does not have to be a true top 4 RD like Hamilton, Eliis, Pulock. Dubas can trade for someone like weegar, cernak, savard, bear who all can potentially play well with rielly. Look at how well holl is playing with muzzin the defensive stats between those 2 is better than when muzzin was with zaitsev.

All toronto needs is to look for another defenseman similar to holl but with a little more skill to pair with rielly. Willy aint going anywhere his contract value is just to good rn. The return value for him would need to be high as a potential 40 goal scorer making 6.9k is a bargain especially in these cap strapped times.

Do not think Leafs would trade Nylander as he just has too much upside. The emergence of Dermott, Sandin, Liljegren and Holl allows the Leafs to not trade one of their Big 4 forwards.

Agree with you and think that the Leafs defence is actually fine. Also, Duszak is comming and he is going to be a really good offensive defenceman.

i have been watching him there is potential there give him 2-3 years sure he could be a leaf. The main thing is the leafs want a more defensive partner to pair with rielly. A guy like savard could fit that role nicely.

Pesce

only guy i have concern for is liligren hes developing ok but Dubas may move on from him as he just does not look ready for the big times yet. Dermott can play RD but hes not that good in that role so trading him could be worth, and Sandin wow has this kid come a long way. Give him a veteran partner to help him out and this kid will do wonders.

The one thing I am concerned about pesce his latest injury. He lacerated his wrist (similar to mikeyv) so who knows how he will play on return. Even if hes recovered well will the hurricanes even trade him. Also players need better protection on their wrists jesus (martinez, mikeyv, and pesce) have all had serious injuries.

I had this conversation last night with another Leafs fan and wondering if Sandin or Dermott could be shifted to right side and paired with Rielly. I know the Sandman is young but I really think he is going to be a 1rst or 2nd pairing defenceman in future.

Maybe Dubas goes off the board and signs a Russian KHL UFA defenceman.

Holl has good and bad moments in every game, some plays in his own zone he looks like an AHLer, other plays in the same game he looks like a top shutdown pair guy. Adding another frustrating player like him would do more harm than good. We need Hainsey back, lol.

Pesce, Manson or Tanev are the perfect fits to play with Rielly. Not sure that the Leafs have the assets to give up to trade for Pesce.

Need to stay patient with Holl and realize that he too is really a rookie defenceman in the NHL as is Sandin and Liljregren and Dermott a little bit more experienced.

manson will be hard to pry from Anaheim as will Pesce. Tanev on the other hand could be easier to aquire.

the fact holl was a healthy scratch most of last season then went on to be that impressive with muzzin is what i love about his story. As for Hainsey coming back at league min or 1mill sure he can be the third pairing if not they could sign bogosian to a 1 year deal and pair him with sandin. Veterans paired with youngsters often helps them develop quicker and having either on the third they play less mins and people wont be going off on them

Canucks are going to be pressed against the Cap so resigning may be difficult however he is Quinn Hughes defensive partner and Canucks would be crazy to give up this combo.

Well the question is Willys trade value, I think they would be a very fair swap

sure but at the same time that duo sometimes lack focus. remember marincin lul people were roasting those 2 and i couldn't stop laughing as out of all the leafs marincin scored that game winner.

Holl has been a game changer for the Leafs is soldifying the defence after Babcock was fired. The Leafs defence is actually alot better than most fans realize.

I mean once barrie and CECI and possibly dermott are gone lets see whose on the right side and if the leafs are not 2nd in GA and can have a PK of 80% or higher i will say the defense will have improved.

I actually would resign Ceci for $1,800,000 per year to play on third pairing and kill penalities.

Focus on the topic, if Dubas tries to dangle Nylander to acquire a Top RHD, which names would will be talking about ?

Pesce is one, damn near happened when Nylander was a RFA and Carolina wanted Willy.
What about Nashville, Minne, LAK, SJS, Arizona, NJD, Habs, Sabres, Detroit or Columbus, teams desperate for top line scorers ? Any fit there.

no no no. I swear to god no toronto does not want him or should need him. That guy makes more mistakes than plays and has cost us to many games. he can sign for league min and sit in the pressbox for all i care as he is the one player I do not want on the leafs.

If willy was to get traded it would require multiple first round picks from the other team (2020,2021), big prospects or a depth defense man (adam foote for instance). If u look at what coleman got, Nylander with that contract could probably get the leafs insane value.

the ironic thing was when the blues were on that horrible strange cup year pitrangelo for nylander almost happened but Armstrong wanted to give the team a chance and dubas didnt want to part from nylander

What about the Rangers put a package which includes Adam Fox, 1st Rd. and a proven star for Willy.

Depends who the star is