Nashville risks loosing Ellis in the expansion draft. Gotta think that they are going Subban, Josi and Ekholm. Be surprised if they weren't.

Ellis for the Leafs provides a balanced game on the right side - solid two way performer. Really good fit here.

Preds get a very solid forward propsect in Shoshnikov - has serious wheels and good hands, and most importantly expansion exempt. And since quality defensman don't come cheap, a 2nd rounder for good measure.

Realistically the stock has fallen on Shinkaruk; but I still like his size and is still only 22. The Leafs lack depth on the left size, and this is compounded by the impending free agency of JVR and Komorov. May not figure into the plans this year, but with some direction with the baby Leafs, could prove useful a year from now.

Marincin for the Flames provides an inexpensive and very viable option for their bottom 6 that could fit long term.

RFA rights to Garret Sparks

Gotta think this one is self explanatory.

Some might think this is a stretch.... hear me out.

We all know that the Caps are going to be hard pressed in trying to keep that core together. Burakovsky is due a significant pay raise - albeit less some some others. My thinking is simple: if I am the Caps I would much sooner keep Kuznetsov, Orlov and one of Alzner, Shattenkirk or Oshie. Burkovsky bring a 3rd line guy who would see about $2.5-3 million on a bridge deal I just don't see int he cards; even if he is 22. You have to think the Caps are committed to winning a Cup during the Ovie era.....

The leafs can afford to move the 1st - especially in a shallower draft than we have seen in the last few years. The point of this move is planning to find "that" left winger that can play with Matthews. My thought is he can.

This also gives a little more depth and breadth to the left wing, which is by far the shallowest position in the organization. Burakovsky comes in, and gives the 2nd line some serious teeth as I would move JVR to that role.

It's also insurance on JVR - with this being his final year under contract. If the Leafs cannot resign him for money that is going to make sense long term, they have someone that has a much stronger likelihood of filling those shoes than Zach Hyman or Josh Leivo (he, more in the short term)