Dallas one might make sense because they are likely to lose Eakin in the ED if i had to guess. However, I don't think SJS bites on that trade with Sorensen and Meier able to replace Marleau and from the sounds of it Thorton is probably coming back. Plus they have Couture, Pavelski, and Hertl that can play center and even Karlsson if needed..

If i was the GM of the leafs i wouldn't do either of these ... to me, a 1st/2nd liner and a 2nd liner can get you more than a 3rd pairing D and a guy with potential to be a 2nd/3rd pairing D. And i think a young D with TONS of potential and a prospect who we have no idea how good he's going to be AND a 2nd round pick is too much for Lehtonen and Eakin ... but that's all my opinion.

I can't see the Sharks trade and would change some of the lines up

Brown and Hyman are not getting 4 year, matching deals. That Eakin trade is brutal. Eakin is a 3C at the top end, and Carrick is a very solid, very affordable top 4 defenseman... IF they were to make a trade like that, and take Lehtonen back as well, there better be multiple picks going back to Toronto, not the way you have it now. Eakin is a 30-40 point guy under the best circumstances. If I were Dallas' GM, I'd be jumping all over this.

Braun is a top 4 D on almost every team in the NHL plus has a great contract. I just look at Carricks playoff TOI and don't think Babcock/management loves or trusts the guy.

Eakin has played a decent amount of time centering Benn and Seguin so I don't think he's a 3rd centre at best. Anyways he's more of a shutdown centre; I thought that would be attractive to a team with so many skille, offensive wingers. So maybe forget the 2nd and call it a 2 for 2 trade

In regards to the San Jose trade, won't they lose one of their top 4 D in the ED? I feel he's the perfect fit to round out our top 4 (who isn't an elite D)

I agree C.Carrick did not play much playoffs, started physical and agitating until J.Williams Game 2 told him to drop gloves and then lay low from there on, but he is young and was steady could have upside yet. I don't see SJS trading Braun away but for P.Martin maybe they listen and he could help as a veteran and PK, 2 years left contract signed before 35 so can be buried next year if required by circumstances. Anyway I wouldn't trade away JVR and Bozak and even less keeping salary, they are very useful vets and productive. The young group did so well thx to vets like them and Komarov etc.
DeMelo I think is like a Marchenko not an upgrade.
I would consider P.Martin to see if they are interested for Cap room but not giving away much, Shoshnikov/Kalinin and a 5th rd up or something of the like otherwise explore options elsewhere. Would that make sense?

Dallas trade; Stars have Cracknell and Mckenzie to expose so no need to trade away Eakin whatsoever, and Goalies they have options, buyout, send to AHL etc and IMO that trade does not help Leaf team.

Boyle is what Lou/Babcock would love to have but I doubt he will commit to 4th line role even throwing more money away, what about D.Moore 1 year contract? still great PK and FOW% 54.6, productive and durable.

Expansion draft; Leivo is not eligible so can't be selected by Vegas unless part of a package trade deal. Martin has his policeman role on the team so I doubt will be exposed. I agree Fehr/Smith/Marincin/Marchenko + Sparks/Bibeau will be exposed, and I wouldn't be surprised if Vegas pass through and just picks an UFA like Laich and nobody is taken (they have to select one player from each team but only 20 contracts for 17-18 season).