Yeah, I do think Forsberg at 50% retained would be a very nice piece for the Leafs, the question is whether he’s worth the price. It’s rare to see an Amirov/Robertson level prospect traded for a pure rental, nevermind a prospect like that and a 1st. For example, last trade deadline Taylor Hall (50% retained) went for just Bjork and a 2nd.
I’m trying to think of the last time a pure rental returned an Amirov/Robertson level prospect AND a 1st, but nothing is immediately springing to mind. Hossa to the Pens, Jeff Carter to the Kings, Iggy to the Pens, all returned a 1st, but none returned an Amirov/Robertson level prospect. It’s a heavy price.
I think the Leafs would wait until closer to the deadline to make a deal like this - make sure that the team is healthy and playing at a high level before committing. And even then, I think the price would have to be a bit lower. For example, someone like Liljegren or Knies instead of Amirov or Robertson. At the deadline, if we’re looking like a legit contender, I’d do Liljegren-or-Knies, 1st, Mikheyev and Kase for Forsberg (50% retained).