I get you love him.. but he is not a member of Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1st.

Yeah sure the oilers a cap crunch team could sure swallow up almost 7 mill lol

Wasn't to the oilers specifically, hence the description of the trade

Most likely not, Dubas and Babcock both talk like they're trying though. With a discount it's a possiblilty

JVR route again. There were tryings to sign JVR at this time of the year and did they? Nope.. Gardiners situation looks like JVR all over again..

I don't disagree, just trying to explain it's possible if they wanted. Truthfully letting him walk is probably an outcome that works out for the leafs, they can then somehow bring in a guy to play 2nd pair to replace Hainsey/Zaitsev if moved.

Rielly, Dermott and Sandin should be more than a capable LD.

I would like to have Tanev on Team instead of Zaitsev. Shorter contract works better for us and they are pretty similar

I'd take that any day, actually makes sense if Van values Zaitsev as much as Tanev (Or at least near)

Zaitsev and Tanev are both defensively responsible and good skaters. The one thing they differentiate is that Zaitsev has high offensive upside and Tanev is extremely smart in his own zone. Vancouver needs scoring, Leafs could use upgrade on Zaitsev. I dont hate but I think for him better would be to be on team with more responsibilities.

Tanev would allow Rielly to be a riverboat gambler and control the D side a lot better than Hainsey, Zaitsev was good on the PP in Y1. I actually think it helps both sides if Van is willing to have extra years

Yes. Also Zaitsev would surely be on PP in Vancouver. Hughes as PP1 QB and Zaitsev as PP2 QB.. works.. They dont have much of a prospect pool on right side so more years at 4.5 is good deal for them as well. Perfect pairing with Juolevi imo.