If I was another GM I’d want proof on where this second major injury has left him before making a deal tho. If his skill dropped down as much as after the first injury he’s essentially nothing more than a speedy AHLer
- Dozzer

Unless you were one of the smarter GM’s who buy low🤔

Also, (unrelated) give Groshans a shot at 3rd before selling the farm

Jeff Passan
@JeffPassan
·
1h
Estimated current opening day payrolls, per @baseballpro
:

Seattle Mariners: $57 million
Cleveland Guardians: $46.7 million
Max Scherzer: $43.3 million
Pittsburgh Pirates: $40.2 million
Baltimore Orioles: $37 million

_______________________

Bichette and Vladdy Jr. have 3 years left before they're UFA. So the window might be that amount of years.
- mjones242

Looking at how they've budgeted and used their $$ I wouldn't be surprised if they announced a long term deal for Vladdy this winter.

They keep drafting well and can back fill as guys fall of the payroll.

Ray and Semien will land them high pick compensation. Gausman came at no compensation. Nice perk.

We don't need Miller to be a 3C. He can easily shift from 2LW to 2C if there is a need (e.g. AM34 or Snake goes down). We already have Kampf at 3C as our "checking line guy" so I'm not especially worried about that aspect of versatility. If Kampf goes down, Engvall can step in to play 3C.

Who exactly are the Devils offering that the Leafs couldn't match?

As per the off-season, Kessel's 1.2M is off the books and the cap is projected to be going up by 1M so already you have 2.2M to work with. With Kerf gone you now have 5.7M. If you're able to move Ritchie you now have another 2.5M off the books, etc. How about Mrazek? You trade him and now you have another 3.8M.

Hell, the Leafs could go nuclear and trade one of the Core 4 (Marner?). There's so many variables and possibilities that could make things work.

Geez.
- mjones242

Sigh. I’m sorry man but you’re fantasizing if you think he’s coming to the leafs. They’re not going to give up on their most versatile player Kerfoot who can play in both offensive and defensive roles while being in the top 5 for team scoring when he only makes 3.5.

And again, if you were another team’s GM would you take Mrazek? Until he proves himself I sure as hell wouldn’t unless the leafs essentially ask for nothing more than a 7th and add a first to make it worthwhile.

Stop expecting any major trades for this team, I don’t even gamble and I’m still willing to bet they won’t lol.

Looking at how they've budgeted and used their $$ I wouldn't be surprised if they announced a long term deal for Vladdy this winter.

They keep drafting well and can back fill as guys fall of the payroll.

Ray and Semien will land them high pick compensation. Gausman came at no compensation. Nice perk.
- The Law

To be honest, I think it's the right time to do that with Bo and Vladdy.

Good points all on pick compensation!

You bring up a good point, Liljegren and Sandin are both up for RFA deals next year. The Leafs probably would have to be careful what they offer these two even without significant NHL experience. The compensation for an offer sheet under $2.055364 is only a 3rd round pick. The draft and July 2022 might be a pretty big challenge for the Leafs.
- winsix

That’s kinda my point. The leafs already have over half the cap being spent in the top 6… they can’t add another 5 million dollar guy or they would have kept Hyman. That’s all the proof I need.

Who you going to get for those 2 stiffs?

Gudbranson?

*whistles and waits*
- Garnie

As per some, Engvall the ALLSTAR should fetch a serious return. Holl is just the throw in for cap relief

So, Engvall alone could get you close to a Hamilton, adding Holl gets you Hamilton plus he will bring his skates.

Sigh. I’m sorry man but you’re fantasizing if you think he’s coming to the leafs. They’re not going to give up on their most versatile player Kerfoot who can play in both offensive and defensive roles while being in the top 5 for team scoring when he only makes 3.5.

And again, if you were another team’s GM would you take Mrazek? Until he proves himself I sure as hell wouldn’t unless the leafs essentially ask for nothing more than a 7th and add a first to make it worthwhile.

Stop expecting any major trades for this team, I don’t even gamble and I’m still willing to bet they won’t lol.
- Dozzer

I'm not expecting any major trades for this team in-season. I merely speculated that Miller would be (frank)ing awesome on this team and, if there was any possibility it could happen that didn't strip all of our assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat and unceremoniously kick Kerf to the curb to make the necessary room.

