I'll take a stab at it: Zacha + 2nd Rounder for Kasperi Kapanen (preferably tonight / tomorrow and it's NSH or BOS pick)
Both are RFA's, Kapanen is going to cost more than Zacha, should work out contract wise for both teams.
I was thinking the exact same thing honestly but wanted to ask to be sure.
I think that deals makes sense from the Leafs perspective. Gives them a 3C so they can move Kadri for RD help and they have RW depth anyway.
I was thinking the exact same thing honestly but wanted to ask to be sure.
I think that deals makes sense from the Leafs perspective. Gives them a 3C so they can move Kadri for RD help and they have RW depth anyway.
If they keep Zacha they'll probably try him at wing, maybe even with Hughes at some point. Personally I'd rather have the natural winger in Kapanen there and he and Hughes can grow together.
However, Zacha is pretty good defensively, and could take over the "Zajac Role" of defensive-minded C / matchup play / penalty killing in 2 years if / when Zajac is gone.
Picks/prospects don't really serve the Leafs' needs so it would have to be a defender or C of similar age and value.
A guy like Zacha does make sense because he'd help save cap space this year while also carrying good potential with him and would allow the Leafs to deal Kadri.
Dodger510 actually said exactly what I was thinking. Zacha + 2nd for Kappy is a done deal if I'm Dubas.
Picks/prospects don't really serve the Leafs' needs so it would have to be a defender or C of similar age and value.
A guy like Zacha does make sense because he'd help save cap space this year while also carrying good potential with him and would allow the Leafs to deal Kadri.
Dodger510 actually said exactly what I was thinking. Zacha + 2nd for Kappy is a done deal if I'm Dubas.
Pavel Zacha for Kasperi Kapanen seems close. Don't think a 2nd round pick would be needed...maybe a 4th or 5th if anything. If Dermott were healthy, that would also be an interesting player to target for NJD.
I'm fine with it if it happens on draft day. The Devils have 3 2nd Round Picks this year including #34, and they're getting Jack Hughes... you're going to have a good draft class.
Not saying it's ok to throw picks away, but since they're picking #55, #61, and #70, I think I can spare one for exactly the type of speedy young winger that can play with Jack Hughes for the next 4+ years.
Only way they get rid of him is in a package for a Top 4 D or Top 6 Winger. Potential is sky high for him, he just found none of it yet. If Toronto moves him to LW, I can see him fitting in very well next to Tavares and Marner.
I would do Zacha and a 2nd (not our own) for Kap any day. Zacha is great defensively and has potential, but I think it will not happen with NJ. He has been and will continue to be passed over by others. Probably a slight overpay on the Devils side, since this also gives the Leafs some valuable cap space, but hey gotta spend sometimes.