Seems like a bunch of nonsense to me, especially because Zach Hyman is basically untouchable, at least in the eyes of Mike Babcock. These signings will also not win the Leafs the cup. Finally, if a Ristolainen for Nylander deal was out there, it would have likely already happened. No way Leafs say no to that.

Signings are depth replacements for nylander and Hyman. Why wouldn’t Hyman waive for another Canadian team? Nylander would love to play with his brother. Leafs need D, buff needs offence. Plus a third to make it go through. Why not?

You are basically attempt to inject a whole new first line, first off. Neither Brassard nor Puljujärvi have ever proved they can handle that, not even close to that. And as you get Puljujärvi you are losing Hyman, who already has plenty of great chemistry with this time, his linemates, and is one of the few Leafs that play a gritty game and can kill penalties. So if you want to make a depth signing like Josh Archibald, I totally see the value in that. But don't fool yourself into thinking that these moves are bringing Toronto the cup, in fact, far from it. As I mentioned about the Sabres trade, the Leafs would do it - I have no issue with Toronto moving on from William Nylander.

Brassard has proven he can play on the first line with NYR, with way more mediocre line mates than pulijujarvj and Auston Matthews.