"They are not mathematically eliminated just yet and there is a slim chance they can turn things around, but it may be in the Leafs' best interest to commit to a retool on the fly that will set themselves up to get back on track next season. That means selling off players they are likely not going to retain, selling high on players with term, and getting back assets to restock the cupboard."
"If the Leafs want to retool smartly, they would also be wise to target younger players with NHL experience who can help extend the contention window and act as the buffer between the next generation. Which makes the timing of the Seattle Kraken being open to trading forward Shane Wright perfect for the Leafs. The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported on Wednesday that Wright would be open to a change of scenery, noting that the Kraken are looking to package him for a top-six forward."
"The Leafs would be wise to be all over this for a multitude of reasons, with the primary one being that Wright would make a ton of sense for right now and down the line as they get back into their contention window. He is only 22 years old and has a ton of room to grow into becoming a dynamic two-way player in his own right."
The Leafs remain not mathematically eliminated but would benefit from a mid-season retool to position themselves for next season. A retool should include selling players unlikely to be retained, selling high on players with term, and acquiring assets to restock the roster. Priority should be on younger players with NHL experience to extend the contention window and bridge to the next generation. Seattle appears open to trading 22-year-old Shane Wright for a top-six dynamic scorer. Wright is a right-shot centre with upside who can grow into a dynamic two-way role and relieve John Tavares, despite a dip from 44 points last season to 19 points in 53 games this season.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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