LOL...

What?

Marleau sucks now. I get hes a HOFer and had some elite years, but at 41 or whatever, hes just not an NHL level hockey player

Not sure what makes less sense: the trades or the lineup.

If the Leafs don't want to keep Barabanov and are assuming they will lose Kerfoot... why would a rebuilding team want them. The Sharks gave up a late third (Washington's) third for Donato, they expect at least that back, with other future oriented assets. They don't want current roster players they'll just lose in expansion...

Also Donato at center isn't great, wouldn't recommend

Marleau's best days are long past, but why would he want to go back to Toronto after how he was treated?

I'm not defending the trade here, just pointing out the reason Thornton is on the Leafs is because of Marleau's recommendation.

How else could Marleau have been treated at the end? Did he really think the Leafs were going to choose him over Marner?

Pretty certain Dubas and co. did all they could for Marleau to get back to California.

Not just the organization but what about the Toronto Media and fan base. On this very site most Leags fans wanted to rid themselves of Marleau, one even said shoot him to the moon. He was a very good player who took 3 years and moved his family, and in the end he was mocked and treated awful.

I doubt Marleau got wind of much of that. He has zero social media.

He chased a cup, in the end he faded in the playoffs his 2nd year. Aside from that he played well, and not many fans or media got on him that much.

The fact he recommended Thornton sign with the Leafs means he must have mostly enjoyed his stay.