As fair as your deal is, and I am not saying it's not (it actually might be too fair), as a Leafs fan, I feel like they only have eyes for 1 of your D and that is Josh Manson. Even if it meant including a contract like Bieksa's in this deal, which would help ANA cap situation, I think the Leafs only deal with ANA if it included Manson.

The Leafs were scouting the Nashville/Anaheim game. Vatanen is a player the Ducks would move for that price, no doubt.

I get that. Personally, I think Manson is over-hyped because of Corsi. He's ok alongside the right partner, but he is definitely a complimentary #4. Vatanen is the better player, but they obviously have different skillsets. Regardless, I don't see Manson moving. He's too cheap and we have Montour to step in and replace Vatanen next season. Meanwhile, we have no one who can replace the hitting, grit, and fighting ability that Manson brings.

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@mytduxfan, It's somewhat funny you mention that, Manson's skill set, because that is exactly what the Leas, and probably half the NHL needs. I know Vatanen is a good player, but based on how the Leafs performed this season (they are in desperate need of defenders who can actually defend) and their long-term outlook (or rather prospective cap issues they will have with upcoming RFAs in UFAs in the next few seasons), I'd think the Leafs would need, not want, but need, someone like Manson, who can grow alongside their current core. I will say the future for the Ducks D-core looks quite bright: Shea Thedore, Brandon Mountor, Jacob Larsson, Josh Mahura, etc.

A second rd better and where do we sign?....
Only thing is that I think Bieksa has to be protected unless he waives his NMC and why would he...so you do the trade and then you can lose another top D to Vegas unless you bribe them to select another and that would cost picks

I think you're underrating Vatanen defensively. Vatanen can defend. He gets overpowered by bigger players sometimes, but he's solid. IMO (means nothing as I'm not a Leafs), based on the skillset of the forward group you have and the East in general, I suspect that LL and MB are looking to build a more mobile D core akin that of PIT. The days of build, bulking pylons that can't skate, but hit and fight are long gone. Consequently, Manson is unique in that he does all that to a reasonable level. With that said, I don't see how ANA can afford to move such a rarity in the league, especially when you consider his contract for the next 2 seasons.

If Manson is what the Leafs need, I don't see a deal happening. Plenty of teams need a player like Vatanen and I'm confident he's the preferred option to be moved. Maybe LL and MB are just checking Vatanen out. However, they don't necessarily have to pull the trigger if he doesn't fit TORs needs.



I understand your point, but, at 17th OA in a weak draft, any D-man you pick up will be complete crapshoot. Even if you're lucky and get a good one, he'll be ages away from being a legit NHL player and will probably end up being about as good as Vatanen (with a different skillset). Meanwhile, you have Matthew, Marner and Nylander tearing it up and getting you guys into the playoffs. My opinion doesn't carry much weight, but I suspect that LL and MB are looking for some more immediate help. Whether they're willing to move 17th OA to get that immediate help is another question. However, I don't see BM trading Vatanen for Kaps + 2nd. It's a weak return given how many teams will be looking for a D of Vatanen's calibre.



Bieksa will waive or BM will buy him out. The buyout is an inconvenience as he'll have to trade for a D-man we can expose, but it's not big enough of an inconvenience to warrant not buying him out and losing both Manson and Vatanen. The Ducks have already explored the option of reneging on Bieksa's NMC at the beginning of last season. Given that was unsuccessful, buying him out isn't too much of a leap.



Agreed. I think Shatty is better than Vatanen, but Vats is locked in at a great price for a lot more years. He's worth the better prospect in Kapanen and the 1st IMO. Lots of teams will be interested, but this deal makes a lot of sense IMO.