So should have traded nulander for nothing that helps the team enough to justify it and then turn around and pay lindholm way too much? Wat

11.5 was too much to pay Willy. That being said, you can get more than that for him. More current NHL players is a pre-req IMO.

Oh, goody, another offensive RHD Columbus doesn't need. How could we possibly say no to trading our dynamic young winger for that.

This core has proven to NOT work . In your world, what justifys it? the way I look at it, Leafs dont need offense, they need big bodies on D, depth, and a prospect pool. They achieve all of that for a guy that has cooled off significantly since hes been paid. I think its justified. They have a core to build around already, and can afford to overpay Lindholm (one of, if not now the best thanks to berg retiring) by approx 1M a year, realistically that is what hes going to get anyway. What would you pay Lindholm? and what do you think he is going to get in FA?

fair enough. What would you add? Shane Wright instead of Nelson or Morrison?

Devils have no interest in paying for the privilege to give you cap room. Kampf is just too long for a pretty mid player that we have no idea would even work here. Certainly not paying that price to take him off your hands.

Good shutdown C but holy Christ not for that price lol a 4th and 7th is more than enough

Maybe, he'd be a great cost effective addition for years, but hes not a difference maker atm. My main target would be Jared McCann. Hes a ++ finisher and plays C/W for only 5 Mill. Nylander for Oleksiak and Mccann (with other stuff to balance value obviously) would put the Leafs in a great position to improve even after trading Willy.

So if the core doesnt work then you make trades and signings to better the team.
This does not do that. The leafs need good players not just 'big' players, if your main justification for a trade is that the guy is big, then you lost and your team is worse for it.
As far as lindholm goes, if this core doesnt work then how does an older player, who cannot drive their own line make any sense if you get him for his worth let alone massivly over paying a guy past prime? If some othet team wants to jump on that grenade you let them

I would not say the Core 4 doesn't work. Due to the pandemic the Leaf's were cap heavy more than any other team as they just signed their core when it hit.

If they stay the course like they are doing and look to fix the D this summer they will be a heavy favorite in 2025

So if the core doesnt work then you make trades and signings to better the team.
This does not do that. The leafs need good players not just 'big' players.
- strongly disagree. The blueprint to win the cup shows you need big bodies on D that make it difficult to play against in the playoffs. I think through FA and this trade it happens. We get 2 elite prospects and a 3rd liner we need. I was very impressed with Kartye in seattles playoffs, he was a difference maker.


As far as lindholm goes, if this core doesnt work then how does an older player, who cannot drive their own line make any sense if you get him for his worth let alone massivly over paying a guy past prime?

- 1. older players can be more beneficial to a team. Age does not equal success.
- 2., i dont think its a massive overpay. Routine selke runner up behind bergeron. Won't drive a line, I agree, but a he wouldnt need to with Tavares. He is good for 65-85 points and can shut down lines. thats great for a 2c.
- 3. I think he fetches 8.5M and I think that regardless of age he will play well defensively for the life of the contract. Cant disagree with term though, it definitely is too long. This is just what i think is needed to bring him to Toronto. Not saying its great long term. Just what the leafs need to win within their window

The core 4 has generally been fine at worst too. The issue has pretty much never been them or their production save the Columbus series.
This season is basically everything but them is turning to crap because the new guy didnt address any of the actual issues and their goaltending is a mess because of injuries and one guy turning into a pumpkin for a quarter of the year.
This is why you dont make 'snot' your primary goal to improve a team

i dont think that would interest Seattle though, I think McCann would be an awesome Complimentary piece but I think he is too good. I think the leafs need the D prospects, but Wright + Morrison + Kartye + Olyskiak would be fair i think?

yeah i agree this one may be far fetched! I see the potential with Kent, but i also think its clear at this point CBJ is not the place for him, nor is a place he wants to be. I think the addition of the first makes it good, but maybe to make you happy, take out the 1st and do a 2nd+Ty Nelson or Logan Morisson from the SEA trade.

For what its worth Lily definitely is not an offensive Dman, he definitely excels more on the defensive side.

I think this management group makes Columbus look like not the place for anyone. That should be remedied this summer, or sooner.