Quoting: Barbs
Trading Andersen at this stage when his value is at it's absolute lowest wouldn't net you that return. Edmonton's defense is actually worse so I don't think there's an appetite to move Bouchard. What Toronto would likely get by moving him this offseason probably wouldn't be worth it. Probably better off to just keep him the one more year (or trading him mid-season if his value suddenly spikes)
I agree that there isn't an appetite to move Bouchard and Toronto should probably hang on to Andersson. Both of these teams underperformed during their respective play-in series, but that shouldn't be a reason to panic. Both suffered some bad bounces and probably deserved a better outcome, but that is the way the game goes some times. In some respects I see this as Karma... Edmonton losing to Chicago serves the purposes of Bettman and the NHL owners, there is far more revenue to be generated by having Chicago play on further. Its unfortunate for Leafs fans, but their loss is the balance, especially given that Montreal eliminated Pittsburgh as well.
On the matter of Edmonton's defense:
Edmonton's regular season goals against per game was 3.03, ranked 15th in the league. The Leaf's regular season goals against per game was 3.17, ranked 26th in the league. Edmonton has the option of returning next season with the same group, or working to improve it. Toronto can't afford to retain Ceci and Barrie, and will need to move out salary in order to improve upon its defense. Having pointed out these facts, I think its important to acknowledge that neither Edmonton nor Toronto is in a position to boast about the strength of its defense. I did not watch much of the Leaf/Blue Jackets series, but I did watch the Oilers/Black Hawks and can tell you that Edmonton's team defense was soft, soft, soft. I suspect Toronto's d was overwhelmed at times as well, but I accept that this assumption may be incorrect.
I want to be fair, and as an Oiler fan I think I should acknowledge the following:
1. Barrie did not live up to what was expected of him, so there may be some improvement through subtraction;
2. Toronto fans are justified in being very excited about Rasmus Sandin;
3. Oiler fans should wish to have a d-man like Rielly Morgan on their team, and if he was an Oiler he would be saved from future embarrassments at the hands of McDavid (sorry, couldn't resist that one);
4. Jake Muzzin is a better veteran presence than Kris Russell.