Can Leafs be a player in the Kane sweepstakes Should they

Yes, the Leafs can be a player....but they shouldn't. I think some team would foolishly offer more.

Ya I expect the same. I think it makes more sense to hold strong on the Robertson situation (he could be very valuable in a few years when they need cheap contracts contributing, specifically 2024-25), but I don't think it's necessarily a bad play to punt and go for it this year.

They can, and Chicago would only accept this if Kane only waived for Toronto as Kerfoot is a cap dump to Chicago, Engvall doesn't have much of any value, and Robertson is out for surgery and prior didn't look that good.

Nonetheless, the Leafs should focus on a top 6 LWer that is cheaper IMO.

Ya I think you're mostly right. Kerfoot would fetch at least a 2nd rounder if they wanted to flip him though (maybe more if they retain half his salary). Engvall wouldn't be a bad player to resign and flip next year. With more of an opportunity, I think his scoring could increase to maybe 50pts or so.

Robertson would be a risk, no doubt, and they will likely get a better prospect in another offer, but he does have the pedigree, just not enough evidence at the top level yet. He's still very young though and he's got a track record at every level below the NHL of scoring a TON.

If you look at it long term, it's more like Kane (50% retained) for
Robertson
2023 1st
2023 2nd (maybe + 3rd/4th)
Decent roster player for next year generating another 2nd or 3rd at the very least

Also it helps extend the rebuild a bit where some other trade options might speed it up which probably isn't the right play at this point.

My opinion is no matter what the leafs offer I doubt Kane would agree to Toronto... Only thing to draw him there is having a go with Matthews.

Toronto shouldn't pursue 1 year of Kane, unless he agrees to extend, then Leafs have a serious cap issue.