long term an LHD is not needed. Go after an RHD instead, muzzin should be back soon after the break

Think about it this way, pick up an affordable LHD with term, dump Muzzin (whose next contract probably won't be pretty) and go after Barrie, whose poor year this season has brought his value down and is still under 30.

Muzzin might be a little better than Brodin, but he's a risk this team can't afford to take on at this point. I like this move for Toronto, although I think they may have to give up better pieces

But Brodin really doesn't have term, he's a UFA in 1.5 years. Leafs are fine at LHD this seasons and next season with Reilly, Dermot, Sandin , Marincin. Leafs need centre Kerfoot a lot more than Brodin.

Kerfoot wouldn't be the guy I'd want if I were Minnesota; he's older and has less upside. Kapanen would be the guy I'd target, plus another piece maybe.

Brodin will be a UFA soon, that's true, but having an in-house replacement for Muzzin and a guy who will only be 28 when he's a UFA will hopefully help them when its time to re-sign him. And personally, I'd rather have Brodin than Dermott and definitely Marincin.

Dermott is fine along with Reilly and Sandin. It's finding a replacement for Kerfoot at centre that is the issue. If Brodin is to be traded it should be to a team that needs a LHD.

Rielly is out long term so he can replace him until he gets back. Let go of Muzzin in free agency, or trade him, brodin is younger and arguably better and it would be better for the team long term.

sandin and Dermott can't be held to the bottom pairing forever

They can and should be if there are better options. One of them will be anyways even if Muzzin goes

thats exactly my point. the leafs can realistically, going into the future, add one solid defensemen, and given that their two best young defensemen play the left side, they should look for help on the right side before they look to the left

I just don't know who that would be. I think they should prioritize re-signing Barrie, but beyond that, I can't really think of anyone in their price range or that they'd be willing to pony up big money or assets for. I wonder if you could swap Dermott for a righty, trade for Brodin and try going from there. Seems like along shot but it could be interesting