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With the trade deadline inching closer and closer, it's that time of year for us hockey fans to think up those wild trade scenarios that just might make sense. The real key to these proposals it to try to justify it from all sides to make it almost believable. Does it fit the teams needs? Does it work with the cap? Is it a fair value of talent? etc.

What i came up with:
To Leafs:
Trouba, Win 3rd (2017)

To Jets:
JVR, Hamonic, NJD 2nd (2016) via Tor

To Islanders:
Ladd, Polak, Tor 5th (2016)

Why it makes sense for Toronto:
The Leafs have a plethora of talent in their prospect pool. With the likes of Nylander, Marner, Kapanen, Timashov, Leipsic, Lindberg, Johnson, etc. and possibly one of Matthews, Laine or Puljujarvi, all likely looking to make the jump to the NHL over the next couple years. This makes it the perfect time to sell on JVR, as he is in his prime now but at 26 years old, may be on the decline when the Leafs do become competitive.

The Leafs do have defensive prospects like Percy, Harrington, Loov and Valiev who could likely make a bottom pairing with possible top 4 potential and also have CHL standouts in Dermott and Nielson but outside of Rielly and maybe Gardiner, they lack a top pairing defenseman. rnrnThis is where Trouba would be an excellent fit. He could slot beside Rielly as future top pairing to build around. Need i say more.

Having possibly 11+ picks heading into this years draft, accumulating a 2017 pick woud make sense here as the Leafs don't have 3rd rounders in '17 and '18 due to the Babcock and Lamoriello hirings. The Jets don't have a 2016 3rd anyways, due to the Tlusty trade. Giving up the Devil's 2nd acquired in the Kessel trade wouldn't be too much of a loss, given they may acquire another in a separate trade and possibly getting Pittsburgh's late 1st still.

Why it makes sense for Winnipeg:
Ladd currently makes 4.4M/AAV in the final year of his contract and is 30 years old. He will likely commend 6M+ with term on the open market and the Jets aren't likely to pay him that kind of money/term given Big Buff's new contract and having multiple players signed long-term.

This is where JVR would fit in for them. At 4.25M for another 2 years after this and 26 years old, he would slot into the Left side vacated by Ladd. Essentially having the same production on a very cost effective contract but 4 years younger.

Also at on an extremely cost effective contract, Travis Hamonic at 3.85M until 2020 is a bargain. Having unarguably a disappointing season so far, having cost effective contracts as well an extra 2nd round pick in this years draft might help soften the blow in preparation for next season.

I guess the real question here is; what will it cost to sign Jacob Trouba long term in Winnipeg. Although still an RFA at the end of the season, with 7.6M to Buff, 5.5M to Myers and 5.75M to Enstrom, can the Jets afford to keep Trouba? Do they view him as a long term top 4 defenseman as he has struggled a little this year? What kind of money is Scheifele going to cost?

Why it makes sense for New York:
The Islanders are currently holding down the 3rd spot in the Metro division. With the Rangers 5 points ahead, division rivals Pittsburgh and New Jersey are hot on the Islanders heels. Having John Tavares on possibly the best contract in the league as well as an array of young talent in Nielson, Bailey, Nelson, Lee, Strome and De Haan. Also boasting Leddy, Boychuk and Hickey on the blueline and one of the hottest goalies flying under the radar with Griess, now is the time to go for it and bolster the Tavares and Okposo top line.

I think Ladd would be a perfect fit in their top 6. And with an abundance of cap space and the hype of a new arena, this would be the perfect year for them to make a run. Although Polak is no where near the talent of Hamonic, he would be a solid depth defenceman on the right side. Because of this drop off, i included a 2016 5th from Toronto to replace a traded pick and because Toronto also has Anahiem's.

Thoughts?
Anything you guys would add or change? I realize this is a far fetched idea but that's what makes it fun. I thought about adding Stuart in there somewhere as a cash dump or possibly Hunwick instead of Polak. Or including Parenteau to Islanders as his best years were with them. rnHope you enjoyed the read. I'm anxiously looking forward to the deadline as i'm sure most of you are as well.
HUCD
Filed Under:   Leafs   Jets   Islanders   trade   deadline   Ladd   Hamonic   Trouba   JVR  
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