I get asked about the Maple Leafs’ salary cap situation a lot.



Sometimes it’s on the radio. Sometimes it’s by readers on social media. And the answer I’ve given for the last six months or so is “They’re fine. They’ve got plenty of room to manoeuvre — and a nice window to win — with their three high profile kids all on entry level deals.



“But… there’s cap pain coming. It’s just two years away.”



That pain is currently forecast for the 2019-20 season, which might feel like the extremely distant future in Toronto right now, given how optimistic the fan base is after such a strong year.



But by 2019, both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner will have their second contracts count against the salary cap. By 2019, William Nylander’s deal will be there, too. And Jake Gardiner becomes an unrestricted free agent, one likely due for a considerable raise.



So...