Quoting: JoeROFLCOPTER
If you think Detroit wouldn't just buy out one of the more depth guys instead of, somehow, being stiff armed into trading waiver-exempt RFA; you'd be downright stupid.
Quoting: GMBL
There is no logjam yet, all the young guys are just going to really have to earn their spot on their team. If Edvidsson makes it, then someone else is just sitting as the 7th, if not then he's waiver exempt like someone said.
If Edvidsson can crack the Red Wings roster, they would be foolish to trade him when he's still on his ELC. If he can't crack the Red Wings roster, then why would the Leafs ever want to do this trade? They want to win now, and giving Detroit Nylander would just put them at the risk of missing the playoffs.
Have you guys seen Detroit's backend?
Walman and Seider are the top pair.
Maatta 2x$3M
Chariot 3x$4.75M
Both brought in last summer, both would cost to move out
Petry, Holl, Ghost all brought in this summer.
That's 7 NHL D right there.
Not to mention McIsaac isn't waiver exempt this year.
Wallinder and Tuomisto can also compete for a spot, both are older 2nd round picks with good potential.
I'm not sure where you see the space for Edvisson. If he is NHL ready which almost every analyst thinks he is, you need to trade 2 D, so either cough up picks to get rid of last summer's acquisitions, move a top pairing D or move someone you just got this summer to make space. Then if Wallinder or Tuomisto also make the team you have a major problem cause you have to move or waive guys.
Obviously they could go into training camp and play it out but if they want to maximize value trading a young guy now is the move. It's clear the goal is to compete today not in 5 years from now. They have made acquisitions that block their prospects from graduating. Similar to what LA did and they ended up trading away guys like Faber, Vilardi, Kupari that LA fans didn't want moved.