Quoting: AustonMatthews3443
If any of the big guys have to go it will be Nylander, Matthews is the best goal scorer in the game IMO and should never be traded. And Marner and Tavares have are great players but their contracts are tough ones to for teams to take on so their wouldn’t be much of a market for them. Nylander is the only one that makes sense.
The team doesn't improve by trading Nylander right now. You simply can't make a significant improvement using the cap relief his loss provides.
You're right on Matthews as well. You simply don't trade him.
That leaves Marner and Tavares. Either player's cap relief could be used for a cheaper replacement and bolstering multiple positions.
Tavares makes the most sense because you do not NEED an $11M 2C. Nice to have, but not a necessity. Unfortunately he also has a NMC.
That leaves Marner, who also shouldn't be traded, but it's the only way to afford improvements elsewhere.
Matthews doesn't really need an $11M winger and Nylander doesn't need an $11M center.
$11M is enough for a decent replacement for either player with enough left over for a solid defenseman, and either player could bring in a top 6 ELC in trade.
$5/6M on a replacement who will put up career numbers playing with Matthews anyway, $4/5M on a top 4D or upgrade on the back end, and an ELC to play another top 6 position.