27 Jan 2023 00:42:32
Maple Leafs - Panthers

Maple Leafs acquire Sam Bennett from the Panthers in exchange for Pierre Engvall and a 2023 3rd Rd pick

Maple Leafs - Predators

Maple Leafs acquire Mattias Ekholm and Tanner Jeannot from the Predators in exchange for Morgan Reilly, Alex Kerfoot and Nick Robertson

27 Jan 2023 02:05:30
No, the Leafss don't acquire Bennett for Engvall and a 3rd. That is not even close.
I don't think the Preds would do that one either.

27 Jan 2023 02:06:56
Panthers are trying to open up cap space to bring Anthony Duclair off IR.
They are not particularly interested in taking back salary.
So it may take more than a 3rd round pick to peek their interest.
I think Bennett would be a good fit if something can be worked out as he can play LR and C.

The Nashville deal I would do in a heartbeat if the Preds are interested.

27 Jan 2023 02:51:07
Bennett would be a good addition I think but the return for him is laughable. Engvall is a sad hockey player to beging with and throw in the fact hes a pending UFA double whammy and a 3rd ( which will be either the 72 or 94 pick) as they have two there . Bennett 26 signed for 2 more years at 4.425M per. UM YEAh hes gonna be commanding a lot more than that from the leafs. Alot more.
But I do like the player.

27 Jan 2023 02:57:55
The Nashville deal I love the Tanner acqusition but would steer clear of Ekholm. hes 32 Big D man at 6'4 but plays a timid game. 6.25M per until 2026 when he will be 36. Kind of steep now and then for a type of defender they already have to may of.
Now that being said I am in favor of ridding Rielly and hos contract. I didnt mind Rielly at his old contract . His short comings were reflected in his salart. Now that hes got his $$ is got worse. Leafs cant have an offensive d man making 7.5M per with 0 goals.

27 Jan 2023 11:36:11
Why is it assumed that the Panthers will make Bennett available so they can activate DuClair? Personally, I would rather have Bennett. If they do move Bennett, I would think it is for a cheap high end NHL ready prospect or something like Holmberg and a 1st. Dubas missed his chance to get Bennett relatively cheap when Calgary made him available.

28 Jan 2023 00:17:36
Leafs could have had Bennett instead of Foligno but Dubas blew it.
A 1st and a 4th to CBJ’s for Foligno instead of a 2nd and a prospect to Calgary for Bennett.
The choice should have been obvious!