3pt Series - This TDL

Why trade away your 3rd best dman before you go in a run?

I like Gardiner a lot...I think he's severely underappreciated in this market. I also prefer to keep pending UFA's as our own rentals when making a playoff run.

TBH it certainly wouldn't be necessary and might not even make sense....but if Babcock is going to keep playing Hainsey on the top pairing with Rielly and Muzzin as 2LHD...I think there's an argument there to let Dermott stay as 3LHD and acquire assets for Gardiner

Totally agree, I think optimally; Reilly, Muzzin and Dermot on the Left side, and pick up 2 RHD if possible. I really can't imagine Leafs management being comfortable going into a playoff series with say; Boston, with Gardiner and Zaitsev back there.

I've been critical of a lot of Zaitsev trades on here, but I like the idea of this one.

I still think you'd have to give up a B prospect (A Bracco type guy who has some upside, but not necessarily Bracco), to get someone to take the remaining years on a Zaitsev deal, but the Rangers aren't a bad team to send him to.

Maybe McQuaid for Bracco+Zaitsev+2nd?

Ya...I definitely don't like giving up so much just to move Zaitsev out...but the remaining term is killer....and I'd rather pay a small price to move out Z than lose Nylander or Kapanen in an unbalanced deal like I've seen a lot of on here