Anaheim (and most teams) just won't/can't take on Zaitsev's contract without sending money back in return. LTIR is not returning money. Still short at least one roster spot. Fat chance both Sandin and Liljegren are NHL ready next year. Happy Canada Day.

So if I get this straight... we lose kapanen and two thirds to upgrade zaitsev to Miller? Not sure that’s the best asset management. I’ve done and seen a lot of Agm’s moving zaitsev and we always end up spending nearly the same amount on another Dman to replace him and give up valuable assets along the way.

Look at those two deals as independent from each other. Kappy for an RHD is very realistic in my opinion, the picks could be whatever swap necessary to even the value. I also don't think the Leafs would need to add anything in a Zaitsev deal if it's just for an LTIR contract.

Regardless of how you split up the trades the leafs are left with one rhd under contract and Kappy and the picks are gone.

If there were a ufa coming up this season that the leafs were interested in signing than moving zaitsev for nothing makes sense.

Short two pressbox players 800k in cap space no kappy, lost picks, two rookies who aren’t ready and does the defence really look that much better?

I think miller is a decent RHD. But is hevwhat propels the Leafs to glory?

I ask myself the same thing every time I do an AGM. The answer is always no.