would rather have chatfield than Dumba really

I don't think leafs could do that without some sort of retention.

Leafs actually open up room, Pesce makes 4.025 million while Brodie makes 5 million

Pesce makes less than Brodie.

Carolina had like 4.3 million extra and I had no idea what to do since they are stacked top to bottom lol. Prob go after Tarasenko or someone else.

Ehh, I don't think the difference between Brodie and Pesce is large enough for the Leafs to extend those assets. They have limited trade chips, they should use them elsewhere. Now ADDING Pesce to a line up with Brodie, that would be worth spending on. (To be clear, I recognize Pesce is both better and younger, the question is how much)

2C. Kotkaniemi has upside and two way skill, but his overall quality is NOT high end for 2C.

Brodie vs Pesce, both are similar stylistically and it's a tough choice. Maybe mixing it up with a young, bigger Pesce would help. If you were to acquire Pesce, AND get Samsonov signed, without dealing Brodie, probably takes double retention and more draft capital if CAR isn't getting a win-now piece in return.

I'm just saying from a leaf team building perspective two things

1) we need to improve our defensive ability after signing 3 terrible defensively forwards. Trading our best defensive defenseman for a better one doesn't mode the needle enough. We should not be getting rid of Brodie.
2) we have moved a lot of future pieces the last 5 ish years. We have limited ones left. We need to be selective when we move them now. Trading for the above upgrade is not worth it

I agree with you, Leafs fans made it sound like Pesce is some superstar LMAO. Based on their situation, Peeke, Dillon, or Zadorov are more likely and realistic targets