Just having a bit of fun trying to re-sculpt the roster heading into the post-deadline part of the season. Will probably take this roster into the off-season, too.
TRADE 1 (VGK/TML)
WHY IT WORKS FOR VEGAS:
Vegas missed out on Erik Karlsson twice and are still in desperate need of a puck moving D. Barrie can slide right into a pairing with Brayden McNabb and be right at home. And I think Vegas can afford to extend him at the end of the year where Toronto likely can't without losing Muzzin. McNabb, who is locked in for a few more seasons and is an established Top-4 in their system, is the reason Hague is moveable.
WHY IT WORKS FOR TORONTO:
They pick up a couple picks for Barrie to start, but also a prospect defenseman (albeit LHD) with size who is cost controlled. He blocks shots, is big and physical, has offensive instincts (was a beast in the OHL). Reaves is a bit of a throw-in to offset some of the salary coming back but he provides the Leafs 4th line with some physicality and swagger. And, he's a UFA at the end of the deal so Toronto isn't locked in.
TRADE 2 (ANH/TOR)
WHY IT WORKS FOR THE DUCKS:
A rebuilding team trading two veteran players for picks, prospects, etc. Sounds about right. They struggle scoring so they get Kapanen, a 20+ goal guy with Top-6 potential, as well as Bracco who could be a middle-6 PP weapon. Dermott also goes to ANH to give them a cheap defensive player.
WHY IT WORKS FOR TORONTO:
Start by saying YES, this is a bit of an overpay
However, they get a reliable backup G for the season, shed Cody Ceci's contract, and get back a legit top pair D who passes the eye-test and the analytical evaluation. And they also shed a bit of cap in the process while yes, having to overpay a bit to do it.
FINAL STATEMENT
The team adds some size, some grit, a defensive RHD, a defensive LHD, neither of which should be incapable of playing in Keefe's system, and even if you disagree with Reeves they can let him go after a year. They overpay a bit to ANH but they'll have to to get Manson and Miller.
I may be doing a 2020 roster continuing my work with this one soon to finish my vision but we'll see. I enjoy people eviscerate this roster, but no one being able to agree if Toronto gives too much or too little lol
I'm not sure either team agrees to that. Anaheim wants a defenceman back and Toronto's best trade chips are forwards. Perhaps a 3-way deal makes more sense? Nashville has some nice RHD prospects in the AHL that are blocked by Ellis/Fabbro, Carolina is always interested in Kappy and might be willing to part with Jake Bean.
Huge trades are tough to pull off right now. With the Leafs cap situation (and many other teams being in LTIR as well) the salary is tough to balance. Not to mention we are discussing players with term left, which are more likely to move in the offseason then at the deadline.
I don't think any team that's looking to get into the playoffs has ever traded 1/2 of their D core at the deadline but yeah... I guess
That is fair. I doubt it, too. But I think they have a chance to maximize some value and sure up some weaknesses and I'd hate to see them miss it. They could have dealt JVR and Bozak and Leo and Gardiner for value but passed for playoff runs. If ever they were going to make some big splashes and capitalize on something this down year might be it. But I hear what you're saying
Reaves is awful and wouldnt add anything to the roster but dead cap space in the shape of a human coke machine
Agreed, sort of, but I know Vegas needs to move cap out to take some and I like Hague and a 2nd for Barrie. Hell, Leafs could probably flip Reaves right after for a pick but I kept him for the added physicality. I'm not married to him and on an expiring deal neither is Toronto