Whether you blame Marner alone or the coach or the entire team is irrelevant, the Leafs have folded yet again under the pressure of the playoffs. The biggest on ice factor for that result is (imo) the guy who couldn't generate any physicality, couldn't string a pass together despite being one of the best playmakers in the regular season, and is getting paid as much as two impact defensemen. This isn't calling Marner a terrible player, it's just pointing out that it's unacceptable to keep him around and extend him if you're the Leafs after that performance. Replacing a glorified penalty killer with two top 4 defense with some term (a lot of term in the case of Weeger) and opening up options to refresh the top 6 is vital.

Skips over Calgary for Buffalo in 3 way deal (Calgary acquires Östlund, Rosén, Savoie, and a 2026 or 2027 Buffalo 1st)

Buffalo fell short of expectations this season, but between Tampa showing signs of slowing down and the second wildcard spot seemingly being up for grabs, picking up a star for futures that won't be in play for at least one more season should be on the Sabres' front office's mind. Marner is a 26 year old who's shown his two way ability and playmaking skills time and time again, and though his playoff showings haven't been all too glorious, Buffalo needs to make it there in the first place before complaining about his post season impact. Between the cap going up and his play being unimpressive to say the least, it's unlikely he gets more than $11 mil, which isn't bad for a 70 assist pk1 pp1 guy.

Gibson's value over the last few years has fallen through the floor over the past two years, but Leafs fans should know best that you can't count the stats of Anaheim players after Benoit and Lyubushkin went from some of the worst defensemen on earth into actually impactful players. With Sammy leaving and no impressive goalies in FA, Gibson can be a solid option to win now and get kicked out the door when Woll and Hildeby have had a couple years in the league.

Anaheim adds to their incredible future defense group and picks up an RFA who's young and a solid two way player.

Toronto recoups picks for deadline upgrades in exchange for a guy who didn't make sense on any of their lines

Seattle gets a young forward with that dog in him and an underutilized shot, making him the perfect fit for them long term.