I see him as very similar to Bunting. Who's lighting it up with Matthews and Marner. However, put him on a line without those two and he's 30-40 point winger. Still good and valuable but there are a lot of guys who are similar. Hagel being one. It's not as hard to find those guys as people think. Paying a 1st and a top prospect for one is ridiculous

Similar maybe but the differences being;

Hagel is a $1.5M cap hit for 2 more seasons
RFA after that
23 years old and only 1 1/2 seasons in the league...still not close to his ceiling in theory
Doesn't play with Matthews and Marner, he plays with Dach and Toews who are nowhere close to Matthews and Marner, you'd figure he'd be a lot more productive with Matthews & Marner

I don't see many similar players when you consider all things we're discussing, understanding cap, age, contract status is just as important, as Hagel in the league. That is kind of the point why his value is so high. I don't see the Hawks moving him and if he's moved, the acquiring team fans won't like it which is the point; there aren't similar players in the league like this and historically no real comparison at the TDL (Coleman isn't a good one because of age, cap hit, contract status)

Sure but that just proves the better players carry the load. This is where I differ from most fans. I see Stars being worth so much more than secondary players. Hagel on his own isn't a big game breaker and I doubt he ever will be. But given the right opportunity, usage and linemates he could he could be a good 50-60 point winger. On his own with lesser players he may only be a 30-40 point winger. Like Hyman. Yeah he scored a lot with Matthews and Marner but away from them he was a 30 point winger. Now he's looking like he's a 5.5 million dollar middle 6 winger who needs stars to justify his contract. Hagel I think is the same type. And finding those types isn't all that hard. The Leafs haven't missed Hyman at all. So I wouldn't ever consider the ask for Hagel. A similar player can be found for much less.

Actually, finding a player like a Brandon Saad, Hyman and Hagel is looking that way isn't all that easy either. Remember Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson? How many left wingers have the leafs cycled through in the last couple of years? Point is, you need someone who can play with that level which takes good vision, passing skills, speed, etc. People knock Strome saying he looks good with Kane which is true, but how many centers has Kane cycled through...12 I believe and Strome is one of the top 2 or 3

Still, my point remains. I would never pay big money for a someone who needs other guys to maximize his potential. Matthews and Kane are going to get points, they are elite. Put em with anyone and they will make an impact often. Never overpay those depth guys who clicked with a star. There are a lot of Bunting's, Hagel's and Hyman's out there. Paying huge prices for them isn't necessary.

I don't think you can lump all these players together and say they are equal. Do you not think Hagel would be even better next to Matthews and Marner versus Toews and Dach? I'm willing to bet he'd be better then bunting and 3 years younger, and a RFA after another 2 years. Throw bunting on a line with Toews and Dach and he probably has 30 points right now. My point is, all these types of players offer a wide variety of talent, it's impossible to say they are equal and therefore you wouldn't pay much for any of them.

Bunting is going pretty spectacular with them. Would Hagel be the same? Maybe but maybe he won't. It's hard to tell what chemistry they'd have. The difference though is the cost to acquire. Hell Robertson could be as good or much better than Hagel and he's already on the team. The cost to get maybe an improvement or possibly less value than Kerfoot or Bunting makes it entirely too risky for me

I think Robertson needs to put on some weight, I worry about him in the NHL. I get it, but you can also understand (Leafs notwithstanding) why so many teams are calling about Hagel. At the TDL it's unheard of grabbing a player like Hagel that young, that low of a cap hit, with term and a RFA. Coleman is about as close to it as it gets but he was 3 years older, higher cap hit with only 1 year left then a UFA, and not as good of production.

I am very conservative on making moves. I have no problem moving Robertson but if I do I want it to be impactful and I don't see Hagel as something more than we already have.

Also, the Leafs are more in need of goaltending and a defensive d man then they are in need of a top 6 winger.

I am not overly concerned about the goaltending. I think Campbell will bounce back and Mrazek will as well. I have been against a stay at home defenceman but am coming around on it recently. If they get a forward it needs to be someone who moves the needle

Since january 1st, Campbell has played 17 games and only 6 times posted about a .900 sv %. Mrazek has played 16 games and only 5 times posted above a .900 sv %. Could be defense more then goaltending but they aren't going anywhere in the playoffs like that.