Quoting: ChiHawk
Brown is worth a 3rd or a 4th, I personally think a 3rd. In no way shape or form is a 2nd involved UNLESS Toronto returns a 3rd back.
Marleau isn't going anywhere....Leaf fans need to stop with that madness it's just not happening as of now.
Marner is not signing a 7 year deal for a penny less then $10M and likely $10.5M is the number.
You are right; Toronto is going to have to move Brown, Kap/Johnsson and Kadri/Zaits. The other alternative is Nylander and one other piece. This really isn't rocket science on how much has to be moved, the question is of those combinations i just mentioned, which pieces are gone and how does Toronto get the best RHD back for a combination of those pieces.
This is the mentality many have on here, and I say its just too much. Its just the common sentiment of people these days. Everyone wants everything right now and they'll do whatever they feel is needed to get that instant gratification.
Here are the realities of the situation with TO.
1) They will be right up against the cap
2) They are not in cap hell because they can manage their situation
3) There defense is extremely thin
4) They have some very good pieces working in the minors that look like they will be solutions to the issues they have in the near future.
5) The worst contract on the team is Marleau and he's off the books next season
So with all that in mind, how to we get through this year and what are some things we can expect.
Well we can expect with a very strong degree for certainty that our young players will continue to progress, so Matthews, Marner, Nylander et al should have better years than last year. So our offense is likely going to be better than last season and our team defence should improve as well as these players learn that aspect of the game better as many do in their early years in the NHL. Moves are going to be made, Brown is definitely going to be moved. As well as other depth options. My guess, Kapanen gets traded as well for either a young defenceman or an ELC that has speed and size and looks like they can develop into a power forward. At that time, they should be operating under the cap but with 3 of Holl, Borgman, Liljegren and Rosen on the blueline, its worrisome but I think two of them will be better than anyone expects. Sometimes rookie defenceman make teams and then play well.
So now with all that going, the team can ride it out until the deadline, (unless things go really bad, at which time you re-evaluate and maybe adjust the game plan) and then see what can be done to shore up issues.
To just give away a high value guy or make huge trades like people like you suggest all the time, you are over reacting to a problem you don't completely understand yet. Patience is the key, because whether anyone wants to admit it, TO is still a young team on the rise.