The exact deal I anticipate before the deadline

A team acquiring Ekholm wants him playing at least 20 minutes a night. Move him to the top 4 somewhere.

Certainly not an underpayment. NSH's gaining good value here.

Just heads up, the re-sign conditions are not allowed anymore. They got banned in the new CBA.

I like it except for the "Additional Details". That would be 3 - 1st round draft choices when the Leafs win the Stanley Cup.

Granlund isn't necessary. He really doesn't make the Leafs that much better, because who does he bump. Leafs shouldn't trade Dermot,cause you have wait over two weeks for the returning (Ekblom) to even practice for the Leafs.
IMO it's a real overpayment for a 1.5 year rental, and a rental who isn't needed.

Then the expansion draft comes along and Seattle takes Ekholm because Brodie and Muzzin have NMCs. Add that to the transaction list lol.
All that for half a year of Ekholm? No thanks. Leafs will need their players on inexpensive contracts that can make an impact. Don't trade them all

They should be getting a 4/5 defenseman. One comfortable on the 3rd pair but can play top 4 in case of injuries. I think them trading Lehtonen is a pre cursor for a move like this.
Don't go crazy. Their top 4 D and top 6 forwards are pretty good
Last year the Jets got Demelo for a 3rd...a move like that is the better play