Leafs

I think your analysis is correct with regards to Rutta/Murphy from the Blackhawks perspective, but I don't think TOR's perspective is the same. TOR has a decent number of D prospects and they need cap. Nylander/Marner/Matthews won't be cheap. I'm not so sure they're going to want to take on a ~$4M Murphy. Also, they might LIKE the shorter term Rutta. I personally think they would. This wouldn't hinder future cap for said forwards, but will also allow TOR to gain another Dman @ the TDL.

@exo2769 I don't know the Leafs prospect system very well but is there someone other than Liljengren who is seen as a potential NHL RHD? He also still seems like 2 years away from spending real time in the NHL.
Not disagreeing that Rutta might be seem more attractive but after this year they would then have to fill both Rutta and Hainsey's spots on RHD. And that would have to be done via free agency which is almost never done cheap and usually comes with term.

The deal could definitely be done with Rutta. I'm okay with that.
The Hawks do have Jokiharju and Mitchell both 1-2 years away from the NHL and Boqvist 2-3 years away (hopefully). Makes more sense for them to move Murphy's contract soon.

@hockeyplayer1
There are quite a few. Lillypad, Rasanen, Dermott, Holl, Borgman and now Sandin. We are pretty stacked in the defensive prospect area. I think Dermott will be full time this year, with Holl and Lillypad taking turns.

I think Toronto would be happy to have Murphy to compliment the styles of Gardiner/Reilly. I made a trade of Murphy straight up for Connor Brown and that seemed to be well responded to. Although if the hawks could pry Kapanen away it's a no brainer because he has a much higher ceiling.

Dermott and Borgman are both left handed defenseman. So are Sandin and Rasanen, who are also a few years (2-3) away from the NHL.
I wouldn't consider Holl as much of a prospect. He'll 27 next season and has 2 NHL games played. I would have to assume Carrick would be playing over him.
Liljegren is really the only RHD that can be seen as anything more than a 3rd pairing guy and he's only 19. He's still probably 1-2 years away from being a full time NHLer. You have to fill the 2nd pairing RHD with someone until then.



I'd probably also be fine with Brown instead of Kapanen. He's a solid 3rd line guy who already has a 20 goal season. Would probably make more sense cap wise for TOR too. A late 2nd or 3rd and Brown for Murphy.