We all know that the leafs are going to have to resign JVR after next season. They also have to sign, Bozak, Komarov, Nylander, Leivo and Soshnikov. So this means there is a big chance he could get traded. Who do you think the leafs could get back for JVR.

Probably a top 4 defenseman. Likely a number 3 guy and something else.

The logic that the Leafs. "have" to resign JVR or any of their upcoming UFAs is so silly and unfounded. Other teams have UFAs, do they all have to be resigned or traded. OF COURSE NOT. But somehow the Leafs seems to be the only team in the league that "have" to do something with theirs.

I think it's mostly an asset management issue at work here. James van Riemsdyk is a good player that has lots of value. The Maple Leafs have a crap ton of wingers in their system that will be knocking on the door of the NHL eventually, and, if you have to decide between van Riemsdyk and, like, Brendan Leipsic, yeah, you're gonna go with Leipsic (younger player, yet to hit his prime, RFA = cost-controlled asset). Might as well get something for him while his perceived value is high, because you know that he'll demand a pay raise that the Maple Leafs can't afford when they have to consider Matthews, Nylander, and Marner's extensions.

LOTS of possible options that could include:
-Florida
-Anaheim
-Washington
-Chicago
-Carolina?
-NYI
-Minny?
-LA?

Ultimately, I can't see the Maple Leafs swinging a move *before* the expansion draft. I would hope that they look to acquire somebody on defense, esp. 1st or 2nd pair, RHD. However, should they acquire somebody in exchange for van Riemsdyk before the draft, that's 4 defenders that they would like to protect: Rielly, Gardiner, Carrick, and Defender X. Then they'd have to give up another asset to the Golden Knights in order for them to pass over Carrick, which is less than ideal.

Another guyswho looks at scoring points in the AHL and thinks they can play in the NHL. Leipsic is a doubtful NHL winger. And the Marlie wingers, really aren't NHL good. Besides JVR is needed next season as a Leaf, why trade him. Remember the Leafs gave up a draft pick just to get rental Boyle. So the plan isn't to trade everyone upcoming UFA. Now if JVR returned a capable Dman, that would help fine, but to willy nilly trade upcoming UFAs, silly.

Bozak and JVR might not directly fetch top defenseman BUT they could get some picks that could go toward a top defenseman. For example the Dougie Hamilton trade saw picks as currency. JVR could get a mid round first and we could use that to trade for D

Well the trade would have to be for immediate help right there and then. So you're in a playoff run at TDL, and you trade JVR and Bozak for picks that don't help you now? That ain't happening.

JVR is so critical to our success, not resigning him would be insane. I don't think trading him makes much sense at all. We'd only get a second pairing guy at best, and I think we have other options out there in which we can keep JVR and still get a good defenseman until Carrick or whomever we draft this year is ready for that role.

I think JVR is the obvious piece that goes in a trade for a defensemen. Minny, NYI, and the Ducks are clear trading partners. Just my two cents.