Well, it only makes sense to the Leafs if they think Drouin has more upside than Nylander. And though not a big factor, the trade would help Tampa next year with their cap hit.

I don't believe have traded any of their NHL or junior players that the Lou has acquired. Though Nylander was selected before Lou arrived, I just don't know if he would want to break up the family.

As they say.... you can't get married to your players.

Personally (and I'm not just saying because I made this), I think this would help both teams short-term and in the long run.

Agree with all subjective on evaluations by I'd take the year younger Nylander and 21 goals, 57 points vs Drouin 20 goals, 50 points (Drouin has played 7 few games) this year. Maybe in 15 years we can have more objective discussion.

I like the idea and I totally agree that this could help balance both teams as both players are quite similar in value imo

Yeah true but to me.. I like Drouin better because he's like Marner but faster and less feisty.

Imagine.. Drouin/Matthews/Marner.

Mr Cap: Imagine. Hyman/Matthews/Marner. You don't see Hyman as the LWer for 10 years

I don't like it...Nylander will be the more complete player and there is no reason to mess with the chemistry.

I think the plan is to have Nylander at C throughout his career. All else equal, centers are worth more than wingers, making this trade a little lopsided in TB's favor.

Technically speaking sure, makes sense. Just feels like rearranging deck chairs though. Does this trade really change anything for either team? Not really. OK you have a LW instead of a RW now. Plenty of forwards play their off wing anyway......

I like this deal for Tampa because it will help their long-term cap situation, but if I'm the Leafs I don't do it. A+ for effort.

Drouin has a very underrated two-way game. You can't really say who's going to have the more complete game until it's all over.

1) Yes but he's more of a natural winger if anything. That transition to C is hard if you see things better at an angle.
2) Kadri is already at 2C. He's been absolutely dominant this season at that position. Inconsistency is still there but that will be his position for a long time if he continues like he has been in The 6ix.

Actually, it does change a lot of things for both teams.

Tampa has a lot of talent on the left side. Lacking in the RW department. Plus helps them with the exp.draft. They can move out more talent for Dman since it frees up space.

Toronto has probably the best wing depth in the league. They have too much 'good depth' on the right side that they can swap it out for the left. Plus JVR and Komorav should be moving out within the next year if the Leafs want to continue on with their goal, which frees up that left side. Then they have great LW/RW depth and also trade their expendables out for more Dman talent.

Instead of losing a trade with a divisional rival, wouldn't a better idea be to just move Nylander to the left side? It seems to have worked out extremely well for Hyman.

True it could work out but there are a couple reasons that are blocking such a move to be made:

1) Babs loves his left-shot on the left-side and right-shot on the right-side.
2) It would be a very hard adjustment to make during the season especially with all of their recent success.
3) It really all depends if Nylander could play that side. It's a lot easier said than done. Some players can play all/both sides but some just can't adjust to the backhand side.

Fair point, it might also depend on management's long term plan for center. Does Nylander go back to C when Bozaks contract is up? Matthews-Nylander-Kadri down the middle in 2 years might work out well provided 1) players like Grundstrom and Kapanen develop into NHL wingers and 2) the two years as a full time winger doesnt damage his potential development.

Fair enough, but I personally don't see Nylander at C because he looks more of a natural winger.