Lil + first might get you Ekholm? but not both

True.

Why are earth do the Leafs need Granlund? Gee, lose Kerfoot, and then have those two Preds for over two weeks.
Ekblom and the only Preds forward of value to the Leafs would be Forsberg.

Nashville passes, not retaining on ek

Not even sure that gets you Ekholm without retention. Sure does not get you both.

Bad asset management. Forget value which I don't think is enough for Nashville. Forget even that we have to wait two weeks to get the players.

The best player you're trading for is Ekholm. He's an LD. As you see in your line up you're playing him appropriately behind muzzin and Rielly. Why on earth are you spending so much to upgrade your third pairing?

Dermott is a good defenseman, obviously not as good as Ekholm but it's just not an area of need.

And you give up Lilly and possibly Holl on the right side.

Not even close to worth upgrading the third pair,

Yeah I didn't even particularly look at the actual trade. Just shut it down in my mind at step one.

Don't try to upgrade LD unless one of Muzzin/Rielly is out for the season I suppose.

Even Rd I would be hesitant unless somehow there is a significant Holl upgrade at low cap hit who I doubt exists.

Really unless injuries we could benefit from but don't need: a 3c upgrade. A skilled tough winger (Simmonds just doesn't have the skill we'd like anymore), and just depth in general (ie if haula or someone like him were available for a 4th or less I would consider trading for him for playoff depth).

Also a goalie trade could be considered if it will get us a long term goalie as I don't think Andy is long for Toronto. But don't see a short term upgrade

Scenario: If in the playoffs ANY of Muzzin, Brodie or Rielly go down, can you win?
Answer: Not a bleepin' chance. You need another Dman.

Then at least get a Rd.

But most teams don't have better depth if they lose one of their top 3 d.

Leafs lost Muzzin last year and played fine defensively. Depth scoring was the issue.

Maybe a vet Dman would fit the budget better. A Dman with term is overkill.

The Leafs losing Muzzin last year is exactly why I KNOW they can't afford an injury to their D.