Prediction #7:
Two forwards who are not considered “Dubas Types” will be signed.
What Actually Happened: Wayne Simmonds and Joey Anderson were brought in to add “grit” to the bottom-six.
In his prime, Wayne Simmonds was the premier model of an NHL power forward. He could match the goal-scoring of just about anyone, save for Alex Ovechkin, and not shy away from the physical aspects of the game as well. While the on-ice impacts of Simmonds are sure to be significant, his off-ice work in the dressing room and on the bench is going to make an impression as well.
The Leafs got Joey Anderson from the Devils, and he’s a physical player in the mold of Zach Hyman. Both these players fit the mold of players who are not considered “Dubas Types” even though Dubas has consistently added these types of players since he has been with the Leafs (Zach Hyman was his first NHL trade).
Prediction #8:
Frederik Gauthier and Denis Malgin are not re-signed.
What Actually Happened: Malgin was re-signed, however, Gauthier was not.
Drafted in the first round, 21st overall, in the 2013 NHL draft, Gauthier had the tools to become a great two-way NHL centerman. At 6′ 5″, 239 lbs, few could match up size-wise down the middle against the “Goat”. However, the Laval, Quebec native just never was able to put it together with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Primarily the Leafs fourth line pivot in 2019-20, Gauthier leaves the only organization he has ever known, finishing with 13 goals and 31 points in 168 games .
Malgin, who has traded mid-2019-20 season for prospect Mason Marchment, showed enough to Leaf management in his eight-game stint he deserved to be resigned to a league-minimum contract. There is not really much to quibble with over his resigning as Malgin is a perfectly fine 14th or 15th forward.