You know, there's a way to handle debates without calling out your interlocutor's position as "fantasizing" -- especially, when you're on a board where that's pretty much all we do.

As per Mrazek, he signed a 3.8M deal because he is a legitimate NHL goalie who can easily share the load in a tandem. He's had an unexpectedly brutal start to the season (the Leafs (frank)ing sucked and he got himself injured) but to suggest no GM would take him? Come on.

Leafs are tied for 1st with only Washington in the entire NHL but you asshats are talking baseball???

#baseballbuzz sucks.

GLG!


Trade Engvall and Holl, find a nice #4RD to pair with Muzz for $3M and we're golden! Keep swapping in Dermott and Lilj until one clearly beats out the other.
- underhill14

Ya, we've seen the leafs at the top of the league before.
Meh.

Lots going on in baseball right now.

To be honest, I think it's the right time to do that with Bo and Vladdy.

Good points all on pick compensation!
- mjones242

Their starters and pen are already better then they were at the start of last year. For me, they'll grab a wild card or two maybe.

For the lineup I think they hover all around Ramirez and see what it'll cost. I think he has 2 years left before UFA so you could even flip him if things don't work out. He's going to cost a tonne though. Gurriel, plus some top prospects. Everybody wants him. Not sure they'll do it but maybe.

If not I'm kinda hoping they land Story or Baez. Pure, elite SS ....shift Bo to 2B and let Biggio/Espinal platoon at 3B until Moreno is ready.

Please remember the leafs only have the 1st and 2nd pick for this upcoming draft.

Other teams will easily offer more for anyone worth it rather easily
- Dozzer

Would you trade those for a serious run at the Cup? Serious question.


I think I would trade both for a young, cost controlled and legit RD...obviously have to package a few players to get rid of some $$ but I think I would do that deal all day long.

If the Leafs keep playing like they are, those picks will be 25-32 area...or whatever...and will take years to make the NHL "IF" at all.

Then you only have to worry about re-signing some guys or trading ONE of the big guys to make cap space somewhere way down the road, hopefully after a Cup or two.

I'm not expecting any major trades for this team in-season. I merely speculated that Miller would be (frank)ing awesome on this team and, if there was any possibility it could happen that didn't strip all of our assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat and unceremoniously kick Kerf to the curb to make the necessary room.

You know, there's a way to handle debates without calling out your interlocutor's position as "fantasizing" -- especially, when you're on a board where that's pretty much all we do.

As per Mrazek, he signed a 3.8M deal because he is a legitimate NHL goalie who can easily share the load in a tandem. He's had an unexpectedly brutal start to the season (the Leafs (frank)ing sucked and he got himself injured) but to suggest no GM would take him? Come on.
- mjones242

The Leafs team D is giving me some new found hope that Mrazek will be able to get healthy, enjoy some good stats being Campbell's backup, and then have some tradeability in the offseason.

JT Miller is just as versatile (he can play C/LW) and he's a much better player than Kerf by every possible metric.

Ritchie is NOT untradeable (he leads the team in hits). The Leafs can sweeten the pot with an assortment of 1sts and prospects (Robertson, Amirov, Niemela, etc.).

It would be costly - I said as much in my original post - but it could be done. Miller would be a pitch perfect player on this squad.

And yes, he has term so something would have to give in the off-season... but that's something to worry about next year.
- mjones242

Miller plays 22 minutes / game, including getting 1st line power play time in Vancouver and has 19 points in 22 games - 7 of those on the power play.

Kerfoot is playing 15 minutes / game and doesn't get power play time. Kerfoot has 14 points in 23 games - all of those at even strength. So he's playing with NOT the top pair, getting 7 minutes less / game and is outproducing Miller and is making $1.75m less than Miller.

Why are you in such a rush to make a trade to change a team that's lost twice in 16 games?

Miller is such a difference maker that after he was traded for magic beans, his former team won two stanley cups and his new team started digging troughs in the league's basement!

Not that I don't like Miller - he's fine, but he's not a magical difference maker, and we already have Kerfoot who is doing just fine for a lot less money.

Miller plays 22 minutes / game, including getting 1st line power play time in Vancouver and has 19 points in 22 games - 7 of those on the power play.

