He will likely only play 1.5 years, so they do need to be afraid if they are paying for 2.5 years.

The Leafs can afford to sign all 4 of them, but if any of them wanted they can walk. I could see both Matthews and Nylander walking, as for Marner and Tavares, they are probably Leafs for the rest of their careers. Chychrun too could walk as well.

My point is the Leafs have might have a good prospect pool but it's very shallow, and you want them to deal their top prospect + a 1st + a young D-man with a cheap contract for a guy that would be a great upgrade, but might not play much at all.

The Leafs are better off keeping both Knies and Sandin because of the value their contracts will bring the Leafs. Next two years, will be challenging until Tavares 11m is reduced. If they can have Chychrun for Robertson+Niemela+two 1sts, then that's something they should consider.

that's definitely a more attractive proposal for toronto but i don't think there's any chance az bites on that if la offer something like vilardi+turcotte+two 1sts. things cost more for toronto and no one is gonna help the leafs without walking away with their best prospect (especially considering the az connection with knies, huge marketing potential for a small franchise)

Yeah, if Dubas ever did offer this and I'm AZ, I'm running with that.

I think something like Chychrun and Bjugstad for Sandin, Knies, and a 1st is a solid trade basis for both sides, really.
Maybe Toronto looks to move some cap from their side (Engvall, Holl, whoever). Maybe AZ adds a mid round pick or middling prospect since they are getting the three prime pieces they would be targeting (in my mind anyway). But as the foundation for a trade, it's likely interesting to both GM's.