Playoff Ready

Could see this type of move being made relatively soon - Leafs clearing cap space and granting Mikheyev's reported trade request. Avs seem like a good fit being that they play with a lot of speed and are in need of PK help - Mikheyev checks both boxes for them. As for Toronto, it clears some cap space to be able to address other needs at the deadline and adds a draft pick to either look at flipping for help, or keeping since they're low on picks for this years draft.

Before the deadline, I'd think Dubas would start to address the situation on defence so there's more time to assess the situation before playoffs. Assuming the Islanders are still out of the playoff picture, Mayfield would seem to be a good fit for the Leafs on the back end. Best suited for a third pairing role (could pair with Sandin), he can move up and down the lineup when needed and bring some much needed physicality and defensive play. His low cap hit and extra term would make him an interesting option, however some retention would be needed to help with the current and future cap. The Islanders would likely be looking for a pick and a prospect in return, I see a late 2nd and a C- prospect as the value range for this type of deal. Kalle Loponen is a very similar prospect to Mayfield, he may be a few years away from a shot at the NHL level but he has similar upside and similar style of play to Mayfield so the Islanders may view that as a positive for when Mayfield's deal is up and would look for a suitable, cheaper replacement. The pick is what they make of it, they could see a prospect in that range that they like or they could flip it for more immediate help next season.

On the same day Dubas acquires a defenceman, I see him finally moving in from either Holl or Travis Dermott. Dermott would seem to be more likely to stay being that he's younger and more versatile - which leaves Holl as the odd man out. Pens were rumoured to have interest in Holl, and I see a similar value to Mayfield for Holl (pick and a C- prospect) with the difference being contract value and the fact that Toronto would need to clear cap space. So I've lowered the pick to a late rounder (something Dubas loves) and re-acquired Filip Hallander for the memes. Hallander was actually coveted by Toronto in the Kapanen deal so there very well could still be some interest in him. Some added centre depth is needed in the organization so it fits a need too.

Deadline day again brings a 3 team trade that sees a middle team (Seattle in this case) retain more salary to help Toronto fit in a veteran for their playoff run. Pavelski checks a lot of boxes for Toronto being a veteran with a ton of playoff experience. He'll bring a net front presence to the PP for a different look come playoff time which will open up more space for their perimeter players. He's versatile and can score clutch goals as he's done in the past. The price won't be cheap, especially for a double retention type of deal, but for a team that's all in this season it has to be something to consider. In return, Dallas receives a high pick in a deep draft, an offensive dynamic prospect in Nick Abruzzese who should be NHL ready within a season and a half's time. They also receive a high risk, high reward type of prospect in Will Villeneuve, who if he works out well could turn into a replacement for Klingberg in due time. This is the type of deal id expect Dallas to consider if they're more looking to rebuild a bit longer than a retool, so it would depend on how management views the outlook of the team at the deadline.

Leafs receive Joe Pavelski at an additional 50% salary retained.

Seattle could be any team that's willing to help facilitate the 3 team trade. I've chosen Seattle because they're new to the league and will be looking to create good relationships with teams for future trades as well as they have ample cap space to be able to take on the full 50% retained. In return, the Kraken receive a goaltender prospect that needs some work for a future shot in the NHL. The Kraken are thin on goalie prospects and Toronto has strength at the position in the pipeline, so this seems to make sense. Artur Akhtiamov was chosen because it is a small retention due to the actual cap hit and money being reduced since it's a deadline day deal, which wouldn't warrant much of a better prospect.

Sent from Seattle to Dallas in order to meet requirements of a 3 team trade.