Petey, I'm gonna tackle all 3 trades in this one post:

Trade 1 - They might do this, I'm ok with it, cause I think Dermott's hit his ceiling with the Leafs
Trade 2 - DAL is gonna want more than Engvall for Holtby, and with retention you're looking at adding a second and a prospect
Trade 3 - I don't see a 4th being enough to unload almost 6 mil in cap

These 3 trades also bring our avg team age somewhere close to getting the seniors discount at Denny's. If they were to do this, we better have guys ready to step in when they break their hips.

Hi Dutch!

Dermott has to go, Lou likes him. Chara and Parise bring some veteran presence, Lou will be good to them. Want Chara for 15 minutes per game more than I want Parise, but he's an upgrade on the 4th line to anyone Leafs have right now.

I disagree that DAL will want more than Engvall to unload Holtby. They're carrying three goalies' salaries right now, so they're basically getting a UFA that they can sign and be of use to them at a team-friendly number in exchange for a UFA that they don't want. Retaining a little salary is the cost of doing that business. Retain 50% and get Engvall or carry 100% and get nothing. That's how I see that one.

As for the BUF trade, they need a goalie and Mrazek would work for them. Too, they'd perceive Holl as a good RD. Salary dump for the Leafs and a couple of roster players for a rebuilding BUF.

As for average team age, I'm aware but content to worry about that in the off-season. Core is going to remain the same regardless and with these moves, Leafs have much better chance of a Cup run NOW, PLUS it frees up some salary cap space for next season. Regardless, Leafs have to go for it NOW. This is it for Dubas/Shanahan and they know it. Watch and see.

Thanks for the discourse as always.

Cheers!

So Leafs weaken the crease and their D (when their goal is to strengthen it) and get nothing in return? makes no sense