To play along I think it would actually go something like this:
To VAN: Marleau + 1st 2019 + Liljigren
To TOR: Edler + Granlund
I think the only way TOR gives up their pick is for a dman. Granlund could be a useful 4th line piece. If not, sub in Markstrom and add a small piece coming back to Vancouver to balance it out.
Then we'd send Marleau back to SJS, what I am guessing is the only other team he will play for.
To VAN: 3rd rounder > Conditional 2021 1st if SJS wins the Cup + AHL prospect + Francis Perron
To SJS: Marleau (50% retained)
Van would get a 3rd and the Barricuda top center for Marleau, which is similar to the value the LVGK got back for eating salary on Brassard's deal (4th and Reaves) but inflated slightly for eating more salary. Help out Utica for their playoff run.
They won't take Granlund. They would much rather a guy like Motte IMO.
I'm not moving Markstrom right now. I just don't think we get enough value for him, and I don't think he's just peaking. I've been high on him for a while and it looks like he's finally finding that focus and consistency that has been what's holding him back. Even with those issues he's behind a team that is not good defensively. He's straight up carrying games right now and while Pettersson was out was maybe our MVP.
He could become a Schneider level piece and I think it's worth the gamble. Don't forget at one point he was considered the best goalie prospect not in the NHL, and IIRC when we acquired him it turned out in Florida he didn't even have a goaltending coach.
I would not pay to acquire or sign an elite NHL goaltender, for their cost I would rather upgrade the skaters for a decent goalie as the gap between elite and above-average is nowhere near what it used to be. This is not how the league seems to see it, and they may very well be right, but above-average goalies are a dime a dozen while elite goalies can get top-15 picks. I'll take the gamble rather than getting a marginal return with the added bonus of bringing Demko along properly.
I'm still really really in favor of moving Gudbranson, I believe his value is quite high to a number of teams. I don't think Dubas has any interest, but coaches, especially ones like Babcock, have a lot of influence over players they target or ship out. Babcock is a great coach, but he seems like one of those coaches who makes questionable player decisions. Leivo not getting a shot is an example of it. AV is a great coach, but Tanner Glass lmao
One of Sutter/Beagle or even Stetcher could be pieces.
Anyway, I don't think Edler + a throw in like Motte will get that level of a return. Edler is a rental. Tanev would have to be going. Toronto could use both a RD+LD so either move Edler+Tanev for a hell of a return or Edler+Stetcher+throw in
I like the pieces you're trying to get and your subsequent move with SJ, but I wonder what it would take to pry Nylander out. He looks awful right now, but do you guys take the gamble he will turn it around? His value must be pretty low and Dubas might be sweating about that contract in a time we have to compete.
It could really backfire, this could be a Eriksson type back breaking contract, but it could be a move that puts us over the top if it works out. If. I don't think $7m is the overpayment people make it out to be (based on his previous production). I preferred Horvat to Nylander but Horvat is
still underrated around the league and he got 5.5m. The league is trending in the direction of 22 year olds getting big money when they've performed, and the game is really starting to grow in the US and I think we can expect the cap to keep going up. Getting long-term contracts locked down now has a lot of value, but again when you miss it can really f*** everything up.
Really not sure I would pull the trigger on Nylander, though. If I had quality pro scouts I trusted tell me he's playing fine and just in a slump I might. It's a move that might win you the cup, or cost you the cup. Spooky stuff.