I think that the Leafs are not far to go over that bump, but they do still need to make a few moves to go over that bump. For me, it starts with trading one of the "Core 4" and get stronger on defense.
Personally, the one that is expendable is William Nylander. He was good during the playoffs, but inconsistent (pretty much like the rest of the Core 4). Marner is a local boy pretty much untouchable. Tavares is also local, but his contract is the issue for him to put him in a trade, no one would want an aging player with a cap hit of 11 million $. I would keep Matthews.
In this situation, St. Louis decides to retool (or rebuild however you like) and Colton Parayko is available. Yes, he just signed an extension, but his cap hit for 7 years could be an issue with a retooling (or rebuilding) team. I would trade Nylander, Nick Robertson and Boston's first round pick in exchange for Parayko, and Toronto get their 2nd round pick in 2024 back. It gives a solid defense, something that they really need, and would also help the penalty kill.
To replace Nylander on the 2nd line, I would acquire Conor Garland from Vancouver, another team on a rebuild. Garland would be a cheaper version of Nylander and could perform really well with Tavares in the middle. I traded a prospect in Villeneuve that could have an impact in Vancouver in the future. The Leafs have other prospects on the blue line that are similar to Villeneuve, but better.
In free agency, I decided to take a wild bet in Max Pacioretty. Comes back from a major injury, would probably take a big pay cut, and could have a big impact on the team's first line with Matthews and Marner. It might be a big risk, but it could be a high reward. Getting Corey Perry for the 4th line helps with the grit on the team, and quoting from Shoresy, "the guy hates to lose". He will give his 100% night in night out. I'm also bringing back guys like O'Rielly, Acciari, Bunting to help out with the depth.
In the crease, I'm buying out Murray. He's washed and shouldn't be back on the team next year. Replacing him with Woll with the intensions that he becomes the 1st goalie on the depth chart in the near future
Horrible trade for Toronto, Parayko isn't even a positive asset. 6.5M cap hit for at best a 2nd pair defender? Yikes
Have you watched the guy play? I would 100% have a pairing of Rielly-Parayko for the next 5 years what we have now. Nylander will ask north of 8 or even 9 million and we all know Toronto can't afford that
Quoting: xercuses
idk thats a good package for Parayko but i think the blues would want a replacement coming back in a Parayko trade
I tried to find a defensemen that could be in the trade also, but I don't think the Leafs have what St. Louis need to replace him right away. Maybe they find another trade for that replacement
For once, a respectable offer at least (though Robertson has zero value of any kind to the Blues). Sorry, I would pass anyway. Creates more needs than it serves for the Blues.
For once, a respectable offer at least (though Robertson has zero value of any kind to the Blues). Sorry, I would pass anyway. Creates more needs than it serves for the Blues.
You think a guy like Niemela would've been more appropriate for this trade?
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
xercuses a aimé ceci.
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