Not that this is an unfair trade, I am just not sure TO does it. It creates a big hole down centre that they would have to find a replacement for.

Was literally exactly what I was gonna say. Toronto most likely moves Kadri for defensive help and targets a younger player who's a 4-5 d-man right now with some upside instead. Laughton is more of a 4C and not a huge upgrade over Gauthier there so it doesn't do much for them.

Also don't wanna hear the old line of "Toronto has to clear cap".. Kadri is on one of the best deals in the league. He has the value to bring back a good piece, particularly on defence.

I actually don't think there will be a move for defence unless some team offers up something that can't be turned down. Short of that I think Brown and one or both of Kapanen and Johnsson will be traded for elc's or picks to clear space.

Laughton has been a 3rd liner for the past 2 years and is much better offensively than Gauthier.

3rd liner on a different team.. when you watch the play there's not much difference between the 2. Similar players that are physical, okay skaters both nothing more than a bottom 6 role. Laughton has also had better linemates than Gauthier