2020-2021 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

[Bullfrog]

I don't think it's as big a deal as you make it out to be. Do you have a reason to believe his point pace wasn't sustainable?

They're only a month apart in age and signing their deals one year apart; you seem to indicate, strangely, that they were three years different in age at assumed signing date. On Oct.02, 2019 (the NHL start date), Johnsson would have been approx. 1.5 months shy of 25. On Oct.02, 2020 (approx. start date in normal year), Mikheyev would have been approx. a week shy of 26. Do you have a reason to believe that Mikhevey signing his deal a year after Johnsson is significant?

I think Mikheyev's previous KHL experience is equivalent to Johnsson's AHL experience, particularly because I think most agree the KHL is a harder league than the AHL.

Besides, no one's suggesting he'll get $3.4M. I obviously see more in Mikheyev than others, but I honestly don't think he's very far off of Johnsson's value at all.

Mikheyev points in three years prior to contract (KHL/NHL):
106 points in 155 games (0.68 pt/g)

Johnsson points in three years prior to contract (AHL/NHL):
147 points in 211 games (0.70 pt/g)

Last year, they had very similar scoring rates on the same team with nearly the exact same TOI/game; the difference being Johnsson got 2 minutes on the PP per game (resulting in 5 PPP) and Mikheyev got 2 minutes on the PK (which, btw, puts him 2nd on the team for SH TOI/GP for forwards).

 

[Bullfrog]

I was expecting him to get over $2M for sure; figured he'd ask for $3+. Johnsson got $3.4M after a single season at the almost exact points-per-game.

Will you shut up...whose side are you on here?

Be quiet.

Back up the Brinks truck, Mikheyev is getting PAID.

 

[disco]

I was expecting him to get over $2M for sure; figured he'd ask for $3+. Johnsson got $3.4M after a single season at the almost exact points-per-game.

Will you shut up...whose side are you on here?

Be quiet.

Back up the Brinks truck, Mikheyev is getting PAID.

He's a winger on the Leafs not named Marner or Nylander. An army of guys would be salivating to play on the LW with Tavares and Willy. After the Big Four, defence and goaltending I don't see a lot of cap dollars spent on anyone else. I'd be shocked to see anyone making more than $1.5-million, epecially with Kerfoot and Hyman currently occupying that category. Johnsson and Kapanen's exile certainly indicates the way their heading.

 

[Kin]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

 

[Redleaf]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

It looks like a good chunk of the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

You always need a constant flow of players either from your own drafting or via UFAs. If Lehtonen plays well and you want him, you will move other pieces to fit him in. You can gain 4.25 with Holl and Hyman(ufa) if need be. You just have to decide which is the most important position. If they go with Freddie after this season, can they get him for the same price? Maybe it's Campbell so now they have another 5 mill to sign a goalie and whatever. There's all kinds of scenarios and every year will be fun. Next year, Hyman, Andersen, Lehtonen, Barabanov are UFA's.
As for this year, I think, obviously, the more Mikheyev gets, the less Dermott gets offered. I hope the Leafs can workout a deal and sign Mik for 1.5 over 2 years. That would allow them to sign Dermott up to 1.4 for 2 years and Robertson will start on the Marlies, if Vesey makes the team. Anything close to 2 mill and someone is probably going because they won't have enough to sign Dermott. Today/tomorrow is key with Mikheyev.

 

[Kin]

It looks like half the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

Truth is that because of backdiving deals and a constantly growing cap, hockey fans have never really had to deal with the realities of what a hard cap means for teams. The Leafs having a bunch of high paid players exacerbates it, sure, but any good team will be in basically the same situation. We're seeing it in Tampa where they're getting their stars at massive discounts too.

 

[Redleaf]

It looks like half the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

Truth is that because of backdiving deals and a constantly growing cap, hockey fans have never really had to deal with the realities of what a hard cap means for teams. The Leafs having a bunch of high paid players exacerbates it, sure, but any good team will be in basically the same situation. We're seeing it in Tampa where they're getting their stars at massive discounts too.

Yeah. It just feels like this year is quite a bit different with so many 1 year deals dished out.

 

[herman]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

It looks like a good chunk of the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

Does it? The top end of the team performing excellently (with good goaltending) is what past Stanley Cup winners (and deep-drive teams) have been doing. Occasionally, third-line depth factors in if the top-6 neutralizes. If even one top line outperforms the opponent, you're in a good spot.

 

[Kin]

Yeah. It just feels like this year is quite a bit different with so many 1 year deals dished out.

Well, yes. This year is quite a bit different.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

That would allow them to sign Dermott up to 1.4 for 2 years and Robertson will start on the Marlies, if Vesey makes the team.

Just a small note, Robertson as of right now cannot play with the Marlies because of his age. There's been speculation that he might be allowed to if the OHL season doesn't happen but until there's direct confirmation otherwise I think we should assume all the various hockey leagues will attempt to play.

