It was reported today that the Leafs were hit with $5.37 million in Bonus Overages.
Not sure about how all this plays out, but the Leafs have approximately $8 million tied up in 3 forwards, Lupul, Fehr and Smith (unless something happens in the interim), which one would think be enough to get Nylander under a long term deal and still have some money left to go towards bonuses of Matthews and Marner next year. And, there are other UFAs that could be moved, but of course that involves getting into some of the vets such as JVR, Bozak or Komorov. Horton LTIR ends one year after Matthews and Marner end their entry level deals. Wondering how the Leafs might be able to bridge some of that gap? I don't profess to be super schooled on cap legalities, so maybe someone might like to offer some insight?
Seems to me though Matthews probably projects like $9-10 million guy and maybe Marner and Nylander between $6-8 million depending on the seasons they have, and willingness to take hometown discounts. Shanny, Lou and company seem to be pretty savvy so far, so I trust they'll figure it out. Cap could also grow a bit over the next two years.