Calgary declines, we want to get better not have our franchise ruined

Pass from the leafs

Nylander = Ellis
Liligren can get a much better return than Watson

In general it makes little sense for the leafs to trade for an aging dman who will be 30 and could slow down afterwards

As Oilers GM I would not do that deal for one year of Bonino, JP is part of the future of this club HOPEFULLY

i never really understand comments like this. So many leafs fans are obsessed with trying to sign Pietrangelo (a Norris caliber 30yo RD) to an 8-9M long term contract but say Ellis (a 29yo Norris caliber RD signed for 6.25x7) is an aging soon to be washed up player. A defensemans prime often starts around 25-27 and lasts into their mid 30's due to it being more of a wisdom based role than skill based. Because of this I would definitely say Ellis has more value than Nylander.

The main draw to most leafs fans was pitrangelo is from Toronto and he's been linked with us for 2years (before nylander was signed and when the blues were on 34points January 2nd of last season). I never wanted him to come as I believed he would be good for2-3 years of his lets say 8.8 mill contract than we would see him slow down and not play well (like OEL) making the contract a handicap. Ellis could play well past 30 but there is also the chance his production and playstyle drops. If nylander was to be moved a young good defenseman is who I would go after.

Top end D men play solid hockey into their early 30’s, and if you look at the current contract situation with the Leafs you have to consider their window as open for about 5 years. So if you can add a high caliber D man that can play big minutes in many roles that carries you through that window without needing another contract. That’s a go for it in my mind.

That said I am not sold on moving Liljegren yet. I would honestly like to see him play a full season and see what he has. While I potentially like what Watson brings, not enough to move a prospect like Liljegren.