I don’t think Crouse has the skating ability to keep up with the boys on the 2nd line, but maybe I’m mistaken?

I did a bit of scouting report digging, skating doesn't seem to be an issue. Plus Tavares isn't exactly know as a great skater, nor is/was Hyman when he first took a top 6 role. Leafs have a really good skating coach that has helped some of the slower guys.

Why do I keep seeing this trade? Just curious

I keep pushing Crouse lol. I think he'd be great for the Leafs. He's got grit and is huge, but is also young and has some talent, so he could easily go off playing with our elite forwards, or be like our next Hyman-type forechecker.

It bothers me when people say we need grit for the sake of grit, and to trade talent for it (ie. Nylander for Tom Wilson or similar), but I wouldn't be opposed to finding players who have both talent and grit, and for the right price.

Hyman has always been a terrific skater, and Crouse sucks. Leave well enough alone I say. Simmonds is going to be a good player for us. He won't put up a pile of points but he's going beast good leader and a guy who fires up the bench.

Then why are you trading Simmonds?

seems like a bad trade for Arizona

because he can't play more than 4th line hockey anymore, if that. I hope he proves me wrong, but that's how he has performed lately. Also I was gonna put him to the taxi squad but remember that MTL was going for him and would probably claim him off of waivers

Yeah I thought about making the 3rd a 2nd or even the 4th. I'd be fine to add a bit

Seems like a great fit, a good trade too

I just dont see them having interest in trading any of their under 25 core for less than an overpayment

fair. They are also pretty short on draft picks, and Crouse seems like he could use a change of scenery. Engvall is young and can step into the bottom 6 in Crouse's place, and if I were to up the offer to include a 2nd round pick I feel like they need to add some draft capital

He was plagued with injuries for the past 2 seasons and prior to was still a decent middle 6 guy. He is now healthy and had a full off season of training. At 1.5 he's going to be a good player, he'll hit a lot and add some extra leadership and I bet occasionally he'll get time in the top 6 to just get in front and cause havoc. Imagine Matthews having a little extra space and a screened goalie.

I dont exactly agree with this analysis, he's a very solid 3rd line power forward option for them. He is also the only remaining pker on the team of their top 5 pk forwards last year, he also provides the team with a lot of much needed physicality that the rest of their line up doesnt really have

it would take some big revitalization to get Simmonds on the third line, let alone "middle six" implying second line minutes. Hitting and leadership, yes. Leadership isn't really a place this team is lacking in, but sure. Matthews already has a better, more competent space maker and goalie screener in Hyman, and Simmonds won't be playing in the top 6 barring some major injuries so he probably won't be playing with AM anyways.

I have nothing against Simmonds, loved him in his prime. Just not that great anymore. I really do hope he proves me wrong and that you are right, but I think he's a good 4th liner that can play 3rd temporarily if there were injuries, and that's it.

Engvall kills penalties as well, can play center, and has shown that he can play third line minutes when needed. Plus a 2nd, and I'd even be willing to do a third, to add to their very depleted arsenal of picks. I could see it happening. But I also know what you're saying and you could very well be right as well.

My issue is I dont really trust Engvall as much more than a 13th forward. I trust Crouse though. Like I said though Crouse also provides that needed physicality.

fair enough, that's true about Crouse, but I think Engvall is at the least a 4th liner, and a pretty good one at that. I suspect he'll make a third line push soon enough.

I think Engvall + 2nd + 3rd is fair value, but fair value doesn't mean a done deal, and I get why they might prefer to keep Crouse.

Have you seen John Tavares skate? Not exactly a burner lmao

I think he'll play 3rd line consistently and do well.

Unfortunately, there are people who are of the opinion that human beings can't and never do heal and that if they could heal they would do so while playing top minutes of a team trying to contend for a playoff spot. I don't know if he's one of them but those people are obviously wrong. Simmonds was injured the past 2 seasons and hockey players are not known for being patient or letting themselves heal properly. Covid did Simmonds a favour. I'm not saying he's going to be Prime Simmonds but he's going to be a lot better than people think.