I think Dubas will be hesitant to make a big splash regardless of the results. 1) getting much older (Marner for Ellis) shortens their window 2) better options may prevent themselves.

I think Vancouver is going to get destroyed in the next round and with Tanev getting a taste of playoff hockey and knowing he's nearing his twighlight. A guy like him may be willing to sign for a 1 year deal for a chance to capitalize with a contender. TO would give him a platform to showcase himself as a great vet and maybe earn a longer term deal after signing for 1 year. They will have to move one or two other players to make room but they can figure that out. They have a lot of talented players on good contracts.

Wouldn't move Liljegren in that deal but they'd definitely have to add something on top of Marner

The Nashville deal makes zero sense for Toronto. They get the older players and those players don't do much to change how the Leafs play. They're still smaller players that don't play with much grit. I'd take Marner over Arvidsson any day, and getting Ellis for losing Marner isn't worth it. Marner's looked incredible at moments in the playoffs, there's cheaper players out there that fit what they need more.

Leafs decline.

Caps have a plethora of great top 9 forwards, don't think they'll spend a 1st on one. I do like Mikheyev though.

Your off on your comments- trade makes nothing but sense for the Leafs they get a Top 2 RHD and a Top 6 winger yes small but he's a bulldozer - cap situation is significantly easier to deal with - this team is as much a contender now as it was prior to the trade

Arvidsson is the type of player as Marner, just less skilled. And yes Ellis is a top 4 guy, but he's not the type they need. That's why it doesn't make sense

Well I guess we'll just disagree

This isn't true at all.