17 Aug 2018 03:57:26
Having some fun so here it goes.

Toronto - Anaheim

Maple Leafs trade Nazem Kadri to the Ducks for Hampus Lindholm

Toronto - Carolina

Maple Leafs trade Jake Gardiner, Kasperi Kapenen and a 2019 1st Rd pick to the Hurricanes for Brett Pesce and Victor Rask

1.) 17 Aug 2018
17 Aug 2018 06:09:32
I like it. We are downgrading our 3C, but upgrading our defense.

Given the choice, I would much rather have Lindholm over Fowler (Lindholm is bigger, hits more, has better +/ -, and is cheaper) . Lindholm is slight downgrade offensively than Gardiner, but much better defensively. And besides, playing for the Leafs, who are an offensive dynamo compared to Anaheim, one would expect Lindholm’s points total to make a jump. I think Anaheim would make this trade with little to no tweaking. The contracts match rather well, so finances wouldn’t be an issue. Anaheim need offense, and their primary point producers are getting old and not exactly producing the way they used to. Kadri would be a welcome inclusion.

The Carolina trade I have a harder time seeing happening. Although you didn’t mention it, I assume Gardiner agrees to extension first. Gardiner is arguably the best player involved, but under no circumstances do I see Carolina accepting Gardiner in a return trade. His extension would likely come in around $6M, which is another $2M over Pesce salary. Add in Fleury’s extension and Carolina will have over $30M invested in their defense, with Bean almost ready as well. Having lost Skinner for nothing, trading Rask while bringing in Kapanen isn’t anywhere near replacing offense lost. They will be wanting forwards. Maybe someone a little more proven (Brown, Hyman, and even, dare I say, Kadri? ) .

2.) 17 Aug 2018
17 Aug 2018 11:57:52
Lindholm would be a fantastic addition to the Leafs. I would hate to see Kadri go though, he brings many tangible assets for the Maple Leafs and arguably one of the best third line centers in the NHL.

3.) 17 Aug 2018
17 Aug 2018 16:06:25
The Leafs would have to add to Kadri to get Lindholm. Kadri on his own isn't enough for a top pairing defenseman.

While the Carolina trade is closer, I would think the Canes would want more as they are taking a downgrade on both players, which I think would be more than just the first.

4.) 18 Aug 2018
18 Aug 2018 01:32:31
As nice as it would be to see the Leafs acquire a defenseman of the caliber of Lindholm their real need is a RHD more than another LHD.
What about simplifying the whole scenario and offer Kadri to the Canes for Pesce.
Their salaries match and both teams are trading from a position of strength.
Or Kadri, Kapanen and a pick for Pesce and Rask?

5.) 18 Aug 2018
18 Aug 2018 12:31:20
@Hughallen

I think Nylandermagic was trading for Lindholm in order to replace Gardiner. By all indications, Dermott is going to be our 2LHD one day, but it’s a little too early to seriously suggest he is ready for that position right now. Should Dermott suffer a sophomore slump this year, it could set back his development for another season or two. In which case, there is good reason to bring in a player such as Lindholm, rather than re-sign old Giveaway Gardiner himself and be stuck with his porous excuse for what he calls playing defense.