I don't hate JVR. I'd prefer to keep him over Gardiner long term. I just don't think that's in the plans.
Difference between Nylander and JVR is the Leafs get to negotiate with Nylander all summer if they'd like. With JVR they have a July 1st deadline, and he'll be able to talk to every team in the league before then.
Per reports, there has been zero talks so far, and JVR has been planning for what's to come once July 1st rolls around - all indicators that it's not looking likely that he'll be here long term.
There is also the fact that he's 9th among fwds in ES TOI, and does not get used in OT anymore. Not really signs that he's Babcock's fav forward. Do Leafs want to commit 6 x $6m to their 9th most important fwd at ES? Where will JVR's ice-time be 3 or 4 years from now?
Before Brown hit the 4th line again a month or so ago, JVR was 10th in ES TOI.