Pettersson is miles better defensively. Tage is awful in his own zone, Pettersson is elite. So yes, Tage isn’t on Pettersson’s level

Eichel’s return was not better than Tkachuk’s. Tkachuk returned a 115 point winger, a top pairing dman, an 3rd round prospect, and a 1st. Eichel returned a solid prospect, a top 6 winger, a 1st, and a 2nd

Tage is also elite and a better goal scorer than petey. Tage also isn't awful in his own zone. Sound like someone that just looks at charts. He plays a decent amount on the PK. Pretty good stickwork. That line is just plays a high risk game because that's what they're coach to do. They'd rather have them score a ton and give some up. Just because someone is better defensively doesn't make someone on another level.

You realize both were 30 and FAs the next year right? Most people are taking Tuch & Krebs in their early 20s at 5.5M for another 4 years instead of Huberdeau + Weegar at 16.75M in their 30s for another 8 years. I swear people on here just don't understand the value of contracts & cap space.

It's focusing on the the biggest part of value. Why do you think a vezina winner went for free? A salary cap exists. These guys are also out of their prime. Value is about future not what they did the season before. Do you think columbus would trade Fantili for Stamkos?

It's not a huge difference. This also just sounds like someone who just looks at charts and doesn't watch them play. Tage is also a better goal scorer. They are close.

In four years you have only posted 1200 comments, but you speak, people should listen as you know of what you say.
Leaf fans actually watch hockey, it is refreshing to hear positive comments about Tage from a Toronto follower.
While I could see his raw talent when he became a Sabre, it took Granato to release it.
Big players often take longer to develop, he is still developing.
Thanks for your comments.

Defence is a huge difference. Let's not pretend it doesn't matter