1) Matt Martin would be an NHL regular 10 years ago, but doesn't fit todays NHL. Trading his contract can help save the leafs a little money.
2) Demers should be a target for the leafs this offseason, as he is solid defensively, can kill penalties and can move the puck a bit too. Arizona is still trying to accumulate young players, so they take a pick and a prospect as compensation. I would bet that a better prospect then Nielsen goes back, but I'm not sure who. LMK in the comments what the trade should be.
3) Gardiner has been unfairly treated by the Toronto fans and media. He had a bad game 7, and has his flaws, but he is a 50 point defenseman that can QB a power play. That being said, the leafs have enough on the left side but not enough on the right. The Jets are stacked on the right but need help on the left. A one for one swap makes sense for both sides.
4) I've noticed in these playoffs that having a line that can get get dirty and grind out possessions is very important. The Vegas 4th line has been huge, and the Caps 4th line has been just as big for them. To be clear, when I say Grinder, i don't mean someone that lays big hits, but I mean someone who digs deep and fights for the puck. So, the Leafs get Rust from pittsburgh to help bring some grit to the leafs. In return the leafs give the penguins Rosen, who is a big question mark, and a mid round pick. The penguins are tight against the cap, so Rust might be a guy who needs to leave so that they can stay under the cap. I signed Rust to a 3.5 million dollar contract, and thats just based on my dumb opinion so let me know what you think is fair.
Line Descriptions
Offensive 1) Matthews and Marner haven't played together much, but it is just logical to put your best passer with your best shooter. I love Hyman, but Johnsson brings a dynamic element to the top line.
2) The cadre line with Marner on it last year was a huge success, but with Marner now on the top line Kapanen gets a chance to shine. It won't be as productive, but it can still be great if Kapanen takes steps forwards.
3) Nylander as a center will be a tough transition in his first few months, but he was drafted as a center and I think it will help his development as a passer and as a defensive player. Putting Hyman and Brown on his wings helps to shoulder the load on the defensive side. I would expect that line to be loaded up with offensive zone starts. Brown and Kappy could go back and forth to switch up the offense.
4) Like I said before, this line is a gritty line that can grind out possessions and wear out the other team. Beagle has looked great this playoffs, and his contract might be a little to cheap at 3 years and 1.5 million per year. Grundstrum has played great this postseason, and i bet he earns a roster spot.
Defensive pair 1) Reilly has taken great steps in his development, and he is looking like a true number one d man. And while the their isn't another top 2 guy to pair with him o the right side, Demers is a solid d man who is reliable in his own end and has some offensive skills too.
2) Dermott might not be top 4 ready, but if Hainsy gets heavy minutes again like last season, he will be a corpse by the playoffs. Pairing Dermott with Myers, a huge guy, can help him create offensively.
3) The third pair is Hainsey, who will be used mostly on the special teams, and Zaitzev, who I am betting on to rebound after a bad season. Still, as a third pairing guy, he won't make or break the team.
Powerplay 1) Matthews and Marner lead the power play with Reilly. Johnsson gets his big shot and Grundstrum is the big, net front guy every good PP needs.
PP2) Dermott Qbs the PP with Nylander, Kadri stands in front of the net while Kapanen spaces the ice with his speed and Patty snipes.
PK1) Beagle is a bg face off guy and helps gain possession in the defensive zone. Hainsy was our biggest PK guy last year. Demers earns his money the leafs will pay him bu taking the load of of the other defenseman.
PK2) Kappy's speed on the PK is very valuable, and rust helps to fight for the puck. Could also be Brown. Reilly takes more steps by taking minutes on the PK, and Zaitzev rounds back into form.
I don't agree with all the Gardiner slander, but the leafs need a right shot defenseman, and the jets, who are stacked on the right side but weak on the left after morrisey, would likely take this deal to help their left side
u wont get myers for that package. leafs have to add value. and i doubt the pens trade rust. they might even trade kessel just to keep thier young rfa's
u wont get myers for that package. leafs have to add value. and i doubt the pens trade rust. they might even trade kessel just to keep thier young rfa's
So what should I add for Myers? I was thinking that the trade gets done on need, not value. Myers is in their bottom pair rn, and Gardiner would be on their second pair, or even first.
Trade idea OEL signs an extension then OEL for Marner, Martin, 1st 2018? clears space on the right wing so Brown and Kapanen can both play top 9 min. ALternative idea Brown and a first for Tanev. I know they're overpayments but you gotta overpay a little when you really want something
Trade idea OEL signs an extension then OEL for Marner, Martin, 1st 2018? clears space on the right wing so Brown and Kapanen can both play top 9 min. ALternative idea Brown and a first for Tanev. I know they're overpayments but you gotta overpay a little when you really want something
I get that Nylander can play centre but my thinking was Babcock might not wanna break up his top line
Trade idea OEL signs an extension then OEL for Marner, Martin, 1st 2018? clears space on the right wing so Brown and Kapanen can both play top 9 min. ALternative idea Brown and a first for Tanev. I know they're overpayments but you gotta overpay a little when you really want something
I don't think the leafs would do Marner for OEL straight up. Not because it isn't fair, just because of how great Marner has been with the team. Maybe with Nylander, but I doubt they trade any of the big 3. The Tanev deal isn't bad
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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