Leafs shouldnt re-sign him to the 6-7 year deal he would command so you either trade him or keep him and let him walk.
Good teams like Anaheim trade guys for assets before it is too late. Andersen, Pirri, McGinn, and Palmieri all went for picks in the last 2 years even when they were contending.
Out of the 22 guys that have played in the playoffs for them 13 have been drafted by the Ducks. The best players on the Leafs were drafted players as well - we should continue the trend.
Too early to judge the 2016 and 2015 drafts but since Burke left Anaheim has produced at least 2 regulars per draft;
2014: Ritchie, Montour and Kase
2013: Theodore and Sorensen (Sorensen only now getting to the NHL)
2012: Lindholm and Andersen
2011: Rakell, Gibson, Carlsson and Manson
2010: Fowler, Etem, Smith-Pelley
2009: Holland, Palmieri and Vatanen (Holland was traded to us a 2nd)
Murray has done a great job at re-stocking the team and moving guys out before they are priced out. And he is going to do that again this offseason when he trades a defensemen or 2.
Best thing to do is turn JVR into a defensmen or into picks to potentially use for picks an defensmen later on. I would be inclined to gauge the market too on Bozak and Leo. Though i know Babs loves his centremen Bozak and absolutely loves Leo - likely to be re-signed.