Quoting: EddieBower
Because they rebuild their team and still draft a top RD at 15.
Then when barkov needs a new deal you have a markar at .925 for 3 years.
They are not winning this next 3 year year.
But they only have Bob for so ling.
Sell high on Ekblad and rebuild your team on one guy.
Also you cut slary that the Leafs will gladdly help with.
1. While widely reported owner wants to shed $, doesn’t mean the new GM will just be giving assets away. Plus you added Hall as UFA which goes against shedding $, or him saying he’s prioritizing winning
2. Ekblad could net them multiple 1sts plus prospects if they decided that way or an elite forward like Nylander to join Barkov and Huberdeau
3. You won’t have to worry about resigning Barkov or Huberdeau because they won’t want to stay for a rebuild when they barely sniffed playoffs thus far in their careers
4. While a talented deep draft, there really isn’t a lot of top Defenseman outside of Sanderson and Drysdale who should be gone by 15, rest are going to be bitof a reach