Connolly will probably want more money. IK he had a career season but a lot
of teams might be interested in.

I don't hate this trade (aside from moving Zacha AND McLeod to a team that is already top heavy with centers), but I don't think this is the type of trade that will address Toronto's needs very well.
Vatanen is on an expiring contract with a likely salary increase coming, while Liljegren has such an up-side that Toronto doesn't otherwise have in their system.
This also leaves the cupboard rather bare for the RW position in Toronto. Palmieri plays a gritty style, and this tends to lead to missing chunks of time every season with some form of a "banged up" reason. The 2nd line RW in Toronto would then become...?

All of that said, I LOVE the idea of getting Kapanen onto the Devils roster. I just don't think these two teams are big deal trade partners. The only way I can see the Devils plucking Kapanen away from Toronto will be through the use of picks and a prospect/low salary, yet efficient player.

From the looks of it you guys are trying to move Kadri so Zacha comes cheap and is responsible defensively, but in all honesty I think he needs a change of scenery to be better. If we were to trade for Kapanen I could see it shaking out like this maybe?


Kapanen

:maple leafs
McCleod
Wood (to replace Connor Brown)

So Toronto gives up the best 3 players in the deal who are young and either are cost controlled or have term on their contract. Nylander and Kapanen are top 6 forwards and Liljegren is a top 4 Defense prospect. Zacha and McLeod are 3rd line players and Sami is entering his final year of his contract.

and you also get Palmieri who has term and is a very solid RW, not sure why you didn't mention him...I would gladly throw in a first pick next year if it meant getting those 3