 

[Redleaf]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

It looks like a good chunk of the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

Does it? The top end of the team performing excellently (with good goaltending) is what past Stanley Cup winners (and deep-drive teams) have been doing. Occasionally, third-line depth factors in if the top-6 neutralizes. If even one top line outperforms the opponent, you're in a good spot.

I hope your right. It will be very interesting to see what they do next year when so many of their players contracts expire though. I wonder how many UFAs will want to sign 1-year deals next summer.

EDIT: It will be more interesting if they have a good run with the current squad but don't quite make it to the final.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

It looks like a good chunk of the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

This isn't just a Leaf issue. A lot of teams up against the cap are in the same position. You really have to draft well because the kids will play sooner rather then later. Scouting is key for the draft and finding unsigned UFA's .
Also with the influx of younger talent in the league, you will always find vets who will play in your bottom 6 for not much money.

 

[Guilt Trip]

That would allow them to sign Dermott up to 1.4 for 2 years and Robertson will start on the Marlies, if Vesey makes the team.

Just a small note, Robertson as of right now cannot play with the Marlies because of his age. There's been speculation that he might be allowed to if the OHL season doesn't happen but until there's direct confirmation otherwise I think we should assume all the various hockey leagues will attempt to play.

I forgot that part. Thanks for the reminder. I was just looking at numbers and waiver status. Looks like Barabanov(waiver exempt) or Vesey will start there if they keep Robertson.

 

[herman]

It will be very interesting to see what they do next year when so many of their players contracts expire. I wonder how many UFAs will want to sign 1-year deals next summer.

With escrow guaranteed to be massive this year and next, most players will likely just be punting on one-year deals to see if they can maximize for term and value after that clawback has passed. See the long term deals signed this off season, when the first two years are suppressed, and balloon back up year 3+. The upper tier UFAs are still mostly sheltered from this to a degree (Pietrangelo, Krug), even though they aren't making the 8-10M they might have expected under non-pandemic situations.

The situation is advantageous to the Leafs who don't have any bottom six or bottom pairings locked into term and high cap hits. Lots more talent getting pushed into our price range. The opportunity to punch in a crap ton more points with the Leafs high-event style vs NYI/CBJ/OTT's boring nothing game also helps steer better options our way.

 

[Redleaf]

Not that it matters a ton as I'm fairly convinced some sort of workable deal happens here but this situation should be kept in mind when these free agents come over from Europe. If Mikheyev hadn't gotten hurt and had put up the 17 goal/48 point season he was on pace for he'd almost certainly have priced himself off the team.

So on a capped out team these guys should probably be seen as one year adds with very limited long or even mid term benefit.

Yeah you basically need a constant flow of these guys. If Barabanov doesn't get much of a shot to make the team hopefully that doesn't cause future imports to look at the Leafs a little differently.

This is something that goes double for Lehtonen too as he'll go directly to UFA status after his 1 year deal. If he's as good as people say that could just be a one and done situation.

It looks like a good chunk of the team will need to be replaced every single year if this is the strategy. It certainly depends on a helluva lot of luck to ice a very competitive team year in and year out if they plan on doing it this way.

This isn't just a Leaf issue. A lot of teams up against the cap are in the same position. You really have to draft well because the kids will play sooner rather then later. Scouting is key for the draft and finding unsigned UFA's .
Also with the influx of younger talent in the league, you will always find vets who will play in your bottom 6 for not much money.

Oh I agree. I guess this year is so different with sooooo many 1-year contracts, I can't help wonder how they're going to repeat what they did this off season to fill all the vacant spots next year.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Oh I agree. I guess this year is so different with sooooo many 1-year contracts, I can't help wonder how they're going to repeat what they did this off season to fill all the vacant spots next year.

Guys like Korshkov, Anderson, and Hallander could all be ready to step into bottom-6 roles by 21/22. Also unless they're going out on top, or the Leafs have sucked every last ounce of hockey out of them, I wouldn't be stunned to see Thornton and/or Spezza re-up again.

 

[L K]

Oh I agree. I guess this year is so different with sooooo many 1-year contracts, I can't help wonder how they're going to repeat what they did this off season to fill all the vacant spots next year.

Guys like Korshkov, Anderson, and Hallander could all be ready to step into bottom-6 roles by 21/22. Also unless they're going out on top, or the Leafs have sucked every last ounce of hockey out of them, I wouldn't be stunned to see Thornton and/or Spezza re-up again.

And if not Thornton or Spezza another random veteran.  If you have the core together and we keep getting some development out of Matthews/Marner/Nylander the Leafs are going to be attractive to guys getting lesser roles at the end of their careers.

 

[bustaheims]

And if not Thornton or Spezza another random veteran.  If you have the core together and we keep getting some development out of Matthews/Marner/Nylander the Leafs are going to be attractive to guys getting lesser roles at the end of their careers.

Yeah. There are always vets near the end of their careers available as UFAs. For instance, Getzlaf is on track to be a UFA next summer. He might not be willing to sign a league minimum contract, but a cheaper deal (In the $1.5M-$2M range) or one with a cheap base and a bunch of performance bonuses (his next contract will be a 35+ deal) is definitely a possibility.