Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

[Vettz25]

Hi folks. So my playthrough will be a fun one, not meant to really be realistic. Salary Cap will be off, that said I will try to avoid stupidly outlandish contracts to keep it reasonable and will not stack my team with 90s. Morale will be kept on, which helps prevent stacking for long.

There will be a Seattle team. As there is no "Kraken" Play by Play option and no logo that does it justice anyways, I went with a completely different team name: Seattle Grizzlies.

Now I will be honest I'm very bad at matching game colors with real life so the colors are completely off. Sorry folks. The green Alternate uniforms are homage to Seattle being known as The Emerald City. Arizona will move to the Central Division with Seattle playing in the Pacific.


However I will be playing as the Toronto Maple Leafs in this Dynasty. What will become of Barrie & Muzzin? Will one, both or neither return? Stay tuned!20200727_194927_HDR.jpeg20200727_194931.jpeg20200727_194946.jpeg20200727_194955.jpeg20200727_195005.jpeg

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

AHL MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST TEAM OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICAN MAINLAND

Introducing the Hawaii Islanders. Playing out of the Neil S Blaisdell Center, they will be the AHL affiliate to the Seattle Grizzlies. 20200727_211804.jpeg20200727_211812.jpeg20200727_211820.jpeg20200727_214126.jpeg

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[SENS_AK27]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Love the Hawaii minor league club. Great job.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Alright, so Pre-Franchise Notes:

-As stated, I'm playing for fun but will try to keep it realistic. No salary cap gives me options, but I don't like being stuck with horrible contracts myself

-Waivers are on, so that also limits high quality players

-Ordinarily I sim most games and play games vs Rivals or Playoff games when needed. For this playthrough though, I will play at least 4 regular season games each month (all home, 2 NHL, 2 AHL). I will likely sim preseason and will play every other game in the NHL playoffs (simming AHL)

That said, moving forward to the Expansion Draft!

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

GM DUBAS SUBMITS PROTECTION LIST, MUZZIN & JOHNSSON LEFT EXPOSED

Team Reporter Bubba O'Neil, who will continue to provide crucial information moving forward, reports that Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas has submitted a list of players protected from Seattle. Having a dearth of forward depth, plus 3 NMCs, left a difficult choice in the backend and a good depth forward left exposed as well.

No Movement Clauses prevented the exposure of David Clarkson & Nathan Horton, and automatically protected John Tavares who was already a lock. This left 7 skater positions to spread between the rest (and 1 goaltender).

Automatic locks for protection were Matthews, Marner, Reilly & Nylander, along with goaltender Frederik Andersen. Travis Dermott was another easy selection given his age.

That left two spots, 1 for a defenseman and 1 for a forward.

At forward, it was a 3 way battle between Kasperi Kapanen, Zach Hyman & Andreas Johnsson. Hyman was the oldest and Dubas is hoping that is age will protect him, for he is also exposed.

The decision to protect Kapanen was simply based on age and contract, being cheaper and on a shorter contract.


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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

GM DUBAS SUBMITS PROTECTION LIST, MUZZIN & JOHNSSON LEFT EXPOSED

Team Reporter Bubba O'Neil, who will continue to provide crucial information moving forward, reports that Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas has submitted a list of players protected from Seattle. Having a dearth of forward depth, plus 3 NMCs, left a difficult choice in the backend and a good depth forward left exposed as well.

No Movement Clauses prevented the exposure of David Clarkson & Nathan Horton, and automatically protected John Tavares who was already a lock. This left 7 skater positions to spread between the rest (and 1 goaltender).

Automatic locks for protection were Matthews, Marner, Reilly & Nylander, along with goaltender Frederik Andersen. Travis Dermott was another easy selection given his age.

That left two spots, 1 for a defenseman and 1 for a forward.

At forward, it was a 3 way battle between Kasperi Kapanen, Zach Hyman & Andreas Johnsson. Hyman was the oldest and Dubas is hoping that is age will protect him, for he is also exposed.

The decision to protect Kapanen was simply based on age and contract, being cheaper and on a shorter contract.


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At Defense, the choice was between Tyson Barrie & Jake Muzzin. Both on expiring contracts, neither guaranteed to return.

However, Barrie is 3 years younger, and therefore stood the best chance of resigning.

Cody Ceci, Jack Campbell and Denis Malgin are also exposed, but are less likely to be chosen.

It will be interesting to see who Seattle chooses

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Love the Hawaii minor league club. Great job.

I was originally considering doing one in one of Seattle's "Sister Cities". Would have been Kobe Japan. I admit I was tempted but didn't think it could be believable lol

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

JOHNSSON PLUCKED BY GRIZZLIES

Seattle Grizzlies Depth Chart (listed alphabetically, *indicates in minors)

Center:
N. Acciari, T. Blueger, J. Dickinson, M. Phillips*, E. Staal, Y. Trenin*

Left Wing:
A. Johnsson, M. Jones, J. Martinook, F. Perron*, E. Svechnikov*

Right Wing:
C. Atkinson, C. Garland, G. Hathaway, O. Kase, M. Luff*, V. Nichushkin

Defense:
R. Bortuzzo, T. Carrick*, L. Hajek, C. Jones, J. McCabe, I. McCoshen, R. McDonagh, M. Niskanen

Goalie:
E. Comrie, C. Lindgren*, A. Nilsson, C. Schneider*

Based on those selections, former Leaf Andreas Johnsson stands a good chance at top line, likely with Eric Stall & Cam Atkinson, with Ondrej Kase being his surprisingly strongest competition for the spot

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

DUBAS PULLS TRIGGER AT DRAFT

General Manager Kyle Dubas has made rifts around the league, trading 3 players to restock an otherwise bare draft pick pool, adding two 1st round picks and two 2nd round picks.

