Makes more sense to the Leafs that most other posts, though Rangers fans will hate it I suspect. At Leafs the aren't stripped on future good players.

It’s not bad honestly, the problem I saw with McDonagh to the Leafs was most their D core are LHD, but you’ve fixed that with Gardiner going back, maybe the Rangers and their fans are looking for a bit more.

a team thats rebuilding trades their best asset and doesn't even get a prospect back. sheesh

Look at what other fan bases are offering for McDonagh. Certainly comparable to what this Leaf post was. Seemingly it's only Rangers fans that value McDonagh so much. I guess he stays a Ranger. But I do agree with you, Rangers might be looking for prospects. At least Gardiner could be flipped at some time.

I see some rangers fan are dreaming with they're offers but that doesn't mean he's not going to get prospects and picks lol

Don't want to be mean, but my answer to the question would be: Yes, it's crazy.

I may be in the minority seeing it: Jake Gardiner is a high quality top pairing defenseman. McDonagh may have a slight edge over him (ignoring his history of injuries), but certainly not as to command a quality prospect, a first round pick and another pick in surplus. Why would the Leafs consider doing that, when they can just keep the 1st round pick and already have someone reliable filling the same spot?!

Gardiner is an outstanding skater who can move the puck well, has offensive flair, and who is in the top 15 for points among defensemen in the NHL! And, he is reliable in his zone. Babcock is not the kind of coach to trust easily, and he used Gardiner 53% of the time on defensive zone faceoffs this year. Moreover, Gardiner doesn't miss a lot of games.

A team blessed with LHDs such as Rielly-Gardiner-Dermott should be looking to keep it intact.

If moving for a defenseman, it should be to reduce the workload of Hainsey and balance things out on the right. RHDs like Trouba, Faulk, Tanev or the like.

Just want to make a comment on the Leafs horrible defence.

I know everyone thinks the Leafs defencemen are sooooooooo bad.

Leafs have been without two of their top Dman some of the year, Reilly and Zaitsev. They have been playing at least one rookie all year, Borgman now Dermot.

Leafs are 11th in GAA in the league, and 4th in the Eastern Conference. Maybe they aren't as bad as folks think

To answer your question...yes... why would the leafs give up a 1st to trade a LHD for a LHD. Is McDonagh better than Gardiner? historically yes, but Gardiner has played well as of late and their advanced stats such as shot generation and shot suppression are very similar. Im not saying Gardiner is better, but the trade doesn't make sense for either team (but especially TOR)