Robertson is either in the top 6 or back in the AHL, Leafs aren't trading for Garland to stick him on the 3rd line... I doubt Vatanen signs for that, would rather lose Kerfoot to Seattle if we're trading anyways and keep Holl at $2M (I don't think CBJ makes that trade anyways).

- Robertson needs to start lower in the lineup against weaker comp and will benefit by playing with Spezza. Not a good idea to just throw him to the wolves.
- Why not? Hyman played on the 3rd line occasionally... Garland would tear up other teams 3rd lines and there is no reason they wouldn't move him into the top 6. He probably fits better on the 3rd line with this lineup but he isn't limited to playing there.
- Vatanen wasn't great this season, but can look good beside Muzzin. Even if it isn't Vatanen, someone of his calliber and would sign for around that much - maybe Larsson?
- CBJ jumps on that deal because there is not a chance Domi re-signs. They get a player that is more than a rental in Kerfoot, can play anywhere in their lineup, and provides positive value. Basically getting value for a guy who is going to walk, doubt anyone pays much for a potential rental in Domi.

I understand your thought process on Robertson but that's not how the NHL works, skill guys don't play on the 4th line, he won't get anything out of it vs playing line 1, pp1 on the Marlies.

Hyman and Garland aren't the same player and Hyman would still get his 20 minutes a night. You aren't trading for and signing a guy to 5.5M to play 14 minutes a night.

Don't see the need to move on from Holl when he's been solid alongside Muzzin and plays top 4 minutes at $2M.

CBJ would likely want prospects/picks, not just a similar replacement player and would likely prefer to not retain and if they do they'd get paid with at least a 2nd

I think if Dermott was a top 4 defenseman or at least RHD, I could see the Jets looking at it. But as a bottom pair LD, the Jets wouldn't have any interest.

What is the additional prospect to NJD?
And what is the rest of the trade?

like a C+ level prospect, maybe a Mac Hollowell. Will probably play NHL games in a year or two but won't be a superstar.

Dermott can play on the right side, he is also younger than Appleton too i believe.

I think with the way Keefe deploys his lines, Garland would still get that 17-18 mins a night. He'll play both special teams and the odd shift in the top 6 as well.
I just don't like his fit over a guy like Killorn or Galch. It seems like the leafs like that "power-sniper-playmaker" combo and I don't see how he fits on the top 6. Might be able to take on that power role beside 91 and 88 is my thinking.

Personally, I also am not a fan of Holl. I think he is a product of playing with Muzzin. Seems to be poor infront of his own net and doesn't provide much puck movement in comparison to what Vatanen could do.

Dermott is still a bottom pairing defenseman though, so I don't think theJets would have much interest. Maybe as a depth guy if he can play the right side, but it wouldn't be for Appleton. Maybe a 4th or lower. But probably just sign a comparable guy as an FA.

Mac Hollowell for what though?

NJD would get Mikheyev, Hollowell and the 4th round pick just for retaining $2 million