The only reason Detroit is a "divisional opponent" is because the NHL hasn't introduced relegation yet.

AA is poor NHL player. Leafs have no need for him. If he was good, why would the Wings trade him away so cheap?
Leafs certainly don't to that Oiler trades. Trading a needed RHD isn't happening. Plus Kerfoot and Dermot have substantial on ice value and years of control for just 1.5 years of RHN.
Minni sure could get more for Dumba and Staal. You've just offered RHN and a second.

Funny. Yes we are bad, but I remember when Toronto was bad and they got a bunch of high draft picks, Now they are stocked and still might miss the playoffs. Wings will bounce back, might take some time, but under Steve they will.

Oh, I believe will be a good team soon. Picks and cap will really help the Wings soon. Plus Yzerman and the owner will spend to max on and off the ice. And Detroit being in the Eastern Conference still has a lot of attractions to American and Ontario players.
AA sure is a puzzle. But agree with your assessment, that guys like him can find new life sometimes with a better teammates. I put Ristolainen of the Sabres in that category. He's been worn down over the years being on poor teams. If he could share more of the load with good teammates, he would play better.l