I think the Leafs decline this. Nylander's point totals alone and his still-possibly-untapped potential will make the ask heftier in my opinion.

On the surface, it is a better forward, worse defenceman for better defenceman, worse forward. But is Hanifin enough of a game changer to make this one worthwhile for Toronto? Hanifin is also a leftie, forcing McCabe to the right side, not sure that works?

End of the day, not sure on the value here to be honest, eye of the beholder I suppose.

Having said all this, would I be correct in saying that beyond Rielly, the Leafs don't have much in the way of good puck movers on the back end? Giordano is retirement age, Liljegren is yet to burst out really.. maybe Hanifin does provide something they really need? Is Brodie still any good at it?

Brodie slowed down in the playoffs. The speed and playing every other night got to him. I would ask for Andersen (instead oh Hanifan) and it may be closer value but i know how Flame's fans put Andersen high on Norris type pedastal.

Lol, I do value Andersson very highly myself, if you've seen some of my responses in other threads, but I don't consider him Norris trophy winner. Makar, Heiskanen, even still E. Karlsson, will always get the votes. But because I pay a lot more attention to the Flames, and watch a lot more of them, than the other teams, I do feel like Andersson has so much to offer that doesn't get noticed as much as other guys, and is becoming quite a complete defenceman. It is a much harder to pill to swallow than losing Hanifin, which is exactly why you said you'd rather have Andersson

Brodie has always been bad in the playoffs and anytime the games get tough. That's why the Flames let him go.

Andersson is not available. Neither is Weegar but if you want a RD Tanev could be traded. Neither one is likely to win a Norris they're two way defensemen and the Norris usually goes to the defenseman who scores the most points rather than the best defenseman. Even when it does go to the best defenseman he gets it when he has a really good year offensively.