Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle of The Athletic [subscription required] spent some time examining what the Toronto Maple Leafs may do this offseason, specifically, which players were completely safe, who were on the bubble, and how would be moved.
Among the safe names were, of course, players like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner and some of the bigger-name stars. But, on the other end, a couple of blueliners seem destined to be on their way out.
Both noted Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci are likely gone. Both are unrestricted free agents who didn’t live up to expectations.
In respect to Barrie, they write:
Not only will the Leafs be challenged to make room for his next contract, but it’s also hard to make a case why they should even consider it. Barrie doesn’t bring what’s needed on the right side, and that’s a much sturdier defensive presence who can hang tough with dangerous players in a playoff series. We’re looking at a (very) likely one-and-done here.
50/50 are names like Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, and Alex Kerfoot. One or all may be used as trade chips in the offseason to replace the pieces that leave on the blue line.
Johnsson may be the most likely. They note, “To be honest, 50-50 might be high for Johnsson. The Leafs are going to have to shed payroll, and after a poor season, Johnsson could well be targeted.”
Regardless of who goes, someone will. The Maple Leafs are far too close the cap ceiling not to have to make significant changes, especially if you consider the salary cap could take a huge dip in the wrong direction if you’re the Maple Leafs.
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