How is trading Poink for Kapanen tanking? You're getting the better player.

Agreed. Rangers will take that all day, everyday. Despite the Cap savings, I can see Leaf fans being a little reluctant to pull the trigger on that one.

As I was reminded yesterday, Marleau has a full NTC and likely declines. Also Kapanen makes way more than $2.2 million. He had 20+ goals last year.

Gotta think the only way Marleau is traded...is if he retires, then has cap can be traded with a sweetener. Leafs need cap space, just don't think they can do a lateral trade for any Dman. They need to shed cap by trading a big cap for futures, and hope their current Dmen can hold up this year or sign a very cheap one year veteran.
Longer term the Leafs might OK on defence with their young prospects but 2019/20 is going to be a problem.

The deal w/ TOR may work for all sides if B. Smith (1/2 retained) is there instead of Pionk...As for Marleau, the Leafs got work to do to free up LOTS of cap space...Between Marleau, Kadri, and Nyllander- probably 2 of them need to be moved- and maybe even all 3. Although Marleau has the NTC, I don't see many scenarios he fits into for the Leafs next season.

Don’t get me wrong I’m well aware. The leafs have major cap problems to solve. I’m just saying none of that matters for this particular trade if Marleau doesn’t waive his NTC. I’d love for the rangers to make a deal like this, it just likely won’t happen with Marleau and the leafs.

People have been talking regularly about Marleau getting traded, bought out and then re-signing with Tor for a minimum deal. Rangers one of the few teams that could take a $6m+ cash and cap hit and not care in order to get an asset back, especially one that doesn’t fit all that obviously for Tor long term.