This is making moves for the sake of making moves, which is the literally what Dubas said they won't do.

I'd rather have Mercer long term than have Nylander for two years and no guarantees he comes back.

Is it me or is that Bl ackhawks trade heavily lopsided?

it's true, can't imagine them sending out a 6th for Mrazek, even with the retention.

Don't trade sandin for Varlamov, just sign Campbell

Look at the one above that one

(i know, i was making jokes)

Hawks are giving up way too much in that deal as well, for what it's worth. Strome is a legit top 6 guy, and Kubalik is a recent 30 goal scorer. Even when he's been healthy, Kase has been the worst of these three players, and a 6th rounder doesn't make up the value.

They also play a similar style. I don't see how it helps the Leafs unless it's purely cap space.

Sandin has a 2nd round value at this time, Isles are not giving away Varly, retaining and send a 3rd for nothing.

Cap conditions and having a cheaper longer term player would be the big assets Leafs get. Mercer isn't the player Nylander is, but he allows for far more flexibility and control of the asset.

Blackhawks decline

Kubalik isn't getting QO. Strome may not be.

Really the part I'm going for. That's 6m freed up to get a slightly worse player NOW but can improve elsewhere

Easy no from the Hawks on both trades. Mrazek will cost a 2nd to move him. Kase gets you back Kubalik, not close for Strome.

Should of specified that strome isn't accepting his QO and kubalik isn't getting offered one in this ACGM

Yeah, basically my thought process right there

I still think you get a better deal for each of them individually if you move them before July 1st.

Sam Reinhart was pending RFA and got back a 1st and Dillon Levi. Nikita Zadorov was pending RFA and got back a 3rd rounder. Jake Bean was pending RFA and got back the #44 pick in the draft. The Rangers got a roster player and #56 in the draft for Pavel Buchnevich's rights.

I wouldn't think it's crazy to say that Strome comes in close to Buchnevich's value as a player (down to them both putting up 48 points in the season before RFA!), and Kubalik probably has similar value to a Zadorov type (middle of the lineup, had some decent years but coming off a meh season).

For argument's sake, put Strome as a 2nd and Kubalik as worth a 4th rounder. You can get much better than Kase and a 6th for them.

Well if Strome and the Hawks don't work something out, there will be 20 teams willing to pay that price for Strome...he's going to have a market to chose from. I agree, Kubs is not getting his QO and is as good as gone however, I'm willing to bet there are teams that sign him in the $3s for short term.