Team: 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 25, 2020

Published: Aug. 26, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I know realistically this trade never happens, but I saw it on an ACGM from a Predators fan and I was curious what it would look like from the Leafs perspective. So in an alternate universe where this happens, here's how I see the rest of the Leafs lineup.

First, I picked Florida at random, if Florida does not want Kerfoot, I apologize. If you think Kerfoot is worth more/less than a 3rd, fair. I don't care what draft pick you get. It's also possible the Leafs don't qualify Rodrigues amd keep Kerfoot.

Next, Rosen and Marincin are on LTIR because I have a feeling we won't find trade partners for them and we'll lose them on waivers.

Now the team. Is this team better? Possibly. The team here is actually a big gamble for the Leafs. Ellis unquestionably makes your defence better and Austin Watson adds some needed toughness. But, the Leafs would be counting on Robertson, Sandin and Rodrigues taking the next steps in their development; and, far riskier, counting on Liljegren, Barabanov, and Bracco consistently contributing in the NHL.

Liljegren is the biggest gamble, he's struggled in the past in a limited roll, but he would be paired with Muzzin in sheltered minutes, relying on Ellis and Holl in late/big game scenarios.

Of course, if the gamble works out, this is a team that has kept almost all of its stars, potentially has some secondary scoring, has cap space, and has recouped draft picks.

This also decently sets up the Leafs for the expansion draft.

Protecting:
Matthews
Marner
Tavares
Hyman
Johnsson
Watson
Engvall
Bracco
Rielly
Ellis
Muzzin
Andersen

Exempt:
Mikheyev
Robertson
Barabanov
Sandin
Liljegren

Not bad. Although it's also possible this would blow up in Dubas' face. Honestly, both would be interesting...

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