Nylander for a Forward - a thought

I like the idea, but Detroit is already in cap troubles after they signed Larkin. So adding another 1mil-2mil on Nylander wouldn't be ideal. Saying that, Zaitsev doesn't have much value, and again, not to Detroit

Zaitsev is Toronto's best right handed defenseman, at either end of the rink. Larkin is a year older than Nylander, scores 2/3 as many even strength goals a year, but yes, he's inexpensive. I think if the Leafs decide they need to swap Zaitsev and Nylander for Larkin to cut costs, they can do it next summer if they sign Nylander close to market value and play him to keep increasing his trade value. Doesn't seem like a trade they rush into, today.

This year, the Leafs have extra cap space, and if they make deals with an old, rebuilding club, they're more likely to take on the final years of a couple contracts as rentals for a playoff push.... not that many contracts on Detroit are expiring.

Larkin and his cheap contract probably has more value than Larkin. Larkin is a centre, and he is the only good Wing centre. Leafs need Zaitsev right now, don't know why so many folks wants to get rid of him without a viable replacement at RHD.