piece of a puzzle. I (personally) think it’s a good fit for Detroit’s projection. Yzerman doesn’t have Stamkos or Kucherov here. The team will have to play and build toward a certain style to find success. 2002 Wings will never happen again. 97 though, extreme commitment to both sides of the puck, centers playing 200 feet, 3rd and 4th lines that wear down opposing D men. Fedorov won’t be here, but that style can be replicated.

All my opinion, nothing else

Nylander is going no where. He is a better player than Marner as goals are far more important than assists. Only bad contract is marners but he can be dealt to solve any problem cap and position. Ie to nashville for Ryan ellis +. Anyone thinking the leafs have gap trouble aren't really looking objectively . They r in an enviable position with just complimentary players to sign which are a dime a dozen ie Spezza.

This idea Hyman's style goes well in the playoffs and Nylander's does not is such an outdated Don Cherry like cliche.

Hyman is very good. But he's the 5th best forward on Toronto, which speaks to their great depth. (I thought 4 forwards for 40 million meant they would have none?)
- RogerRoeper

Hyman’s style is necessary during the playoffs, but so is Nylander. Depth played a huge role for Washington and STL both. But you need scoring. While you have both of those players, use them like crazy. The pinch will be after the post season.

The past 2 cups have seen teams playing hard and heavy get to the top. As soon as you think the game isn’t played that way any more, someone proves you wrong. Those styles can still be successful. It doesn’t mean that Toronto can’t be. They just have some $ issues

If it's 10 or below in the draft they keep it I believe.

BTW, don't you think the idea Hyman plays makes him so valuable is abit of a dated cliche? I know he was injured, but Jesus, he was terribe last year.

I keep seeng people claim Matthews hasn't been that good in the playoffs. The stats disagree.
- RogerRoeper

I wouldn’t say it’s dated at all. Every cup team is usually a mix of different skill sets.

What makes a player like Hyman valuable is that he’s the guy going in the corners doing the dirty work and involved in the puck battles so your stars don’t have to. And when he wins these battles your stars are already set up to take a pass for a scoring chance. He’s a guy that can throw a hit and more importantly take a hit which is valuable in the playoffs when the number of hits per game go up compared to the regular season.

For example if the pucks in the corner and Tom Wilson is the guy they’re going up against who would you rather going in. Worst case Hyman gets injured at least it’s not one of your star players

I wouldn’t say it’s dated at all. Every cup team is usually a mix of different skill sets.

What makes a player like Hyman valuable is that he’s the guy going in the corners doing the dirty work and involved in the puck battles so your stars don’t have to. And when he wins these battles your stars are already set up to take a pass for a scoring chance. He’s a guy that can throw a hit and more importantly take a hit which is valuable in the playoffs when the number of hits per game go up compared to the regular season.

For example if the pucks in the corner and Tom Wilson is the guy they’re going up against who would you rather going in. Worst case Hyman gets injured at least it’s not one of your star players
- RedC21

But the Leafs can never win a round because they don't have those players. LOL

Nylander is going no where. He is a better player than Marner as goals are far more important than assists. Only bad contract is marners but he can be dealt to solve any problem cap and position. Ie to nashville for Ryan ellis +. Anyone thinking the leafs have gap trouble aren't really looking objectively . They r in an enviable position with just complimentary players to sign which are a dime a dozen ie Spezza.
- TML IS ALL THAT MATTERS

I appreciate where you’re coming from. But, 4.5 mil spread over 6 players needed isn’t going to go far. New league minimum is going to be $1 mil. Freddie expires this year as well. Hyman expires. Rosen and Marincin need extensions. The cap will be flat again. This is going to cause some shuffling in one way or another

Let's face it, Leafs cap issues are always vastly exaggerated. Athletic had a good piece examining "Cap Hell" and Tampa and Islanders were #1 and 2 worst.

Pay your stars. Don't overpay 4th line guys. Jason Spezza was a fantastic signing that is ignored and he's better than a lot of 2-3+ per 4th liners GMs pay for.

17 teams within a million of the cap. And let's not forget the "Have nots" might not have the $$$ to spend what they did last year due to massive loss of revenue. Heck., Florida was reportedly needing to cut 10 million BEFORE COVID shut the NHL down.There very likely is a lot less teams will be able to come close to 81.5 than previously

We heard the same thing last summer and none of it came true. (Every RFA was signing an offersheet, Nylander was as good as gone, cap hell, ETC).

Leafs do not have the worst cap situation. Not even close.