First to go, Jeremy Bracco to San Jose for the 2nd Round Picks (VGK & NSH), both in the 2019 Draft, one of which was used to select Top 6 Forward Isaac Nurse, of Hamilton.

Next up was Defenseman Jake Muzzin, traded to Vancouver instead of losing him to free agency for nothing. The return? The 10th Overall pick, used to select Elite defenseman Nathan Staios, son of former NHLer Steve Staios, also of Hamilton. Dubas opted to take a Top 10 pick and do a 1-for-1 trade as opposed to drafting later and adding another pick.

Lastly, Center Denis Malgin was sent to Pittsburgh for their 2019 1st Rounder, used to select Elite Goaltender Kari Pirronen, giving the Leafs their hopeful future Andresen replacement

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

DUBAS OVERHAULS MINOR LEAGUE, LOSES BARRIE

Defenseman Tyson Barrie expressed the desire to test free agency and Dubas, knowing the cost to change his mind would be prohibitive, opted to allow him.

Also leaving to test free agency is Jason Spezza.

A few other minor league players were also shown the door, including goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo. David Clarkson and Nathan Horton were both cut loose at last.

Stay tuned to see who survived and who didn't and who will be added over free agency. Who will replace Tyson Barrie?

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

DUBAS OVERHAULS MINOR LEAGUE, LOSES BARRIE

Defenseman Tyson Barrie expressed the desire to test free agency and Dubas, knowing the cost to change his mind would be prohibitive, opted to allow him.

Also leaving to test free agency is Jason Spezza.

A few other minor league players were also shown the door, including goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo. David Clarkson and Nathan Horton were both cut loose at last.

Stay tuned to see who survived and who didn't and who will be added over free agency. Who will replace Tyson Barrie?

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I apologize for this slip up. I got a little ahead of myself and forgot to keep track of who I didn't sign. I didn't buy anyone out, so a search of Leafs UFAs should tell you ,[emoji1745]

I'm sorry folks [emoji2357]

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

DUBAS CONTINUES OVERHAUL IN FREE AGENCY

General Manager Kyle Dubas has once again made news with his most recent signings

Beginning in goal, he shored up the backup spot by signing Anton Khduobin, and also greatly improving the minor league goaltending by adding Mike Smith

In the backend, he finally found a security blanket for Reilly, by signing Dustin Byfuglien. His 6'5 frame should work wonders next to Morgan Reilly

Additionally, the team added to it's physicality by adding defenseman Travis Hamonic, who will likely slot in next to Travis Dermott.

Additionally, former Leafs Dion Phaneuf & Brian Boyle return for depth defenseman/4th line grinder roles.

A list of all signings will come at free agency end

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Free Agency Signings (July 1st-September 13 2019)

C. Brian Boyle, 1 Year/$1.5M
C. Gaetan Haas, 1 Year/$1.5M
C. Dominic Moore, 1 Year/$1M
LW Conor Sheary, 2 Years/$3M
D Dustin Byfuglien, 2 Years/$5.5M
D Travis Hamonic, 2 Years/$4.8M
D Dion Phaneuf, 1 Year/$1.8M
D Paul LaDue, 1 Year/$1.2M
D Luke Schenn, 1 Year/$1.2M
D Andy Welinski, 1 Year/$1.2M
G Anton Khduobin, 1 Year/$2M
G Mike Smith, 1 Year/1.7M

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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

DUBAS ANNOUNCES PRESEASON ROSTER/GAMEPLAN

Kyle Dubas has announced that the first 5 games of the preseason will be the chance for younger players to get NHL experience. Game 6 will include most regulars with some possible exceptions.

Games 1-5 Lineup:

Petan-Robertson-Aberg
Kossila-Der Arguchintsev-Engvall
Agostino-Moore-Gauthier
Salomaki-Haas-Korshkov

Sandin-Liljegren
Marincin-Hollowell
Lindgren-Rosen

Starter: Mike Smith
Backup Joseph Woll



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[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Preseason Stats as of end of Game 6:

Record: 3-3-0

Team Leaders:
Goals: Frederik Gauthier (3)
Assists: Dominic Moore/Timothy Liljegren (4)
Points: Frederik Gauthier/Timothy Liljegren (5)

Goalies:
Joseph Woll (Games Played 3)
2-1-0, 0 SO, .900 Save %, 2.71 GAA

Mike Smith (Games Played 5)
1-3-0, 0 SO, .897 Save %, 3.19 GAA

Following the game, General Manager Kyle Dubas met with head coach Gaspard Savard and decided on who, if any, of the fringe players would remain.

Rookies Nicholas Robertson and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev will likely be sent down to juniors. Meanwhile goaltenders Joseph Woll and Mike Smith are both expected to end up in the minors, with Andersen, Khduobin & Jack Campbell locked in as 1-2-3 in the NHL. Game 6 Lineup will be revealed later!

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