Leafs need to think big this year - getting out of Atlantic will be tough. A lot to give up for Horvat (pure rental): 2023 1st + Holmberg & Topi (who are top 5 prospects in our system) but…
We sign a vet FA to play 4C next year (Kampf needs to be re-signed) & Timmins / Lili are 2 solid, young RHD (+ Brodie) so right hand side of D is set for a bit.
We still have some good prospects in pipeline - Knies, Robertson, Minten, Hirvonen, Voit but need to prioritize D corps moving forward in draft / future trades
Horvat could be the difference maker (big goal when needed) + hoping Barbashev would benefit from playing with elite line mates.
Allows us to put 4 strong lines together - top 3 all strong defensively but can produce and 4th line is shutdown / difficult to play against. Can also throw Bo on 2nd line late if we are chasing game & need a goal.