How about Kadri, 2nd for Pesce, Saarela?

I view Pesce as our 2nd best defenseman, so the acquisition cost for him would be higher.

Top-6 two way centerman with scoring qualities able to play against top lines of opposition on a great contract is really high value. Also top-60 pick is big thing too, especially if its 2020 pick which is deeep draft. Pesce is amazing, I would love to stitch his name on Leafs jersey with no2 on below the name and play him with Rielly. That trade would be fair for both sides. Kadri would be great acquisition to any team.

If Kadri was at his full value, I'd say this is pretty close. Unfortunately for Toronto, he's not and he might be the guy they have to sell low on for cap relief. So I think you're overpaying Toronto here. I've suggested Kadri for TVR ($500K retained), Nicholas Roy and a Carolina 3rd round pick for Kadri which I think is closer to fair value right now.



The price would definitely be higher than Kadri and a 2nd but Pesce is your 3rd best d-man begins Slavin and Hamilton. He's not a #2 with very little offence to his game

The issue with Kadri is that he's no longer seen as a sure thing to be a top 6 guy on any team. Last summer woulda been more justifiable for that. But right now, as much as he COULD be that, there's not much to back it up. & he certainly doesn't have the value of a top 6 player right now.
1) his production was down this year. 16 goals compared to 32 in each of the last 2 years. Even though he played against weaker opponents this year
2) he has a lengthy suspension/fine history now and at bad times
3) everyone knows Toronto needs to clear cap, you'll never get full value for a guy when the entire league knows that.

Even at full value, Kadri and a 2nd is still a bit off for Pesce. Pesce is younger, on a better contract, and plays a position that's in higher demand (top 4 RHD compared to a middle 6 forward). That just wouldn't be enough to entice Carolina to make the deal.

Let's keep it nice and simple, no picks. How about this?
To TOR:
Pesce
Saarela

To CAR:
Kadri
Kapanen (RFA rights)

Kadri is not worth that much

Toronto passes. I highly doubt they move Kapanen, they had their chance at the deadline and didn't move him. If they do I think they've set a high cost for him. Pesce could be in that mix but he isn't worth 2 roster forwards. Saarela is a long shot to make the NHL. Has the skill but lacks motivation at times and has glaring defensive upgrades to make. Wouldn't really consider him much interest to Toronto.

If it's Pesce coming to Toronto it won't be this summer, it'll most likely be next summer because of the cap. Right now I'd look at fair value something like this:


Brett Pesce
Carolina 5th round pick


Kasperi Kapanen
Toronto 2nd round pick (conditional to a 1st possibly depending on the prospect involved)
C+/B- prospect (could be Jesper Lindgren, SDA, Dmytro Timashov, or someone else in that range)

Make the trade call.