The more I think about it, the more I can convince myself Brayden Schenn is a good idea, not because I wouldn't have long term concerns, I would and I do.
But look at the east as a whole, and Washington aside, I think the east is weaker then It's been in a decade if not more.
Tampa is not the same
Florida is not the same
Boston is certainly not the same
The Rangers are not the same.
Carolina is not the same.
I think there is a legitimate argument to made that the Leafs are the 2nd best team in the east.
because they are where they are in the standings and they haven't been anywhere close to healthy, at one point they had 7 forwards out of the lineup they were STILL winning.
If there was ever a time to strike and make a big move it's now.
Let's say you got Brayden Schenn you could run.
Knies Matthews Marner
McMann/Domi-Tavares Nylander
McMann/Domi Schenn-Jarnkork.
I know people don't like Marner and Matthews togethe for some reason that does not and never has made any senser but let's be honest at some point they will be put back together.
It doesn't need to be Schenn, it could be Schenn, but it could also be Brock Nelson, ROR, Yanni Groude I don't really care.
The point is adding a quality 3rd line center makes this team legitimately 3 lines deep and with the Eastern Conference being weaker then It's been for close to a decade if not more, a team that is 3 lines deep will be tough for anybody to handle.
In fact I'd go knock on the Rangers door about Reilly Smith too.
Because if you can find a way to add that quality 3rd line center and a guy like Reilly Smith then you are nearly 4 lines deep, especially if you can hold out Jarnkrok until the playoffs.
This is the time to strike