If we aren't willing to give up a high quality Dman like Phaneuf, Rielly or Gardiner then count us out on being able to potentially acquire Strome which is fine by me. I like Strome but with Kadri, Holland, Bozak, Nylander I'm not worried about our center depth long term but more finding that bonafide Star # 1 center which I simply don't see Strome likely becoming.
Percy or Finn simply aren't A level prospects. Neither of them is also ready to make an impact at the NHL level. Islanders have Reinhart, de Haan, Pokka, Pulock, Mayfield as prospects who are regarded as having similar or even better potential at this point in their careers.
I wasn't making the case to acquire Strome. I was saying that you would have to throw in Percy or Finn to acquire Strome. I don't think his value is as high as what people think it is. I understand where he was drafted, but that shouldn't dictate what he is traded for.
Strome has done nothing at the NHL level.
Rielly made the team out of camp and at the 2nd toughest position for a rookie to be at. Rielly is heads above where Strome is at in my opinion. Jake Gardiner's ceiling is right around where Strome's would be, but is at more of a valuable position. And to even think that Phaneuf would be in the same breath as Strome is laughable. They would have to include a lot more.
Percy and Finn are in the same bracket as Strome. Percy doesn't get the recognition that others have because he doesn't put up the offensive numbers that they do. But he is a sound defenceman and capable of playing in any situation. Finn is similar to Percy in the sense that he could play in any situation but Finn has a better shot and is probably a bit more physical.
Just because you hear a name being tossed around doesn't mean that they are more or less valuable than what the Leafs currently have. The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
I also think you mentioned guys that he wouldn't surpass. I would think that you would get similar production from Holland, Gauthier, Nylander in the sense that they all might not be #1 centremen, but could be quality #2 guys.