Why would Nashville do this?

I dont see nashville being at all interested in this for a guy they just locked up for max term

Might as well throw in Matthew's and two firsts

Maybe Nylander, Liljegren and 1st might open discussions?

Lmfao.... no.

Why would Toronto?

This is talk about TOR wanting this not NSH. I don't see this happening but if TOR were really to want this to go through they would have to give up more then they would want, sure it was an overkill but thats how much NSH don't want to move him IMO.

I agree with you and one reason it the Leaf would rather have Johnson, Kapanen and Liljegren at 7.5m for the next few years than just Ellis at 6.75m. Can't believe the Leafs would make a trade just to be better this year.

I would love to have Ellis... for the next 4 years. Unfortunately his contract is a bit longer than that and this is too much to give up. A player a prospect and a pick. That is what teams give up for nhlers. Not 3 roster players for 1 in return.

Nashville:

If we go for a short reboot then I'd do it. Fabbro pairs with Josi. Yes there will be growing pains but that is part of maturing as a dman. Liljegren steps in next season with Ekholm. Liljegren is expansion draft exempt so Seattle expansion draft becomes very simple. Kapanen and Johnsson make the need to extend either of Granlund or Smith unnecessary. Nashville gets younger as well. Yes losing Ellis would be a big blow to the team short term. Long term i think the team would be better off.


Toronto:

Ellis is a big upgrade on Ceci and a defensive upgrade on Barrie (Barrie is probably better offensively). Ellis is locked in long term giving you some stability going into next year. He'd probably pair well with Reilly much the same way he does Josi. You have forward prospects ready to replace (or atleast biting at the ankles of) Johnsson and Kapanen. Still i feel like this is an overpay from your end. Maybe that's what it'd need? I'd say Nashville includes one of Granlund/Smith and you include 3rd pairing RHD dump Ceci and it is closer to even.