The 1 year left is not ideal, I'll concede but there are numerous options to aide that situation.
As for the rest, it's pretty clear that you have no idea what kind of player we're talking about especially since the first thing you said is that he "lays around a hit." Averages 1.62 hits/60 actually. 8th out of Minnesota's defensemen. He wins every battle by being the best skater on the ice in most situations, he NEVER lays the hits, he doesn't need to. And yes he blocks shot, 6 actually against Vegas on Tuesday but if you use that as a metric to why "he's good," then it is clear you're thinking of a different player or you can admit you watch him twice a year. 23 of his 24 points, came in 5v5 play or shorthanded, which would be tied for first on the Leafs in that department.
You conveniently ignored the fact that per numerous advanced analytical models, he is one of the best defensive defensemen in the sport. I'd classify that as, pretty ****ing special. Having a 26 year old elite shutdown defensemen that plays against the opposing team's top line every night would immediately make any team better, especially the Leafs given your whole bottom 10 status in every defensive team category.
And the term "#1 C", does not mean Auston Matthews. It means someone who would take on the #1 C role in MN, an area we lack (always have.)
We're keeping him anyways, it'll cost you Matthews and 5 firsts if you want him now.
