Quoting: BStone67
The issue I see here is that there is no certainty that OEL would stick with the team when his contract ends next year. Unless there is guarantee that OEL signs for a long term deal at a reasonable price - given the HEFTY amount we'll be paying Matthews (not to mention Nylander and the others) - then I just don't see this deal working out for Toronto. Besides, I think that Toronto management is looking for a short term fix on right side of the top four, if they're really looking at all. If anything I'd want Gardiner to be traded to upgrade and find a right handed D partner for Rielly who's around the same age or just solid defensively *cough* Parayko *cough* and put Hainsey beside Zaitsev.
In the end, I don't see this being a fair deal for Toronto. I think it's just too much to ask for without any certainty that Toronto comes out with something longterm, and it's just too much in general. Yeah, Marner is struggling a bit this season but everyone KNOWS what he can do if he's on his groove, and a lot of good players have slumped in their second season. It's not time to trade him.
I totally agree with your comments.
I thought about maybe they go for Franchise D-man like Doughty or Karlsson but, if you look at Marlies,
Dermott and Liljegren is developing fine and may make the team next year as 5~6 D-man and 2 seasons later they might be 3~4 D-man with Rielly + Zaitsev as 1~2.
Also, I like how Borgman is playing so they might go for Stay-home RD who is faster than POLAK and more physical/dependable than CARRICK for a rental or someone with 1~2 yrs of terms left. (Gudbranson, Petrovic, L.Schenn(?))
If Rielly, Zaitsev, Dermott and Liljegren don't develop as well, then go for Doughty or Karlsson when they hit FA.
By that time, it will be more clear about Marner and Nylander ceiling as well.