I'm not saying the trade isn't fair, but I think the logic behind isn't correct. To say the Leafs can just plop Nylander in at centre and he will be successful is questionable at best. And again folks use this unwarranted rating system of how much players get paid. Why is Kadri a so called # 3 centre, I just don't understand, especially last when he saw lots of PP time as left winger.
I'm not disagreeing that at some time, Nylander might be centre. But certainly currently, he is best at RW especially with Matthews.

Wasn’t saying Kadri was a number 3 Center. I think he’s a really good 2 Center or a 1B Center. But when Nylander hopefully becomes a Center Kadri would be the #3 Center on the team and therefore become expendable for a Defenseman. I see your point though.

I think Lou would have to say NO to this deal as it just does not make sense to trade Kadri who is one of the top shut down centres in the League and has the ability to bag 30 goals a year and is just entering his prime years. He is the type of player you need to win in the NHL and especially in the playoffs and is on a very reasonable contract.
You should note the job he does on McDavid everytime the Leafs play the Oilers and realize his true value to a team. i actually think Marner and not Nylander is going to be the centre to replace Bozak as he can drive a line by himself. Babcock is slow cooking Marner but with his elite skating, passing and vision skills he is a natural centre once he gets stonger and learns how to play defence and a 200 foot game.

I agree with Palhal Nylander and Matthews make one of the best duos in the league keep that for now.

this trade might make sense in a couple years given both teams positional depth, assuming Nylander can make the transition and both Kadri and Pense keep on their current trajectories.

You might see his but I don't think you fully get his. I might be wrong though. I think he means the rating system of 1st line 2nd line 3rd line 4th line center has been taken out of the equation. Most of the Leafs forwards (but especially the players that play the middle) are all within a couple minutes of each other. Cause Babcock spreads out the minutes over everyone. I think the only guy that doesn't play PP OR PK is Martin. That's why he only plays like 7-9 minutes a game. As for the trade I don't see a need for it especially with Dermott able to play the right side and Lilegren waiting in weeds. My pairings next year would be:
Rielly-Hainsey
Dermott-Zaitsev
Borgman-Lilegren
Let Polak walk, Carrick can follow him out, Marincin is lucky he's not being fired out of a cannon into the sun. With the kids developing quickly... it may not be a bad idea to explore trading Gardiner if possible. He's not my 1st choice but unfortunately there just isnt a spot for him... I would like to see the Leafs take a longer look at Rosen, Holl, Nielsen and I can't remember the last kid for next year too.

As for the trade itself, I don't mind it but I wouldn't do it.

I agree with DJSumas 17 that if Dermott is the defenceman player that I think he is going to be then Gardiner is expendable and the Leafs could trade him and a prospect for another qualty right handed defenceman such as Tanev or Truba.

As much as Pesce could be a good fit for T.O, I wouldn't do Kadri for him. Pesce is a solid defensive dman but he is no star. Kadri could fetch a better dman IMO.

Let's take the Leaf coloured glasses off and call Kadri what he is... not what he isn't. A good 3rd line centre on a contender.

He is not one of the best shut down centres in the league, he isn't even very good in that role. Babcock gave him that role because he had no other option. Matthews is a superstar in the making and Bozak is well...Bozak. Kadri needed a role and sure he had a couple of good games against the best in the league but Kadri is a depth player playing too high in the lineup that had success last year on the powerplay.

Nylander certainly has the skillset to be a good #2 centre but he and Matthews are the first line. And Marner isn't moving to the middle. Ever.

Ask JT if he wants to be part of the first dynasty in 60 years.

How much better is Pesce than someone like Gudbranson that is available on the free agent market in the summer? Why expend assets for anything less than a real top pairing defenseman like that kid in Winnipeg.

More mediocre is not what the team needs.