TML-STL-VGK-VAN-EDM

maybe who knows.

VAN declines - Tanev far > Zaitsev, TOR isn't making conference finals, 4th round isn't enough for them to retain 50%
EDM declines - Brown is a 3rd/4th line player, not worth a 3rd (no matter how many pts he put up with McDavid in junior... lame narrative to overpay for him)
VGK should decline - Vegas win now, trading top 4 RHD on good contract for a pick they don't need + a prospect who may or may not make a NHL roster isn't very enticing. Shed cap another way
STL trade - just not much reason to make that trade on either side

Put yourself in Vancouver's shoes. Why do they do that trade? Making the conference finals is a bit of a crap shoot, so you're asking them to retain for zaitsev and a 4th

Also frankly I'd be hesitant to do it as the Leafs. While i'd be very happy with Tanev replacing Zaitsev at that cost, he has such injury history, that I need to be able to depend on him to be healthy and play because RD depth is so weak in the organization.

I dont mind this. I am nit picking only here on my opinion, but well done.

1. Marner - probably 1Mil too much on a 6 year. If that was an 8 sign me up. But whatever Point and Aho sign for, Mitch should be within 500K less. Not a C and the other 2 are, Up for debate, a bit better.
2. Bracco - no idea if the trade is fair. but i like it. Bracco isnt really NHL ready yet. Still a year or 2 away.
3. Miller - in a bubble i like the trade. but NJ stole PK subban for cap space. Vegas needs cap space so I think the 2nd becomes a 3rd to 5th. Cap space lowers his value a lot.
4. Brown - solid trade
5. I like the ziatsev conditional 2nd. However with myers rumored to get 7x7 i think ziatsev, a lot of dumb GMs might offer a better package than we all think.
6. I dont know if we need a new backup goalie
7. Dermott and Hyman are on IR/LTIR depends on recovery period for the first 1-3months. So we shall see how they fill the gap. If they can get on LTIR for that period, we can save even more cap space and do more moves. If it is just IR, well hello Marlies.

Vancouver does not seem very smart right now. I agree with all your points. Why would vancouver do it. But why would vancouver, who may not make the playoffs for years give a 1st to TB. Why would they offer 7x7 rumored to Myers who got shelled in his own zone every shift while on WPG 3rd pair. Not a lot of smarts. With luongo retiring, ziatsev may be the consolation prize of not being able to afford Myers.