Trade: I think Nylander is great, but this trade gives us a big addition on D (Pysyk isn't physical ,but he's responsible and a good skater) and although Bjugstad doesn't have the firepower of Willy, he is a big body who can play centre or wing, and is responsible in his own end and will still give you 40+ points.
**One thing I really think gets overlooked when talking about the Leafs defensive woes is its not soley on the D-men.**
Signings...
Tavares: Its not super likely, but a boy can dream. 11.5 may not be the biggest offer, but its very fair and maybe the best your gonna get from a contender.
**If Tavares didn't sign, play Bjugstad @ centre and sign one of the many winger available in free agency (Nash, Perron, Neal, Kane, JVR, Vanek)
Par Lindholm: reported to be coming to TO. can play in all situations, was top 5 in Pts in the SHL this year. Gives the Leafs a very good 4th line centre (we hope)
Johnsson: Although fans are very high on him (so am I!) he still hasn't shown much in show. 2 years @ 925,000 gives him time to prove the type of player he really is. (could even be 1 year)
Carrick, Aaltonen & Gauthier: Still just depth options
Pickard: Could easily be trade bait... Goalie depth is NEVER bad, but he may want a shot.
2018 Draft:
Take Filip Hallander: strong, competitive, drives the net hard
or Akil Thomas: smooth skater, good vision, playmaker
Both have played centre, but can also play either wing...D seems to be the need, but adding Pysyk and having Liljegren eliminates the dying need.
When Marleau is done and the possibility of having to trade a forward for cap space, either should be ready by 2019 or 2020