Vegas is the only one that could accept this deal. Toronto would lose in this trade and they say no. It doesn't fill a need for Winnipeg or help their cap space issues so they also say no

Leafs are giving up three good pieces for two good pieces. Jets are taking on too much long term cap. And again, this fantasy that Trouba is going to sign long term with a new team.

Vegas is in win now state of mind, so they can make this deal cap wise, but not win wise. So No deal.

Thanks for the comments!

My thoughts behind the TOR trade is centered around their cap space. The general consequence from the media is that they are regretting the deal they made with Zaitsev with the length of his contract. That may or may not be true. but either way getting a top end defenseman like Theodore is I think they would be interested in doing. He steps in and immediately makes them better. Zaitsev is bit more of a question mark, especially after a down year.

I agree with you about the cap space situation with WPG. I actaully forgot to include that ARI would retake 25% of Stepan's contract in the deal. I think they would be very interested in adding a C like Stepan to their line up if they had the chance. Stasty brought significant stability and depth to their lineup and was an important piece to their playoff push this past post season. I think Stepan could provide similar stability and has more a lot of playoff experience. The numbers aren't great, but getting Zaitsev at just over $4 mil is less than what they are paying or would have to pay Trouba. So they would be saving money on the back end. Myers and Chariot are UFAs at the end of the season, so depending what they want to do with Myers, they may save more money for the other RFAs if they choose not to resign him, but still have a solid back end on the right side with Big Buff, Zaitsev and Morrow. Sami Niku, Kulikov, Poolman and Morrisey (once they sign him) is also a solid line up on the left side.

What are your thoughts? Thanks!

Thanks for the comments!

My logic and opinion on the TOR trade is that the team is going to have to make a decision and sacrifice some cap space somewhere. Option 1) TOR can sign Nylander, Marner and Matthews. They have all of their pieces up front and LOADED with offense. Not a bad option at all and one they may end up taking. But if they do indeed fit all three players under the cap, they are going to be sacrificing money that they could use to sign a D man that could make an impact to strengthen their back end. Option 2) They trade one of those high end pieces to get a solid return and add a good piece to their back end. Scary to thing that if a team as offensive as TOR spent even less time in their own end with a deep D core.

I included Zaitsev in the deal because he has six left on his contract, in combination with that contract coming in above $4 mil, makes his contract pretty heavy and potentially limits the team. I think TOR would be willing to part ways with Zaitsev due to this factor. Theodore is going to be a premier D in the league. So ARI would be taking on cap space, giving up a top four D and a first round F who has shown good production in the AHL. ARI have to get a prospect like Sandin in the deal, especially if they are giving up another prospect in Merkley.

What are your thoughts? Thanks!