Leafs have never been willing to move Knies for a rental. That's always been the benchmark for Dubas in a Knies trade.

Why not resign?

With what cap space? Signing Kane would mean losing Bunting. It would just swapping 1 top 6 winger for another.

One legit gamer, proven winner to a franchise mired in first round losses for a good player. Depends on what he would sign for, but Mathew’s and Kane together would be fire

Difference is you can count on Bunting to be what he is for the next 4-5 seasons while Kane's age based decline has already begun. Kane's next contract isn't going to be a good one and is not likely to end well. He's also going to want a lot more money than Bunting even though he won't be earning it by the end of the deal.

Yep

If Knies is going in a trade it would be for someone like Meier

As when u listen its pretty evident Dubas does not want to move him as the Org feels he can contribute at the NHL level and with his size and tools I dont see why not. But if its for a guy like Meier then u void all that as Meier would make an impact right out of the gate. Only issue then comes how to keep him beyond the playoff run

Dallas isn't giving up Bourque for Domi

I think you mean former legit whatever else you said. He's not a top player anymore. He's declining and is absolutely terrible defensively. He's just not worth the assets it would take to get him. Better options are out there

I don't see how any rental can be kept unless Matthews Marner and Nylander all decide they want to make a super team and take way below average deals which I doubt they do.

Doubt you’re getting top prospects for rentals

You obviously don’t watch hawks games ( wouldn’t expect you to) his numbers are down bc he’s playing with 3rd and 4th liners. He’s 34 and guardaste had 3 solid years and a cheaper rate than now.

And you guys also want major hauls for those 3rd and 4th liners. Kane's time has passed