Quoting: Hammerwise
Seems like alot of re-arranging of deck chairs on the Titanic after hitting the iceberg.
The value/need isn;t really there for those other teams, for example: WASH doesn;t have the cap space for Dandanov even aat 50% retained/are you that disapointed in Barron that you'd move him for yet another paperweight in MTL that has limited value AND a prospect not as highly touted (outside of TOR) as the one you're dealing, etc....
Just seems like the wrong time (just because MTL has cap space?) and you're moving out as much youth as you're bring in, and you're still going to ice Drouin, Hoffman, and a host of other "dead men walking"?
Appreciate the response. As much as I poke fun at the Leafs, I am a fan of all Canadian Hockey Teams and fully admit that the Leafs, Oilers, and Flames are the only teams with a chance to bring the cup home to Canada. When I propose Tor/MTL trades I always do it with what I think is a fair deal in mind.
Niemela impressed me at the WJC and I think he has the kind of game that can translate well in the NHL. Barron is closer to the NHL than Niemela though by 1 or 2 years depending on if you think, as many Habs fans do, that he is ready this year.
Holl is not gonna help Toronto this year, everyone knows it and has been screaming for him to be traded.
Toronto has no cap room, so they cannot trade a D and not being one back because you need 8 defensemen minimum during an NHL season. They would need to replace Holl with a rookie or try their hand at an ageing vet on a sweetheart deal. I think an entry level player with upside like Barron can be a great fit.
You might say the Habs did not think he was ready, but please remember 2 things:
The Habs are already playing 3 rookie defenders 20-22 years of age and only because of completely unexpected injuries to Eddy and Math. Realistically they would have played 1-2 as they are not in a rush with these players.
The Leafs are looking to win now and they would probably not have chosen to wait if they had Barron in their system.