Toronto Maple Leafs and their 2017-18 Salary Cap Status

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Salary Cap.

Frank Seravalli has reported that next season, the salary cap is rising $2 million to $75 million. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in good shape. With two RFA’s to sign, Connor Brown and Zach Hyman, the Leafs have cap space to sign Brian Boyle and a backup goalie. The Toronto Maple Leafs now have $14,054,166 available minus the bonus overage penalty from their stupendous rookie class.

"The team could end up paying out as much as $5,582,500 in bonuses this season, which league sources believe would be the second-highest total ever. sportsnet.ca"

"The Toronto Maple Leafs 2017-18 SeasonPROJECTED CAP HIT  : $60,945,834 /PROJECTED CAP SPACE  : $14,054,166PROJECTED LTIR USED : $0 / CURRENT CAP SPACE: $14,054,166$63,243,747 / TODAYS CAP HIT: $60,945,834ROSTER SIZE: 19 of 23/ CONTRACTS: 37/50Capfriendly.com"

At this point, the Maple Leafs don’t have $14,054,166 to spend for the upcoming season due to performance bonuses paid to the rookies.

Overage Bonuses for the Rookie Class

At this point should Nikita Zaitsev be named to the All Rookie Team, the Maple Leafs will have an overage penalty of $5,582,500 this season.$14,054,166 – $5,582,500 = $8,461,166

$14,054,166 – $5,582,500 = $8,461,166

New Contracts for RFA’s Brown and Hyman

First and foremost, the team must sign RFA’s Connor Brown and Zach Hyman. Speculation has raged over the term and cost of these future contracts. I believe the Leafs should sign both to 5 year deals.

• Hyman, 5 years $10 M/ $2M per year.
• Brown 5 years $16.25M/ $2.25M per year.

If they risk a bridge for either player, it will cost them in 2 years. As a 22-year-old rookie, Brown scored 20 goals a while skating on a checking line. He has improved every year since the Erie Otters drafted him as a skinny 135 lb. teen.

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Zach Hyman was taking a different career path though his journey ultimately led to the same destination. An offensive dynamo with the Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL, he joined Red Berenson’s Michigan Wolverines where he learned to play a complete 200′ game.

While scoring 22 goals and 54 points in 37 games, Hyman was the  Wolverines most dependable two-way forwards. Hyman was also a Hobey Baker finalist in 2015 before being acquired by the Leafs. Though oft criticized as weighing down Matthews and Nylander, Hyman is a elite forechecker with a knack for creating mayhem in addition to separating the puck from the opposition.

$8,461,166 – Brown’s $2.25M – Hyman’s $2M = $4,211,166.

Fourth Line Centre, Sign Brian Boyle!

Brian Boyle is a great 4th line NHL centre. He is big, strong and determined with or without the puck. Above all, Boyle morphed the Leafs fourth line from a defensive liability to an analytic darling. With the speed and scoring of Kapanen, the determination and toughness of Matt Martin  and the doggedness and physicality of Boyle, the Leafs fourth line matches up well with any in the league. Brian Boyle, 2 years, $4.5M $2.25M per season.

$4,211,166 – $2,250,000 = $1,961,166

All things considered, there is not as much cap space as everyone thinks.

Brian Elliot as the New Backup

Brian Elliott has been a very good goalie throughout his career. Last season’s 2.55 GAA. is his worst in six seasons. Elliott thrives with a workload between 25-38 games thus allowing Freddy Andersen plenty of rest before the postseason.

In my opinion, Elliott is the perfect candidate for the Leafs backup. I outlined my thoughts and reasons here. Since earning $7.5 M ($2.5 M x three years) on his last contract, he will need to accept less on his next deal. After blowing his opportunity with the Flames as their number one goaltender, there is no doubt a one year deal at $1.25 million should work for both parties.

$1,961,166 – $1,250,000 = $711,166

After paying the bonus overage, new contracts for Brown, Hyman and Boyle plus signing  a backup goalie, the Toronto Maple Leafs are left with $711,166.

The Five and Six Defencemen

Alexi Marchenko and Martin Marincin are a ready-made pair for the third pairing. Furthermore, the Leafs have both under contract for the coming year. Should the team go this route, the Leafs enter the season under the salary cap. Should the Leafs need more cap space, options are available. The Leafs can place Joffrey Lupul ($5,250,000) and Nathan Horton ($5,300,000) on LTIR. (long-term injured reserve )

Mike Babcock wants Matt Hunwick

Sportsnet reported Mike Babcock would like his “good man and good pro” to return next season. Andrew Boehmer has covered all possibilities here.

Should the Leafs sign Hunwick, they have a few options.

• Make a trade thereby moving dollars and an SPC.
• Move an existing contract to the Marlies.
• Place Horton and/or Lupul on LTIR.

Meanwhile, due to travel problems, Lamoriello and McPhee were unable to meet yesterday. Even so, I have a feeling something is in the pipeline. Come on Lou, make this a day to remember.

Lou, make some magic.

Next: Trade Talk Heating Up

For instance, LVGK takes Lupul as part of a larger transaction whereby the end results are the Toronto Maple Leafs finally acquire that top-four right-handed defenceman.

In a few short hours, Leafs fans will have some answers.

Go Leafs!

all stats: capfriendly.com eliteprospects.com