Will probably not happen by any stretch of the imagination, but I find Columbus to be the best trade partner here for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here is why:
Boone Jenner (to me) is the perfect fit for this leaf's squad. While his M-NTC stands in the way, and Jenner has the say in where he goes, the thought of Jenner wanting to stick around and play for a bottom-feeder team with his compete level is hard to imagine, which is why his name has popped up in a couple of trade rumours as of late. With a $3.75M cap hit for 4 more seasons including this season, this contract would fit comfortably under Toronto's payroll, and not to mention, Jenner's style of play would fill a need withing Toronto's middle six, as well as bring a new voice to the locker room with his history of leadership in Columbus. My only issue with Jenner is that he may not want to leave Columbus. Perhaps he may like to stay around and be there for the up-and-coming young core in Columbus, and Jenner being a true "lead by example" player and person, its no question that Columbus's management may feel hesitant on moving on from Jenner.
Meanwhile, Vladislav Gavrikov is a different story. While still at the age of 27, he has earned a right to be considered a top 4 defender on any team, which also is why Columbus has been rumoured to be shopping Gavrikov leading to March 3rd, due to his very affordable cap hit, and the value Columbus can get in return now for him, rather than lock him up and waste his value later down the road. Gavrikov would be a Muzzin replacement (if Muzzin is deemed to be unfit to return this season), and if Muzzin is unable to return to playing, Toronto may take the opportunity to lock up Gavrikov after this season.
In order to make this trade seem half reasonable, the trade HAS to involve Rasmus Sandin. Sandin is young, has top 4 potential, and has already established himself as an everyday NHL defenseman at the age of 22. I also included Pierre Engvall. While I don't see Engvall staying in Columbus, Engvall's contract helps make the money work. Topi Niemela is one of TML's top prospects going to Columbus. Niemela has the potential to become a useful NHL puck-moving defenseman, which could benefit Columbus's right side, with Zack Werenski being on the left. There is also the Finnish connection with Jarmo Kekalainen too. Nick Abruzzese is the last one attached to the deal. Abruzzese has already seen NHL action before, last season notably playing on Toronto's 4th line. However, with Toronto in "win now" mode, I cannot see Abruzzese being a player Toronto can afford keeping around without spoiling his value. Having Abruzzese have more opportunities to play in the NHL will further his development in the future, as he has already shown strides that he is capable of playing at the NHL level.
Gavrikov resigns in the offseason to a 5 year, $3.75M contract extension, almost similar to the contract of David Savard when he signed with Montreal at 4 years, $3.50M
that D core is straight defensive defensemen, minus Rielly. Samsonov's gonna have a field day
I would say yes to that, with the exception of Liljegren and Gio. Both are kinda two-way like defenders. They can carry the puck if need be, but are responsible in their own end. Rielly is straight up an offensive defenseman no questions asked
It isn't realistic but I do applaud you for offering value to Columbus. Jenner is not available but you offered some serious value the other way (young, solid D, top defensive prospect, a first) and most Leaf ACGMs are not like that.
You're off on why there are Gavrikov trade rumours. They're not shopping him because they think they can get a good price for him. They're shopping him because he wants too much money/term and they're not willing to meet it. They'd prefer to re-sign him and in fact they're still trying to negotiate a contract with him, but it's probably not going to happen.
If Jenner didn't want to stick around through some lean years he wouldn't have signed an extension and taken the captaincy after Foligno, Savard, Jones, Dubois and Atkinson were traded away. He wants to be a career Blue Jacket. That's just the way it is.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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