Kerfoot is playing 15 minutes / game and doesn't get power play time. Kerfoot has 14 points in 23 games - all of those at even strength. So he's playing with NOT the top pair, getting 7 minutes less / game and is outproducing Miller and is making $1.75m less than Miller.

Why are you in such a rush to make a trade to change a team that's lost twice in 16 games?

Miller is such a difference maker that after he was traded for magic beans, his former team won two stanley cups and his new team started digging troughs in the league's basement!

Not that I don't like Miller - he's fine, but he's not a magical difference maker, and we already have Kerfoot who is doing just fine for a lot less money.
- Monkeypunk

Bunting and Kerfoot are doing perfect right now. Come deadline time ...lets measure again and see if an upgrade is needed. Kerfoot's kind been above his usual 5v5 scoring so far. Can he keep it up?

Bunting (.950k) 14 pts and 12 at ES
Hyman (5.25M) 15 pts and 9 at ES

I love Hyman and he has a better all around game but Bunting has been a huge score.

Either way they're in a good spot to re-evaluate at the deadline. I expect the bigger need with be on the blue line if they are going to add.

Miller plays 22 minutes / game, including getting 1st line power play time in Vancouver and has 19 points in 22 games - 7 of those on the power play.

Kerfoot is playing 15 minutes / game and doesn't get power play time. Kerfoot has 14 points in 23 games - all of those at even strength. So he's playing with NOT the top pair, getting 7 minutes less / game and is outproducing Miller and is making $1.75m less than Miller.

Why are you in such a rush to make a trade to change a team that's lost twice in 16 games?

Miller is such a difference maker that after he was traded for magic beans, his former team won two stanley cups and his new team started digging troughs in the league's basement!

Not that I don't like Miller - he's fine, but he's not a magical difference maker, and we already have Kerfoot who is doing just fine for a lot less money.
- Monkeypunk

A few quick points here:

1. I'm NOT in a rush to make a change to this lineup. I mentioned it several comments back that any speculation from my part is further down the line (e.g. TDL).

2. The Canucks are a dumpster fire team that Miller is currently leading in points. Does Kerfoot score at the same pace on the Canucks? Now flip the script: does JT Miller improve on his point totals playing with the Core 4?

3. I'm not sure how the Bolts trading JT Miller (25 at the time) is a knock against him and not Tampa deciding that they had to make room to re-sign Vasiliveskiy that summer and he was bouncing around the 2nd/3rd line at the time. I also take exception to inferring that Miller may be a main contributor to the dumpster that is now Vancouver. You may want to check out their feckless GM who admitted he had no idea wtf was wrong with the team. But yeah, I'm sure it's largely on Miller's shoulders.

Suffice it to say, this is all much ado about nothing. Getting piled on here for something I actually admitted was "probably too costly" has been amusing.

As per some, Engvall the ALLSTAR should fetch a serious return. Holl is just the throw in for cap relief

So, Engvall alone could get you close to a Hamilton, adding Holl gets you Hamilton plus he will bring his skates.
- underhill14

Lol, I’m the only 🦒 lover and he’s left me frazzled 4 outta the 5 last games.

You might get Hamilton’s skate laces.

A few quick points here:

1. I'm NOT in a rush to make a change to this lineup. I mentioned it several comments back that any speculation from my part is further down the line (e.g. TDL).

2. The Canucks are a dumpster fire team that Miller is currently leading in points. Does Kerfoot score at the same pace on the Canucks? Now flip the script: does JT Miller improve on his point totals playing with the Core 4?

3. I'm not sure how the Bolts trading JT Miller (25 at the time) is a knock against him and not Tampa deciding that they had to make room to re-sign Vasiliveskiy that summer and he was bouncing around the 2nd/3rd line at the time. I also take exception to inferring that Miller may be a main contributor to the dumpster that is now Vancouver. You may want to check out their feckless GM who admitted he had no idea wtf was wrong with the team. But yeah, I'm sure it's largely on Miller's shoulders.

Suffice it to say, this is all much ado about nothing. Getting piled on here for something I actually admitted was "probably too costly" has been amusing.
- mjones242

I'd take JT miller in a heartbeat to play as a complementary top6 if we could afford it

I'm not expecting any major trades for this team in-season. I merely speculated that Miller would be (frank)ing awesome on this team and, if there was any possibility it could happen that didn't strip all of our assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat and unceremoniously kick Kerf to the curb to make the necessary room.

