while dvorak would be an interesting piece at 3c for the leafs, dont think thats the right move for them, even a 1y rental of momahan would be better i believe and get more out of your money.

dvorak half retained will get a second max i feel and that if he show he still got it when he comes back from injury. And that is.not guaranteed by any mean.

Final piece for a cup, some one call Tre and get it done

Leafs need defence not forwards they’ll use there first this year on a defender

The Leafs should spend a pick on a better third line center (though not sure Dvorak would get this return - more likely Monahan maybe). But Leafs always seem to think (like this poster above) that the D is the issue, so they'll probably spend on that even though their forward depth is much more concerning

People underestimate the value of Kampf. He takes almost all the d-zone faceoffs is on the PK and the shutdown center. He can't accomplish what he is best at on the 4th line. So if people don't have him as the 3C than trade him, 2.4M for a 4th line center is to much.

from a Habs fans perspective, i agree with the post above , Leafs should be most concerned about their Defense and their Goaltending. If i am Habs, i am seriously considering resigning Monahan. Late firsts arent really all that enticing. I dont know why teams dont trade them more often

Feel what you are putting down.

Monahan certainly would be equally intriguing. Two things going on there though:

1. Can he stay healthy
2. He is having a season this far that if he does he outpaces himself for the Leafs.

As for Dvorak - I will work from the assumption he will come back the player he as been. If he is less that that, the this is a move I don't make.

And yes, I am reluctant to move the 1st, but given what is available at C in the UFA market, I simply think that what is there will cost more in AVV simply due to the lack of supply. Roslovic I think sees $3.5 million minimum. Wennberg could see a similar number. Both would also fit the bill, but then limit other additions (like a run at Pesce). Even Monahan, given his current pace and stays healthy could see that dollar figure.

The point is, UFA centres this offseason are a short supply, which will, or at least should, drive the Dvorak price. Maybe Treliving can manage to get a 4th back..... but given how shrewd Hughes has proven to be, I am not sure that plays out. Further, if we assume Tree can land Pesce at that price point (some Canes fans will say he gets more), and Domi is serious about being a Leaf long term (a lot of ifs), this roster on paper simply balanced and effective.

Maybe there is another 3C option out there that fits. I just don't see that being via UFA at this time. Sooner see the available funds go towards the blueline, and if that means moving a 1st to facilitate that, I think it gets done.

I think if you take him without retention, he's maybe worth a 2nd, so yeah I guess 4.5M over 2 years is worth another 2nd.

He's consistently been a 52% on Faceoffs and a 0.51ppg player.

Habs should take this and run if they want to resign Monahan.

By no mean am I underestimating Kämpf. He is fantastic. And I would certainly keep him despite the contract.

What happens here is:

1. Dvorak is an offensive upgrade on the 3rd line. Defensively just as capable. Having a slightly better offensive centre, should in all accounts improve the scoring from this unit. In other words, improves the depth scoring without taking away from the defensive end of the game.

2. Allows Keefe (if he ever figures this out) to balance the play of the 4 lines. A 4th until of Holmberg-Kämpf-Gregor is more than capable of seeing 12 minutes a night. And.... neither Kämpf or Gregor are exactly offensive black holes, so improved offensive from the line as well.

3. Significantly better centre depth. When injuries happen, this can get shuffled as to not take.too much away from a given line.

It isn't that Kämpf cannot be Kämpf on the 4th line. Keefe has to learn to actually trust his 3rd and 4th lines. Even this season, he is still playing the big 4 more than 20 minutes a night, while $9 million worth of additional offense sees 15.