I believe that the Leafs are fully capable of making the playoffs this season, given how weak the Atlantic division is this year. By adding a few solid pieces, I believe it will help them get from 'just qualified' to 'could surprise'.
1. Nashville has always been a good breeding ground for quality defencemen, and given that Toronto's primary need is on defence, I figured this would be a good fit. In the upcoming expansion draft, Nashville will protect Josi and Subban for sure, and I also think they'll protect Ekholm, who's signed to a long-term, relatively good deal and flies under the radar. This leaves Ellis unprotected, and with talented d-men like Girard and Fabbro coming up, Nashville can afford to part with him, and restock their prospect cupboards with a high-end prospect like Kapanen. Currently a PPG in the AHL (at 20 years old), Kapanen likely would've made the Leafs had there not been a large influx of young players. He could give the Preds some good scoring depth, and has the ability to grow into a bona-fide sniper. Polak was added to keep the cap hits relatively even, and despite his lapses, can be a solid shut-down, PKing d-man. Given the scarcity of RHD, the Leafs add a 2nd rounder for 2018 to sweeten it. While Ellis was ultimately acquired to be a top-4 d-man, Gardiner and Carrick have one of the best defensive pairs (statistically) in the league, so playing him with Hunwick, who Babcock loves for some reason, could stabilize the defensive core. Come 2017-2018 season, Rielly-Zaitsev and Gardiner-Ellis, roll from there.
2. This one isn't exactly necessary, but for a team that could head to the playoffs, adding a veteran centre could help. Stajan is familiar with Toronto, has a good FO% (something TO needs, Bozak is only C above 50%) and is a better option than Ben Smith; while Stajan isn't exactly great Corsi-wise, he's still better than Smith. He does have a M-NTC, but for his hometown team I think he'd waive it. Additionally, he's almost matched his production from last year in half the games, giving a bit of scoring punch into the 4th line. Gauthier has played okay so far, but is young, and needs another solid year of training. Calgary would also like to take his cap hit off the books, and Toronto has the space. The contract also ends before Marner/Matthews/Nylander deals, so no worries regarding cap space there. Leivo is a fringe guy with moderate-low upisde who never really found a place in TO and could do with a change of scenery.
I actually like the Nashville trade. It does benefit both sides. But I have to ask what is your angle on Stajan?
I've been a Leaf fan for years, and to see him back, playing for his hometown team, would be nice. From a manager's perspective, FOs were the key target, with everyone higher than him either too valuable to their respective teams, too expensive, or just not a good fit. All Ben Smith brings to the table is FOs, so I figured I'd improve it for a reasonable price.
In the Ellis trade which is make by TDL, you give up RHD Polak for RHD Ellis. Not a real help to the Leafs this year. So the trade is 2 years of Ellis for whatever Kapanen turns out to be.
By expansion draft you're right guys like Ellis and some other Dmen that would have been exposed will be dealt. IMO Kapanen is too much to trade for 2 years of Ellis. Think there will be better deals available for Lou.
In the Ellis trade which is make by TDL, you give up RHD Polak for RHD Ellis. Not a real help to the Leafs this year. So the trade is 2 years of Ellis for whatever Kapanen turns out to be.
By expansion draft you're right guys like Ellis and some other Dmen that would have been exposed will be dealt. IMO Kapanen is too much to trade for 2 years of Ellis. Think there will be better deals available for Lou.
Uh, I'm pretty sure that Ellis is a clear upgrade over Polak, any day of the week, and would certainly help the Leafs this year, and for years to come - I'd also like to think that Ellis would resign given the right price? More established than Carrick, and would solidify the top 4 for a while. And while I admit that Kapanen is a very good prospect, to acquire a top 4 RHD with offensive capabilities you have to pay up. Leafs have enough prospects on the wing (Bracco, Dzierkals, Grundstrom, Korshkov, etc.), which allow them to make this trade.
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