Definitely an overpayment. I wouldn't trade Marner for Hamilton in reality but
Marner for Hamilton + our first

TOR has no leverage on anyone when it comes to defense. That's the problem with them. I know it's a lot to give up but they get their first back and they get a mid pick for the 2021 draft. Plus they get an elite d-man who can play in every situation, but I partially agree with you.

Maybe if marner had draisaitls contract

Any leverage argument is ridiculous.

Did all the GM's meet up and decide not to trade defensemen to Toronto? ... Even if it makes their team better?

The fact is that teams know that TOR needs at least 1 d-man so that other teams can ask more for their defensmen

Not really a fact at all but OK ... what about bad teams in general?

I suppose they "must" overpay in trades because everyone knows they need better players?

GM's are self interested .... just like everyone else ... if a trade makes their team better than they accept it.

And yet this is seqson has one of the deepest UFA pools on the blueline in years. Requires clearing a contract, but Johansson for a pick with a very shallows UFA class at forward is entirely plausible. Also, teams like Buffalo, Edmonton and the NYI have too many defenseman.

Leafs maybe in a difficult position, but they have potention solutuon and/or suitors.