Sorry, I'm at a lost to see any value in the Colarado trade for the both teams. If Geersten is as good as you say, he wouldn't be a 22 year old shuffling between the ECHL and AHL. And if he's that's good, surely the Avs wouldn't be trading him for one year of then UFA Bozak. And because of the the Doughty trade you seem to have the Leafs in the win mode now. So why trade Bozak who is needed, for a Dman, who can't make your NHL team?

This

You make good points; allow me to explain. Geertsen is a guy with tons of potential who is losing out on a shot because of the players ahead of him in the AV's system. He's not an all-star, just a really, really solid shutdown guy whose scouting vids Ive had a look at and base my opinions on. COL isn't exactly fertile ground for young talent at the moment and I believe the TOR system is certainly something he can benefit from. Bozak affords COL stability and the veteran presence they need. I could almost guarantee 100% he'd re-sign as it's practically a second home for him and I believe he spends his off seasons there, where he played college hockey. The advantage to Toronto is that they get an asset with a ton of potential, cap space, and they avoid a disruption down the stretch when they're contending for a spot. Re: Doughty, it's more of a COMPETE NOW move than a win now move. With 2 years on his deal, he becomes a key part of the Leafs' system and the momentum they build in a push for a cup would likely compel him to extend with this group. Besides, Marleau in the 2 hole instead of Bozak won't hurt Toronto at all. The speed of that line with Kappy and Marner would be unbelievable. The goal is to have the team ready to contend and firing on all cylinders when the core group is peaking, and that won't be the case this season.

See below. Marleau is an excellent replacement for Bozak. Moving him off the wing makes space for Kapanen, who needs to log ice times and get used to the NHL grind if he is to become an impact player the the entire team is truly ready to make some noise.

Doughty has two seasons left before he's a UFA. How can Leafs risk the two 1st round picks?

Because in two years, when they are ready to compete for a cup, Doughty, who has plenty of history with Babcock, will want to be here. Also, the minute JVR extends, that 2019 1st becomes a 2 and a 3.

Marleau has never been a regular centre. And to thrust him into a 2nd line centre at age 38....wishful thinking. I really don't understand the trading of the good Bozak when you have cap. And a 22 year old guy who can't secure an AHL spot. The Leafs have plenty of Dman prospects. In your narrative you wrote a bunch of cliche phrases about the value Bozak and Geersten to both teams. Really do you really believe them.

If there is one thing we know about Colorado in the last few years, it is that their leadership group has been ineffective. JS Giguere went on the record as saying there was a definite void in terms of maturity, and a veteran playmaking centre like Bozak fills that void quite well. No brainer from their end. Re: Geertsen, if you've seen him play, even for a couple games, you'd observe that he projects as a safe, physical, mobile shutdown D man who doesn't stick out for either good or bad reasons. The move also focuses on the future by creating spots for deserving players like Kapanen, who will need to be a key contributor in a couple years when they're actually contending. It's called addition by subtraction. And regarding Marleau, he is a pro who is more than capable of manning the 2 hole for at least a year if called upon to do so. And yes, he was a fully time center in SJS prior to the emergence of Pavelski and Couture

ODOG: I'm in the camp of all the above, in that I can't see the Colorado deal at all. Bozak should command much more in trade! (and I have no problem moving Marleau to center)
Where I totally jump on board with you is: IF we are ever serious about bringing Doughty to Toronto. . . . DO IT NOW!!!!!! We have the cap space for the next 2 years, LA is likely in a rebuild mode for the same period, and there is currently a fit on the RD that he would solidify! But here's the catch. At the start of 19/20, Leafs have to assess WHO the core includes. If Doughty is to be included, it's likely NOT only Gardiner can't be resigned but either Marner or Nylander likely have to be moved as well. I'm with Bill in that I will not include 2 1sts to get him so the deal would have to be reworked. Doughty for two years, and let's then make an even tougher call!

Doug: Bozak's value would be higher if there was term left on his deal. His value would also likely increase closer to the deadline, but there's no point discussing that avenue, because trading him at that point would be disruptive to a team in a playoff hunt. A 30 year old 2nd /3rd line center with no term left isn't going to fetch a ton on the open market. Im a fan but I generally don't over-value Leaf assets.