Why Zach Werenski is the perfect fit to be the Maple Leafs new number-one D-man

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to get themselves some Zach Werenski

Nov 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Alex Laferriere (14) passes against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Alex Laferriere (14) passes against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
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Means

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the means to get this done.

First, the cap space: The 27 year-old Werenski makes $9.5 million dollars against the salary cap for the next four years. Not paying Tavares pretty much takes care of that going forward, but what about this year?

David Kampf, Max Domi and Simon Benoit represent $7.5 milion. That's really more like $5.9 in savings once league-minimum players take up the two roster spots that Domi and Kampf represent.

The Blue Jackets have a ton of cap space, so they'd likely take the Leafs cast-offs and retain some salary if the Leafs made an attractive enough offer.

The offer should start with Easton Cowan and perhaps a few draft picks to cover the cost of retained salary. The Blue Jackets would be getting one of the top prospects in the NHL in exchange for a defenseman who will be in his early 30s before they are competitive.

The Leafs could reasonably be said to have the means to get this done.

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