Hyman - Matthews - Nylander
Marner - Tavares - Brown
Kapanen - Kadri - Marleau
Johnsson - Someone - Someone
I think they need two defensemen though to bolster the lineup. Polak needs to be replaced and realistically I think we need to find an upgrade in the top 6. Expecting Gardiner to bounce back to his 2015 season and for Dermott to progress is something I think the Leafs need to stop waiting for. I think next year is a season where the expectations for the team is to go on a legitimate playoff run and not just make the playoffs.
You can add Josh Leivo to that list IMO. Then there is only one hole to fill. I think next season is exactly why the Leafs signed him to another year.
I know it's easy to look back now, but man, would it have been great if the Leafs had traded JVR, Bozak, and Komarov and then tried to run the gamut with their remaining pieces. Forget trading for Plekanec. Just load up on some more picks and see what happens. By not doing that they have lowered their ceiling somewhat in terms of what this team could eventually do.
It's easy to say that now and they really were oh so close to beating Boston. But I remember at the time I had wished the Leafs had either gone for it or else do what I just mentioned above. Actually what could have proven to be the best move was to do absolutely nothing. The team played quite well down the stretch. Maybe trade JVR if the right offer comes along. I guess no one blew Lamoriello away with an offer.