Leafs counter offer:
To OTTAWA:
(D) Ron Hainsey $3M x 1 yr, UFA
(F) Frédérik Gauthier $675K x 2 yrs, RFA
(D) Calle Rosén $925K x 1 yr, RFA
To TORONTO:
(D) Cody Ceci, $4.3M x 1 yr, RFA
Why this is an improvement:
Toronto: Leafs clear out Hainsey, whose veteran presence isn’t as required, since landing Tavares. Gives Rielly the leadership role outright on D. Ceci is a young, RFA asset to replace Hainsey, whose cap hit is manageable and likely won’t be much larger next year.
Ottawa: They get a gud pro in Hainsey who will be a big help to a beleaguered Sens defensive group. They also add a defensive C to help soften the damage of Pageau’s injury. Gauthier is BURIED in Toronto. Calle Rosen is also another young D that has potential, but will not get much opportunity as the Leafs have too few spots open to give him a shot.
Dollar-wise Ottawa is taking on an extra $300K which is negligible.