Imagine if you could keep Kessel. That would be insane. You probably would be fine not signing demelo and playing honka and putting that money toward Freddy. If

What's the point of playing Robertson on the 4th line (and even Barabanov)

I just want to confirm that you want to:

1. Trade Alexander Kerfoot
2. Trade a 2nd round pick (2022)
3. Trade a 3rd round pick (Stotts)
4. Buyout Phil Kessel for Arizona
5. Give away Pierre Engvall for free

Just to get your hands on a 24 year old plug named Connor Garland?
And play him on his off wing forcing Nick Robertson to the 4th line?

Who the f*** is Connor Garland?

Make some research if you don't know who he is.

I did. He looks OK. What is so special about him?

What exactly makes him a 2nd + 3rd + Engvall + Free Buyout better than Kerfoot?

Plug is an interesting word for describing 22 goals

What? On pace for 27 goals 47 points in his sophomore year? On one of the lowest scoring teams in the league.

To not rush his development. This is suppose to be him playing 9 games to get some nhl experience.
Barabanov should be getting 4th line minutes

I like how you are assuming he is really bad

I know who he is ... It's just a bad trade

So you don't like 25 goal scorers. ok

His stats are similar to Kerfoot ... so adding a 2nd + 3rd + Engvall + wasting a buyout makes it a bad trade.

Engvall could easily develop into the same type of or better player next year. Their rookie seasons are statistically similar.

Tell me how his stats are even near similar to Kerfoots?

Alex Kerfoot - First 2 NHL Seasons

14:09 = Average Ice Time
157 = Games Played
34 = Goals Scored
51 = Assists
85 = Points

0.217 = Goals / Game (Loss)
0.325 = Assist / Game (Win)
0.541 = Points / Game (Win)
2.304 = Points / 60-Min (Win)

-------------------------

Conor Garland - First 2 NHL Seasons

13:36 = Average Ice Time
115 = Games Played
35 = Goals Scored
22 = Assists
57 = Points

0.304 = Goals / Game (Win)
0.191 = Assist / Game (Loss)
0.495 = Points / Game (Loss)
2.186 = Points / 60-Min (Loss)

-----------------------

"Tell me how his stats are even near similar to Kerfoots?"

Seems like you're looking for conflict where there isn't any:

- Garland is clearly the better goal scorer.
- Kerfoot is clearly the better play-maker.
- Kerfoot has an edge in points per game.
- Kerfoot has an edge in points per 60 min.
- Both players were 23 in their first season.
- Both players were 24 in their 2nd season.
- Both players are 5'10 and close to 170 lbs.
- Kerfoot plays at C while Garland plays RW.

I didn't even say Kerfoot's stats were better (even though there's an argument for it).
I said their stats are similar, which is true (even if we add in Kerfoot's current season).

I should also note that Pierre Engvall's rookie stats are similar to Garland's rookie stats.
Engvall is younger than Garland as will (he's also 6'5, kills penalties and can play center).
Engvall could very well end up being as good or better than Garland in the near future.

And buying out a contract like Kessel's would likely net Toronto a 2nd round pick (or better).
Factor that in and Toronto would giving up Kerfoot + Engvall + 2nd + 2nd + 3rd for Garland.
Why give up 2 similar players (two of Toronto's best 3rd line center options) plus 3 high picks?

I'd 100% take Garland over Kerfoot straight up, but I stand by my comments.