Quoting: evelutions2
First of all, Canes aren’t going that. Second of all, can we just stop this Pesce-Nylander nonsense? It’s been what, 5-6 years since those rumors first came out. Since it hasn’t happened in that timeframe, why waste your time with another nonsensical proposal.
Failing to see the sense in something doesn't make it nonsensical.
You can argue about the trade value and I would probably agree that Carolina wouldn't do this, but there's clear logic that would support a trade constructed around Nylander and Pesce.
Both teams are contenders, with the Canes being at minimum a top 5 team defensively while struggling to score goals. Among their biggest additions were a top pairing defenseman in Orlov and a player in TDA who had a lot of success in top 4 minutes for the Canes the season before last. Their biggest loss from this time last year was probably Pacioretty, who they expected to be a top line goal scorer. Their weakness going into this offseason was goal scoring. Pesce is a top-pair defensive minded D on an expiring contract.
The Leafs are at minimum a top 5 team offensively with a need to improve their backend. Among their biggest additions were a top line winger in Bertuzzi and a top 6 winger in Domi, along with what will be a full year of Knies. Their biggest loss from this time last year was probably Muzzin, who was a top-pair defensive minded D. Their weakness going into this offseason was the D core. Nylander is on an expiring contract and is a top line winger who can provide goal scoring.
So, the logic is clear. Carolina may not pay that much, but I think the Leafs are paying slightly too much in the Laughton trade and they come close to balancing out from a value standpoint.
Both teams would improve their chances of winning this year without handicapping their future. This is not comparable to 5-6 years ago, where many of these factors were not at play.