Who else besides Buchnevich as a possible higher level rental offers some team control beyond this season? Buch is expiring rfa. That's not a lot of control, but it is something, something that means pay and likely get this yr and next, this one insanely cheap at 3.25 and next at reasonably projected 4.75ish [due to covid cap].
Ditto Strome who is very reasonably certain at 4.5 next season.
Given not too many names come to mind, surprised Leafs not willing to cough up for "best F available".
The market for their best offers:
Strome = late 1st +
Buch = CAR 1st + Drury
that's what has to be topped.
ps I heard Strome is from TOR. Maybe useful if you offer decent ballpark # on an extension.