Quoting: reelkena
Why does a site used by actual NHL teams for information have to be only fun? I don't have fun by seeing ridiculous or illogical things. I enjoy seeing other people make trade ideas that I think makes sense.
you think this trade idea is ridiculous and illogical?
these are the facts: the Leafs haven't won a playoff series with the skilled, Big 4 approach & are no guarantee to oust Columbus this year... the consensus is that their weakness is their D-core; the Sabres have yet to make the playoffs since drafting Eichel, even with Dahlin in their lineup this past season & does any knowledgable fan believe that next year will be any different? all these trade rumours would suggest that no one does... but the real question is does Eichel?
(true, it's not a confirmed fact that he's quietly asked for a trade)
Dahlin would make the Leafs a better team & not force them to blow $8+ mil on a proven FA defender that would require them to unload one of the Big 4 anyway
(even you have posted a Marner trade to Anaheim to free up cap space); if Eichel does want out & Buffalo is forced to deal him getting Matthews would be an amazing return... however, there is no reason for the Leafs to deal Matthews for Eichel plus some top talent. They'd have to be offered something they couldn't say no to - and Dahlin is that! and the Sabres would have to get one of other Big 4 in return to even consider including Dahlin.
As for upsetting the fanbases? I will refer to the 2019 NBA champion Toronto Raptors on this one: a savvy, tough & unsentimental GM, after several playoff heartbreaks, took a coldblooded assessment of his team & then traded the franchise's all-time leading scorer, who was still in his prime, who didn't want to leave the city, was under contract for a few more years, was beloved by the fans & was the best friend of the other all-star on the team for a player with only one year left before free agency... a bold, gutsy move that had the only objective that should concern any GM -
winning a championship! not cuddling the feelings of the fanbase! and you know what? during the parade, I didn't see or hear any fans or Raptors crying over DeMarr... there was only dancing in the streets & debates about retiring the #2 jersey, not DeMarr's former #10.