So anyone going to actually discuss the OP intentions or are we just going to pat each other on the back while laughing at semantics? The point wasn't what our cup window is, it is that if at the end of the day the costs are too high and no blockbuster trade is made, and the Leafs miss the playoffs next year as a result, is that a huge deal?
This should be the debate. To me, no it is not, as it gives us another lottery ticket in a draft filled with D talent. I personally think it's better to wait a year and get a sense of what we have before making a move. What if one of the Swede's breaks out and becomes a top 4 D? Or Carrick does or Dermott? What if Nylander breaks out and scores 90 points when management considered moving him for a top 4 D?
What if Marner regresses and we realize we need Nylander and Matthews? What if Rielly breaks out and suddenly we don't need a #1 D anymore?
Everyone is too young to make these decisions as they are all based on luck and not anything substantial due to sample size. Gardiner was not who is he right now two season ago, in two years they could both be borderline #1 D and sure fire top pairing D. Suddenly the defense sorts itself out and we got to keep the depth.
Remember all the guys we gave up on? Stralman, Steen, Rask, etc. Just wait it out, I can't believe some of our fans STILL haven't learned the lesson.