The Blues are in need of secondary scoring and 2nd line center. Bozak and Van Reimsdyk addresses those needs while not blowing their limited cap space. The Leafs get an upgrade in Parayko, who's also a two years younger, 6'-6" and has a heavy shot. Bozak and JVR only have 1 year left on their contract and it's questionable whether the Leafs would resign them anyway; ie what term and annual salary would the Leafs have to give JVR. Trading away those guys frees up space for the likes of Leivo and Rychel, the Leafs won't know what they have unless they play them. Berglund's contract is particularly bad but Zaitsev's 7 year 4.5M per deal is risky as he may not pan out as hoped and he'd be in his 30's towards the end of his deal. Yakupov is only 23 and could realize his raw potential with a change in scenery, Babcock's coaching and playing with Matthews.

Similarly, Dallas is also weak on the wing and has an abundance on defence. Leafs get a young right handed NHL ready defenceman that projects as a top four defenceman. The trade as proposed is probably a bit skewed in Leafs favour with the draft picks, might have to include Soshnikov.

The Leafs could trade for the likes of Colin Miller for the 3rd pairing but it's wiser to just sign a UFA like Franson.