09 Dec 2016 15:47:24
I know inter-division trading doesn't happen too often, but then again we did grab phil the thrill out of Boston. Montreal could be up to 2 months without a top 6 C. Bozak is playing great, and I'd hate to breakup the JVR-Marner-Bozie line, but it doesn't look like the leafs are going to crack playoffs. I'm all for keeping bozak, but I think his trade value is at its peak.

Bozak + Corrado + Lowest 2nd 2017

Sergachev + 3rd 2018

Montreal has the leverage to give up assets for guys ready to make an impact now. How far off am I?

1.) 09 Dec 2016
09 Dec 2016 17:56:37
Maybe. I am pretty sure the Leafs will not give up Bozak this year because of the chemistry he has with Marner and JVR I could not see them trading him until next year. If he was traded the Leafs don't have a second line center replacement for him so that would be an issue. Matthews isn't ready for promotion yet but next year possibly.

2.) 09 Dec 2016
09 Dec 2016 19:38:35
I agree, but I think that in the end this year will be a wash regardless, and if you can get a soon-to-be top 4 D for a guy who we only have for 1 more year ( I think), it wouldn't hurt. As I said I'm all in on keeping him though. He balances our team, however if Montreal is desperate to win now and stay in a good playoff seed it may be our best opportunity. I'd say it will be Hanzal to Montreal though. Just a thought!

3.) 10 Dec 2016
10 Dec 2016 00:46:10
If Auston Matthews is not ready for a promotion then why does he lead the team in minutes played per game. Let's be realistic if Montreal gives up sergachev for bozak Toronto should jump all over it.

4.) 10 Dec 2016
10 Dec 2016 03:45:49
I agree. Keep Bozak and JVR. Trading either would create a big hole without any comparable replacement in sight. I know that this is just year 2 in the rebuild but I think that the leafs and Babs are intent on winning games and creating a winning attitude. They have 3 fairly balanced lines and are competitive in most games and will only get better as the young guns gain experience. I don't think that this is a "tank season".

Here's a thought. Why not keep Nylander on the 4th line at centre and see if he can be groomed into a Bozak replacement for next year. He was a centre all through his career until this season. Maybe the positional change ignites an improvement in hustle and back checking.

5.) 10 Dec 2016
10 Dec 2016 16:43:28
As long as we are stuck with him:

I don't see any problem with Nylander on the 4th line if it succeeds in developing his game without the puck. Arguably, you could supply him with Sosh or Brown who back check fairly well to allow for some offence to occur as well at the other end.

Maybe gradually, you will then get the game that is required out of him, while still keeping his offensive game intact. And this way he will also have a body guard (Martin), so he can gather up his feathers and go into the corners.

6.) 10 Dec 2016
10 Dec 2016 17:42:46
I don't think that this is a tank season, but if you can get maximum value for a player you lose in a year, and you're not in the playoff hunt it makes more sense, than to keep him through till halfway through next season. Then you can find a replacement in the summer, as well as get some assets.