You know, there's a way to handle debates without calling out your interlocutor's position as "fantasizing" -- especially, when you're on a board where that's pretty much all we do.

As per Mrazek, he signed a 3.8M deal because he is a legitimate NHL goalie who can easily share the load in a tandem. He's had an unexpectedly brutal start to the season (the Leafs (frank)ing sucked and he got himself injured) but to suggest no GM would take him? Come on.
- mjones242

Listen I know the site is about fantasizing lol but once the season starts I generally cheer for the team. Unless it’s minor tweaks to make room for the appropriate number of players. The leafs can’t spend more in the top 6 without harming the team, and you’ll never convince me otherwise. They’re first overall and scoring is not what they need. A little more stable defensively and that’s about it.

As for Mrazek they’re going to have to dump him in order to be able to afford resigning Campbell if soup keeps playing like this. And with his massive injury history good luck finding a taker of his entire contract unless the leafs essentially give him away.

Sigh. I’m sorry man but you’re fantasizing if you think he’s coming to the leafs. They’re not going to give up on their most versatile player Kerfoot who can play in both offensive and defensive roles while being in the top 5 for team scoring when he only makes 3.5.

And again, if you were another team’s GM would you take Mrazek? Until he proves himself I sure as hell wouldn’t unless the leafs essentially ask for nothing more than a 7th and add a first to make it worthwhile.

Stop expecting any major trades for this team, I don’t even gamble and I’m still willing to bet they won’t lol.
- Dozzer

Dozzer, this is a little bit crazy.

There was a market large enough for him in FA for him to ink a long term deal at 3.8M...That market doesn't go away after a game and a half...

He is injured. Twice. Campbell was injured last season from a groin injury...twice..

Mrazek is the same goalie he was in the summer, just healing up from an injury. It happens.

Would you trade those for a serious run at the Cup? Serious question.


I think I would trade both for a young, cost controlled and legit RD...obviously have to package a few players to get rid of some $$ but I think I would do that deal all day long.

If the Leafs keep playing like they are, those picks will be 25-32 area...or whatever...and will take years to make the NHL "IF" at all.

Then you only have to worry about re-signing some guys or trading ONE of the big guys to make cap space somewhere way down the road, hopefully after a Cup or two.
- underhill14

No I wouldn’t consider trading top end pics anymore unless the team the former picks constructed shows that they can be a solid playoff performer. Until then I hope trading pics goes on hold tbh.

We will need depth at every position to make a significant playoff run

Dozzer, this is a little bit crazy.

There was a market large enough for him in FA for him to ink a long term deal at 3.8M...That market doesn't go away after a game and a half...

He is injured. Twice. Campbell was injured last season from a groin injury...twice..

Mrazek is the same goalie he was in the summer, just healing up from an injury. It happens.
- Santo_44

So what would you pay for him if you were another GM?

I wouldn’t touch him until he proves his value. As for the leafs if they want to keep Campbell moving forward after this year they’re going to need to drop Mrazek to be able to afford him.

We will need depth at every position to make a significant playoff run
- mr.sir

even goalie?

So what would you pay for him if you were another GM?

I wouldn’t touch him until he proves his value. As for the leafs if they want to keep Campbell moving forward after this year they’re going to need to drop Mrazek to be able to afford him.
- Dozzer

He has proved his value. Proof-his market in FA last summer.

He has played 1.5 games he has not lost all his value or any of his value. If you want to value players off of 1.5 games you can, but I don't.

That’s kinda my point. The leafs already have over half the cap being spent in the top 6… they can’t add another 5 million dollar guy or they would have kept Hyman. That’s all the proof I need.
- Dozzer

It's also hard to see Kase resigning unless he takes a pay cut to stay with his buddy Kampf. That Kampf signing is looking pretty good about now.

Something we haven't talked about much is how good Kerfoot has been as a replacement for Hyman in the top six. Kerfoot 14 points +10, Hyman 15 points -3

I like Hyman, but Kase's points will easily replace Kerfoot's production on the third line last year and he's making $4M less than Hyman.