Leafs-Canucks Blockbuster trade

That's awful for Toronto

Holl is also a veteran defender, not getting much more with Myers at x3 Holl's cap. The Leafs would be losing two pkers in Marner and Engvall (Vancouver wouldn't need him if they just need 1). No one retains on a superstar on a multi-year deal.

Then do you suggest the Leafs keep on going on with the same roster that has kept on disappointing every year with the same result. This team can't make it past the first round and they have shown that over and over. What the Leafs need is to add grit and someone who is from Toronto, a leader in the locker room (Canucks captain), can get at least 30 goals in a season, and battles hard every game. He is the definition of grit and can be exactly what the Leafs need to take the next step. Meanwhile, Canucks getting more speed, better special teams and superstar talent can help them take the next step as well.

If "grit" is the solution now, what was it that held back Sundin's Leafs?

One can also argue that the Leafs have some grit in Simmonds and Clifford, and so far any other additions like Ritchie failed to do anything, only Lyubushkin was a success. They need to add a guy like that, not ship off Marner. The Leafs also have a ton of leaders in their locker room, so they could add a guy like Horvat or Toews as a rental perhaps but not in a trade that guts the team.

They need to stay the course and figure it out as a team, bringing an entire new roster isn't going to solve anything. They might need a new core, but Matthews, Marner, and Nylander should definitely be a part of it.

It's better than suggesting they give Marner to Vancouver for a lesser player in Horvat, a non improvement over Holl in Myers and a guy who can't make it in Vancouver. This is a massively one side trade.