07 Jan 2018 20:40:32
Assuming Nylander stays at right wing and we don't re-sign Bozak, our centre depth next year is pretty thin.

On defense, we need to make room for some Marlies to make the team. I believe Gardiner will become expendable.

I propose;

TOR - Gardiner

NJD - Pavel Zacha


The Devil's defense is rather pedestrian, even with Vatanen. Gardiner will help then continue to grow, whereas Zacha gives the Leafs another young weapon.


1.) 07 Jan 2018
07 Jan 2018 22:51:43
Greene is 35 and I'm sure they want to move him. And they do have Butcher who's headed for a 40 point season.

I don't think they'll move Zacha for Gardiner unless they move Greene.

The pedestrian side is the RHS. Not a match for the Leafs.

Where there is a deal to be made is JVR. Hall obviously locks up the 1st line, but below that it's mostly RW and centers of note.

So:

NJD: Zacha, 1st

TOR: JVR, Rychel.



Throwing an extra contract their way as the Devils have ton's of cap space and can easily take a 46th contract.


2.) 09 Jan 2018
09 Jan 2018 00:29:08
There are always a tonne of 3rd line C available in FA.


3.) 09 Jan 2018
09 Jan 2018 03:11:15
Agree TOBuds, starting with Michael Backlund. A few years younger then Bozak with about the same offense but better defensive numbers. Current contract, 3.4M so maybe about the same price as Bozak (4.2M) gets him for 4 years.


4.) 09 Jan 2018
09 Jan 2018 14:58:14
I should have been clearer. Zacha for LW as a replacement for JVR.

Backlund may not be so cheap as an FA center.

If any money is going to be spent on a FA, it will be for RHD, or bit players to replace Moore, Fehr, Greene, Leivo, and Smith.