The idea of trading him is based on getting a defenseman back. Ideally a defensive 2 way rhd with a plus.I agree with getting assets for Barrie. But if the Leafs ends up missing the playoffs, Dubas pretty much signed his ticket out of town. If Leafs managed to make the playoffs but lose the 1st round again, once again people will wonder only if Barrie is around, that’s excluding Barrie having a great playoffs.
I think if Barrie still play like when Babs was around, trade him and for assets but the way he is playing now and Reilly being out, don’t see the point of trading him unless another Dman is coming back.
Barrie is playing well, but his points wont be missed as much since we have so many options for scoring. As long as the player we get is mobile and can move the puck with skill it shouldn't affect the team much offensively, whereas if said player is better defensively, they may help bring down our GAA.
Overall I think that would be a gain and with an added + in the trade, we win again.
It is a risky move yes, but all of them are risky. If they do nothing, people will say they should have done something. How many posters were so angry they didnt trade Gardiner last year?
Imo I don't think Dubas is on the hot seat this year. Babcock era dig a hole, but once Dubas' guy was made the coach, the leafs have been playing like a top end team. I think despite the outcome of this year, Dubas has at least enough slack to see the next season.