Pity.
Wish they hadn't resigned as many vet Marlies time this is the case. While it's no huge loss still think he can turn into a quality 4C in the NHL, some team will take a chance on him
Greening and Mueller could be deemed necessary. Marlies lack veteran depth up front, and both bring some size/grit that the team lacked. Plus both play center, another thing this team lacks.
There is room for Toninato, but it did get a lot tougher once we signed Greening and Mueller. The Leafs did have 4 open spots (minus 3 RFA's, which equals 1 open spot) for him. I guess 50/50 was not going to happen right now, but considering we have to move out a ton of guys, there would have been contract space for him. Just a matter of lineup spot, which is not there right now.
It's quite possible the Leafs just move Toninato for a pick or throw him into a bigger deal and be done with it. He's a good defensive forward, but the Leafs center spots are not exactly up for grabs in the near future. Kadri has the 3C locked down. Gauthier has the future 4C spot locked down essentially (and it's not hard to fill a 4C spot otherwise). Brooks and Joshua are fighting for similar roles sooner rather than later. Leafs need more guys like McGregor, Bobylev and Kara; guys who can be ready to fight for a center (or wing) spot in 4 or 5 years.