I'd rather just keep Engvall and get a defenceman instead

Pass. We’re gonna be just fine.

I like Reilly Smith a lot, but that's the type of move where Kerfoot would have been moved but in terms of money and where he plays in the top-6, since Smith would be ideally be taking that spot. Also, I imagine that move would have to come with an extension in place. The one Dubas has going for him in his attempt to keep his job is that he doesn't love the rental deals. I also imagine if there was a deal to be had with Vegas, the Leafs would find a way to acquire Zach Whitecloud as part of any said deal. He's a young defender with term. Now that Vegas has locked up McNabb to that extension, along with Pietroangelo, Theodore and Martinez, along with all that big money spent on their forwards, Whitecloud seems like the type of defender that can be had, for a fair price...of course. Smith (plus a reasonable AAV extension) and Whitecloud to Toronto for a package that included Kerfoot, Holl, prospects and picks sounds like a good move to me.

Still able to trade Holl for an upgrade and get retention. Still would have all our assets…

vegas doesn't need to move anyone

and if they did it would be for more than that

I agree that would be ideal but Vegas can’t afford to take Holl and Kerfoot back on a sign and trade they need to move out at least 6m unless they commit to pulling a tampa. This rental deal would come a lot cheaper that foligno for example because they are so cash strapped.

But we've added another 2.5 to the cap that isn't needed.

I would never bet against the house (haha), or in this case, against 2 teams that handle their cap management considerably well in that they seem to always be up against it. At this point, it sounds like Stone is out long term (at least until the playoffs), so they Vegas has some wiggle room until Martinez gets back. I think in Holl and Kerfoot, an appeal is that they both offer reasonable affordably on term beyond this year, something that Vegas also seems to like. This might require a third team to pull off and it sounds to me like Arizona, Chicago and Seattle are all willing to take on money for a sweetener. I could see a 3-way deal between Vegas-Seattle-Toronto lining up quite nicely. I could see a situation with Vegas finds some crazy way to acquire Jared McCann, even without this crazy 3-way deal happening.

Actually no we didn’t… Ritchie + Engvall = Smith retained

I am a big fan of Engvall. I should be quiet now.