TDA would have exploded in a major market. He's away from the limelight in Carolina, covered up by Slavin, Pesce on the blueline, and Aho or Svechnikov in terms of scorers because Carolina do not get long looks from anyone usually. TDA would have been mauled somewhere he can't QB both PP units.

While DeAngelo seems enticing, he would be useless on this team because he gives little defensive value, similar to Barrie. They already have Rielly and Sandin, so the offense is already taken care of.

He's better offensively than Sandin, and it's not really close. That would make Sandin expendable.

DeAngelo is gonna get paid this offseason, probably a contract that Toronto can't afford. We already have elite production out of Rielly, no need for DeAngelo. Sandin is a great PP2 quarterback, and we are getting good production from both Muzzin and Brodie. If the Leafs are going to be getting another defenseman (which they better), It will be a big one that can kill penalties, play physically and move people in front of the net. DeAngelo would be a pest, but he does not fit the bill.

What do you think he's going to make? He won't make more than 5, he's not got the leverage. He's a renowned problem in locker rooms. What's he going to do? He's also team controlled, as an RFA. He can't walk away.

Carolina aren/t moving their PPG D man (who would lead Toronto's defenseman in production in far fewer GP) anyway. But he'd instantly be the biggest offensive threat from the blueline Toronto have.

Look at Edmonton, they have too much offense in their defense core and they are being screwed over. While he would be a fun player to have, he is not good enough of a fit for the Leafs to get rid of a guy like Sandin. Sandin is younger, hasn't hit his prime yet, cheaper, and has chemistry with the best players on this team. There is no reason to ruin that unless it is for a guy like Chychrun.

Then you use Sandin to go and get Chychrun. DeAngelo is better now, by some margin, and Sandin might never be that good. Sandin is only cheaper by a few hundred grand, and DeAngelo is supposedly a beloved teammate everywhere but in New York.

All that I'm saying is that he doesn't fit the Leafs. I know that he is one of the top offensive defensemen, but what the Leafs need is a big shutdown defenseman. If they didn't have Sandin or Rielly locked up, then it would be a completely different story.

Sandin is an RFA at seasons end... not exactly locked up like you claim

I meant Rielly locked up, but they have Sandin. My bad for wording it in a bad way.

Ohh, all good. In that sense, TDA is also RFA at the end of the year, and he's going to put up 60-70 points.