The Leafs 2018-2019

I think the only way Gardiner gets traded is if it is is a hockey deal and the player he was dealt for has term on a cap-friendly contract and then Gardiner would ideally have an extension worked out with his team. The alternative is he is dealt for a future package, which the Leafs would then parlay into a defenseman. Of course, there are always a 3rd team that could get involved and make things super interesting. However, the more this offseason goes by, the more I think Gardiner will be returning to Toronto for a final season.

You have brought up interesting points. I would imagine a deal for Gardiner would involve an extension as well, seeing as how the free agent market for defencemen in 2019 is weak, and he is right near the top. However, I don't think the Leafs trade him unless they get a current top 4 defenceman in return. The reason I did the trade for Myers is because I have heard that one rumored a lot, and it seems to work well for both teams, but I like your ideas as well.