25 Sep 2021 01:07:53
Leafs need a 3rd line that can score to take some of the pressure off "the big 4".
When one of them gets hurt, the team collapses.
To do that you need a really good, 2 way, 3rd line center:

To San Jose:
Alex Kerfoot ($3.5)
Travis Dermot ($1.5)
2023 - 1st round pick.

To Leafs:
Thomas Hertl ($5.625)

There is about $625,000 difference in cap hit so Leafs might need to throw in a 3rd piece to match salary.
Leafs can move Marner or Nylander to a line with Hertl and fill the gap on Tavares's line with one of Ho - Sang, Gusev or Kase whichever one shines out of training camp.
Between the three of them at least one should be able to take the next step.
Giving up another 1st round pick hurts.
I am usually adverse to doing so and was totally against giving up 1st & 3rd round picks for Foligno at last years trade deadline.
But Leafs have reached the point of no return for this team as it is constructed.
Time to poop or get off the pot!
All in.
Win or go home!


1.) 25 Sep 2021
25 Sep 2021 11:29:02
Dermott now gets replaced with a league minimum contract at minimal thus making it a 1.375 cap differance in deal.


2.) 26 Sep 2021
26 Sep 2021 01:00:24
Good point.
Probably have to include Engvall who doesn’t appear to have a place on the team anyways.


3.) 27 Sep 2021
27 Sep 2021 00:03:32
Great move. Trade another first round pick. They don't need picks.


4.) 27 Sep 2021
27 Sep 2021 02:20:32
I also am loath to trade any more draft picks but it is time for the Leafs to win or break up the team as it is currently constructed.
Hertl is that good (elite offensively and defensively) that with Nylander on his wing it could move the needle enough to get Leafs within hailing distance of a shot at the Cup.