Something like you suggest for in the Isles trade is possible. But why trade Bozak? Winnick is not a centre and Aaltonen isn't an NHLer. Let's stop this love-in with Leipsic. He has not indicated he's an NHLer.

hmmmm .... I was looking at Tanev ( https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/313682 ) but your Hamonic deal makes sense as well.

No need to move Bozak yet, I'd re-sign Boyle for 2 yrs then next year depending on where the Leafs sit at the trade deadline you either keep both for another playoff run or deal one of them and have Gauthier come up for the remainder of the season.

I don't agree with the UFA signings of Franson and Winnik. Winnik for the reason above and Franson as I'd rather have a younger D-man (Marchenko, Valiev) compete for the 3rd RD spot.

With the lines, I don't disagree fully, but I don't think it works with Babcocks style ... I remember Babcock saying at some point this year he prefers Matthews and Marner on separate lines as each of them can "drive" their own line whereas Nylander is more of a complement guy, or something to that extent. As well he (Babcock) like a "grinder" with his skill going back to Abdelkader with Datsyuk/Zetterberg, so I see him keeping Hyman with Matthews and Komarov with Kadri. Personally, if Brown or Kapanen can play the off wing (or Babcock gives Leivo a chance) I'd like to test one of them on the top line in place of Hyman and you let Hyman centre the 4th line between Martin and Shosh (in which case I wouldn't bring back Boyle).

I like Bozak, he's proven to be a useful player, especially last year. This move is done for the sole reason of moving Nylander to C, where I think his long-term future is. There isn't enough room for Bozak and it's time to cash in on him now after a career year rather than lose him for nothing after next season as a UFA. This is entirely predicated on moving Nylander to C though. I'd be happy keeping Bozak if Babcock is never planning on moving Nylander to C.

What proof is there that Leipsic isn't an NHLer? He's 22 and put up a point-per-game in the AHL. Look at the list of players who put up a point-per-game at that age. More than half of them have become useful NHLers. https://theleafsnation.com/2017/03/29/if-young-ahl-scorers-are-a-dime-a-dozen-i-would-like-to-give-you-many-of-my-dimes/

Winnik hasn't played C in the recently, but he has in the past. I really don't like the other options at C in free agency or internally. I'd happily take Boyle back on a two-year deal worth two million, but I am resigned to the fact he'll get more money and term elsewhere and in that case, he can walk.

Marchenko proved he was awful last year, even playing sheltered minutes and Valiev shoots left and from what I've read, probably isn't ready for the NHL and may never be. Franson is really a low risk, high reward situation. You pay him for a year and either he plays amazing and you re-sign him or let him walk and reevaluate your internal options. Franson had great underlying numbers last season on an awful Buffalo D corp.

I agree, the lines aren't Babcock's style, but it's what I would do. I think Babcock's line logic can be very flawed at times, as having Hyman attached to Matthews all season was probably less than ideal (look at Hyman's primary assist numbers on Matthew's goals). Also, to say that Nylander is a "compliment" guy is dead wrong as he drives possession at an equal rate as Matthews. I'd also love to see Kapanen play with Matthews.

I actually agree with your 4th C Hyman plan. I actually really hope the Leafs consider it. I would actually prefer it to Winnik there. I think Hyamn is a very useful player, but his place is on the 4L.

rs88: I would hope that Leipsic, Rychel,Leivo can be difference makers in the NHLer, but they are long shot by now. Players that have played three full years in the AHL, 23 years old this month who haven't cracked the NHL, rarely do become good NHLers....goalies might be the exception..
The worse thing to look at is AHL or junior stats are see how they relate to the NHL. Every year the AHL have half their top scorers with veteran AHLer who never really had any effect in the NHL. I would encourage anyone to go to a AHL game (which I do) and compare to an NHL game. The speed is considerable faster in the NHL, and generally the players stronger and can handle the puck at high speed.
That left wing you constructed....two plugger, Komarov, Martin and two NHL hopefuls t isn't a good formula for the Leafs.

I agree Marchenko isn't someone that can be relied on (I traded him for a 4th rounder to Dallas in my scenario). And you are correct about Valiev being a LD, I thought I saw right shot somewhere but I was wrong. That changes how I feel about your trade and moving on from Carrick. It's a fair deal but I'm not sure how much sense it makes for our long term. If you bring in Tanev and deal one of Nielsen/Dermott along with Kappy. You get three more years of Tanev while Carrick can be allowed to grow slowly on the third pair and hopefully he's ready for big minutes once Tanev's current deal is over, who you then move on from. On the left side the future sets up for Reilly Gardiner and one of Nielsen/Dermott.

I think bringing back Polak would be a better option than Franson.

I'm not calling Nylander a complement guy, I said I remember Babcock saying something like that.

The problem for Leivo is that he got hurt in camp and when he came back the lines where already set, Babcock has shown he likes to keep guys together and build chemistry, the only way in is another one is hurt and cant play...so let's see what happens in this years camp.
Leipisc played 6 games NHL last season and recorded 3-4 points if my memory works well, he got hurt and missed almost half season in AHL but has come back in good form, Kapanen also lost time to injury.
Lets see how they do in camp, I think Leivo/Kapanen/Shoshnikov/Leipsic and Kalinin will compete for 2 spots (4th line R side and depth scratched forward) unless someone else gets hurt or really has a terrible camp.
On defense only T.Dermott looks has a chance now, also camp will tell unless a FA is signed and door is closed, if he stays in NHL should play or better stay AHL playing, young prospect should not be scratched but playing.