and i think that deal walks marner right to UFA without buyout out any ufa years.

one of posted something true at least.

You're delusional. Gardiner makes some questionable decisions, but he's a great offensive talent, and he's a fantastic skater and he gets the puck out of his own zone with possession.

There is, without hyperbole, no strength in Cody Ceci's game. He's worse than useless in his own zone, he's not fast, he's not physical player and whatever offensive talent he used to have has completely atrophied from lack of use.

Nope, it's not. You'll see.

Ceci is plain hot garbage and looking forward to see it in Game 7 next year.

He just said what I wanted to say but " better "

He wont be on the Leafs in come February (at least I wish he wouldnt)

At least Leafs fans don't have to worry about another game 7 loss, because With Ceci, they'll be lucky to make it to game 6.

Babcock will double shift Gauthier and Ceci in this years playoffs.

Totally wrong, of course Ceci is not an upgrade over Gardiner. Everyone knows Ben Harpur is the one who is better than Gardiner.

The trade is a no, ceci is not even close to gardiner, and the marner contract isn’t awful but idk why leafs fans are convinced he’ll sign for under 10.5

I wish he will

HARPUR-CECI FOR LEAFS #1 PAIRING IN PLAYOFFS

What’s that trade lol

I wouldn’t be surprised if Babcock actually did that

Ceci isn’t even an upgrade over zaitsev lol

He certainly didn't look like an okay skater last year. In fact, he looked extremely slow, likely due to his back issue. I will say though, I haven't been impressed with his speed for a couple of seasons. He used to be able to separate himself from defenders coming around the net but he just doesn't do that anymore.

Two of Babcock’s favourite!

What I struggle to understand is why the Leafs traded Connor Brown, a decent forward and Nikita Zaitsev only for an exchange of 2 defensemen who are worse than Zaitsev. I get it, Zaitsev’s contract was horrible plus he wanted out. However shouldn’t Ceci + Harpur add up for worse value?

No team was gonna give equal or better value to take on Zaitsev

You kind of answered your own question there boss. Zaitsev and Ceci are about a wash talent wise, who knows how Ceci will fare in TO but getting out from the term in Zaitsev's contract will help the team long term, that is definitely worth losing Connor Brown to do.

Well it's a little disappointing since personally I liked Connor Brown, good role player who was versatile but also replaceable. I thought maybe they could've traded Zaitsev + pick for Ceci and Harpur instead and then let Ceci walk.

A couple things here.

1) Brown was entirely replaceable with an ELC, spending close to the league minimum on the 4th line is the way to go in the cap era, unless you can somehow get a super amazing PK guy on the 4th line that wins draws like crazy (Think Manny Malhotra back in the day). Beyond someone that can win 60% of the draws, spending over 1.5 million for a 4th line player is cap killing. Brown made too much and was too easily replaceable. Never be too loyal to depth players, support them and give them every opportunity to succeed but if they want more than what a 4th line player should make, move them out like we did with Brown.

2) Ceci was already tendered his QO meaning if the Leafs didn't offer a contract, he'd just accept that offer and still be under contract. You also can't bury him in the minors since the most of his contract would still be counted against the cap.

Thank you for the clarification. I wasn't being attached to Brown, only appreciative for the work he put in during his time.

Brown was gonna be dumped either way

Oh for sure, guys like him are very endearing. Work hard, do what you're asked and smile the whole time. Love the lunch pale guys. Unfortunately, they are not hard to find, so you can't afford to overpay for them.

Yeah the way Connor Brown plays is very similar to Bryan Rust. Fast, aggressive on the forecheck and versatile.

What i wanted to say....but still, its 5y burden against 1y.