Wont happen but interesting idea

I really don't understand this trade, been posted a bunch of times but literally makes zero sense for both teams. An offensive minded team trading their 70+ point dman to a defensive team trading their 1st pairing (if Pietrangelo walks) shutdown dman

This is exactly what I'd do. I'd switch Gauthier with spezza who will make league minimum but the rest is 100%

I'm currently, (and have been for a while), onboard with this idea. It makes perfect sense.

I doubt the Blues would do it though and I really don't like the idea of adding from the Leafs perspective unless it was a B prospect or lower draft capital which wouldn't move the needle much.

I also believe that the Leafs would never make this move. I think that they are dead set on their core and see Rielly as a huge part of it. (Which he is but, this addresses the need for an improved D Core IMO).

It'll never happen though.

I think you are on with your RFA valuations however I see no need for Gauthier at that salary in Keefe's system.

Thanks for posting.

Spezza is a really good add and the Leafs should go for him - BUT - he is not a 4th line player. He has never been a D-minded guy (and has some liabilities there). Unless you aren’t putting out a checking / shut down line, he belongs on 3rd line. Gauth may not be the perfect fit but he is more of a D zone guy and faceoff guy than Spez

Good thought - but feel like the speed-skill-scoring mantra of Management would favour Reilly over others. He’s half the cost of his peers right now.