Canes pass

Give reasoning.

As I said deals may not be bang on but felt they were close. Canes get a legit top 6 forward that will likely be a 30/70 guy while giving up a top 4 defender which they have to spare, and a prospect that is bottom 6 at best. Plus a mid round second.

I don’t think Canes are interested in Nylander with his price tag. It’s clear they were pursuing him prior to Dec 1st and are not know. In this deal you’re asking canes to give up an elite defender + a solid prospect + 2nd round pick for an elite winger + solid prospect. Doing the math...prospects cancel out. Pesce & 2nd for Nylander is a no go.

I personally don’t see Pesce as elite. I see him as a solid top 4 on a good contract which gives him value a little above just his skill level. So his trade value is that of an above average too 4. Nylander who has already started to regain form and all sign point to him being an elite scoring winger (30/70 range as previously stated) when he reaches that level to have a 30/70 guy on a sub 7 mil deal is a huge win. The fact that Nylander has more upside and is likely a top line winger definitely makes the deal work for both teams. Canes get a solid young scoring winger that can also play center on what will be a good cap number and the Leafs get a Good young D man in a great cap number. Fills both teams biggest needs.

My comment was Pesce is elite defensively - I did not say Pesce is elite. He’s also 24, can play top pairing mins, can play left and right side, has been a penalty killing machine.

Would you trade Nylander for Pesce straight up?

I would consider it but not likely would need to be a pick of some sort. Leafs take more risk in the trade. Scoring forwards especially young ones tend to always score. Defenders can easily fall apart in a different system. No one wants to be a part of the next Hall for Larsson deal. I could see a Kapanen for Pesce One for one deal but that kinda defeats the purpose off what I wanted to do in carving out cap space.