I'd really prefer Van keep Schenn if they are running it back with the same D core besides Liljegren (let Rathbone marinate a little longer in the A). Kuz makes this possible if he signs in Van but high risk move if he doesn't pan out and JT is gone. I'd like to see Pod stick with Petey and Garland with Bo. Pod looks like he'll take another big step next year.

Think if Miller was going to be dealt it was at the deadline. He isn't worth this much anymore. Not a good decision to keep him imo. His value will never be higher than that point. Massive career year, 1.5 years left and they kept him. 1 year left on a guy that is probably in the 55-65 point range doesn't get you all that. He probably gets a Jamie benn contract (not good) while continues to get older.

kawhi leonard had been the nba finals mvp when the raptors brought him in, miller is the guy tampa traded away right before winning 2 straight cups. comparing the 2 is laughable.

Agreed, I'd rather they keep Schenn for the year too, but he may be a cheap asset that gets the right deal done. If Kuzmenko doesn't pan out as a top 6 option, he's still cheap enough to run in the bottom 6 for the year, so there's no big risk contractually. I do expect another development jump from Pod, and hopefully Hoglander too if he gets some time in the top 6. Failing that, Pearson can bump up to Horvat's wing for DZ deployment.

Doubtful the Leafs give up Liljegren for a rental. Like, think about it. - 2 top prospects, 1 already establishing himself as a quality NHL player, a 1st round pick, and a middle six winger likely worth a 2nd himself, for someone who would be on our bottom pairing, and a rental forward we wouldn't be able to re-sign.

remove Liljegren and Schenn, and you are at that "top prospect, roster player and a 1st round pick" that top pending UFA's typically go for.

It'll be interesting to see what the return is like if he does get moved. I think there'll be some serious bidders even for one year of his services if the Canucks retain 50%.

Not nearly enough upside in that package for VAN though. Not sure Robertson is a "top prospect", the roster player is also a pending UFA and the 1st is a later one.

I'm not making a straight-line comparison between the two players, Miller is obviously not in the league MVP category. I'm saying it's the type of deal that Friedman is talking about; making a move for a star player that you may only have 1 year of control over for a run at a championship. He may not be an MVP, but he is the caliber and type of player Toronto (or any contender) would love to add.

Which is fine. I am simply explaining why the Leafs aren't going to do that deal for a player they only have for one season.

Also, Nick Robertson is 20. He was very impressive and went PPG in the AHL when he got back from his injury. He's still a top prospect.

fair enough. but i'm looking for a guy with some rings and a knack for big goals at big times (yah i know they don't grow on trees, or come cheap).

miller would be a great piece, but i don't see him as the "missing link".

He's still a really good player. I was obsessed with him and Kevin Hayes on the Rangers a few years ago as targets. Both big, versatile players who can put up points. Ofcourse teams will really like him, but players with 1 year simply don't go for this amount of value. It's not a perfect comparison, but look at what new jersey got for Taylor hall. He won the hart the year previous yet didn't get the value you'd think.

That's fair. I wonder who else they could get that would provide the same impact/$$$ though. Maybe if they could pull off a Nylander deal for a guy still on an ELC that could bust out, but GM's are hesitant to move those guys.

Agreed, But my guess is that they're looking for a huge package that didn't suit them for that quality defencemen that are now difficult to find. It's difficult to find teams who needed Miller at the deadline.

Saying Miller is a 55-65pt player is extremely disingenuous. Yes he's coming off a career year and might not be a 95+ point player going forward but he has averaged over a point per game over his time in Vancouver.

I get not liking the package but calling him a 55-65pt player as part of your argument carries no weight.

I personally don't like this package for Vancouver. There is value there but no real top end pieces imo. I like Liljegren but I don't put much value into Robertson. He's a guy that will have to play in the top6 given his style and size and I don't think he will get there. Kerfoot is a fine 3C but is an expiring contract and I wouldn't be interested in giving him a raise. The 1st is nice but it's in the 20's. On top of it Canucks are retaining and adding Schenn who is very valuable to the Canucks.

I think there will be much more suitable offers than this one.

Nick Robertson definitely isn't a top prospect. Yes he has produced well in the AHL but given his size and playstyle he is probably going to have to be a top 6 forward in the NHL and I'm not sure he will be good enough for that. He's a decent prospect but certainly not a top prospect.

Nah, he still is. You are allowed your own opinion on a prospect, but he's still very much considered a top prospect.

I really don't think he is. I don't think anyone outside of Toronto would consider him a top prospect.

My gauge at a top prospect is someone that can centerpiece a return for a top player. Robertson just isn't that guy. Teams would like to include him in a trade because he's still a good prospect but he's not a guy that teams say "they must have in this deal".