Addressing the 7 open slots
Internal options
Will Dubas resign any of his free agents? Here’s my take on the possibility regarding some key contributors.
Zach Hyman – No. I absolutely love Hyman as a player, and this sounds nuts, but I don’t think he’s coming back. With his injury history, is he worth 5-6 mill on a long-term deal? With a flat cap? And keeping the other big 4 forwards? I just don’t see it.
I don’t blame Hyman a lick. He’s earned it. I’ll wish him well if he’s gone and thank him for his outstanding service.
Jason Spezza – Yes. All the way yes. Spezza will retire a Leaf and join the team in some kind of coaching or scouting capacity.
Alex Galchenyuk – No. It’s definitely possible, but I just think some other team will offer him more than the 1 mill/yr that Dubas will be comfortable with.
Nick Foligno – Yes. This is my hot take of the article right here. Well, technically I need to give credit to Chris Johnston for mentioning this on the latest SDP. He made us all gasp by saying there may be a chance he comes back on a short term deal. Unfinished business and all. Yup…my fingers are crossed. A Hyman replacement.
Zach Bogosian – Yes. 1-2 million range on a short-term deal would be a perfect fit for this team. He was much better than people thought he was going to be, and he was good in the playoffs as well. I hope he comes back.
Ben Hutton – Yes. He could be the 7th defenseman next year. He kind of fits that role perfectly.
Are there young players ready to step up?
Rasmus Sandin – Yes. He’s got a spot in the top 6. Some people think he can move up but I really don’t think he’s ready yet. He’s a year away from being able to handle top 4 minutes in my opinion. Might work out perfectly for when the Leafs don’t resign Rielly (oops…did I say that?).
Timothy Liljegren – No. I haven’t seen enough from him to suggest he’s ready to be a regular on a contending team. He’ll get in some games if there are injuries, but I think he gets top minutes for the Marlies again.
Nick Roberston – Depends. I’m cheating here, but I’ve heard mixed reports on this guy. Some think he’s going to play in the top 6 next season and there are some people in the organization that think he needs another year in the AHL. He only played in 21 AHL games, scoring 5 goals, and sustained a concussion late in the year.
Personally, I need to see him in training camp and exhibition games before I have an opinion. He’s only played 10 NHL games so there hasn’t really been a lot to evaluate. He definitely needs better balance, and that comes with maturity and off-season training.
Joey Anderson – Yes. Speed and a “work boots” game. I think he plays in the bottom 6 next year.
Filip Hallander – Depends. Cheating again. This time it depends on what kind of moves Dubas makes. If he’s really tight against the cap, then I think Hallander makes this team. He’s smart and a real competitive two-way player that’s very decisive with good instincts. The kid can play. But, he turns 21 this summer and another year of development wouldn’t be a bad thing. I think Dubas would rather fill a spot with an NHL player instead.