Because there seemed to be some interest earlier in Dubas statements:
"In terms of assets you have to trade, you have a first-round pick and a prospect like Matthew Knies. Is there anything that is off the table or untouchable given the team’s situation?
Dubas: The answer I might give to that question might sound a little deceptive. With every single trade discussion that we have, we are at the point with the franchise where you don’t want to necessarily say no to anything right off of the hop.
Having said that, there are some players and some draft capital that we have that are extremely valuable and would be hard for us to move on from — not just the one player you mentioned, but the whole group of prospects and younger players off of our roster.
In regards to rentals, I can’t see that happening. With regards to other options, I don’t think you say no off the hop to anything, but those are very important pieces to us now and in the future."
This sounds pretty cut and dry but, looking at all other recent deadline deals involving first-rounders, I'm not sure people realize just how good a deal this is for the Leafs.
First off, ROR has been one of the unluckiest players in the league this season (the graph has been posted a few times in here) while playing on a poor team. The illusion of him having such a poor year (OMG +/-!) combined with his foot injury really drove down the price on him and his desire to come to the Leafs only helped more....and that foot injury (thought to be from a blocked shot) is not a trend for a guy who has proved to be very durable the last half decade. He could still get hurt in some way of course and the mouth breathers will no doubt try to spin it but it has nothing to do with not doing homework here. Guy is a stud.
ROR (75% retained) and Acciari (50% retained) + C prospect for 1+2+3+4 round picks + AHL vet and B prospect.
To get a legit top 6 center, a playoff warrior who lifted the Conn Smyth not long ago and was PPG last playoffs, an elite faceoff guy (went 12 for 14 last night) and who has finished top 5 in Selke votes the last 4 years at 75% retained in the aftermath of the Covid cap PLUS a tough as hell to play against bottom 6 center who is top 10 in hits in the NHL while not giving up any position players or good prospects is incredible.
Somehow the Leafs still have the ability to make some moves too. Some guys here are expendable after this and there are certainly creative ways to still add.
Dubas has always struck me as a fairly conservative GM who values long term success but you dont turn down a deal like this. It's what first rounders are made to flip for. Not the Manthas, Folignos, Chiarots, Savards etc. of the world.
I wonder what other teams are going to do now too. The East just keeps getting stronger and stronger. You cant say the Leafs arnt giving it their best shot. In the end, the most important moves might have been made before the season started taking on Samsonov/Murray instead of Campbell/Mrazek.
This team is certainly better than last years heading into the playoffs though...but so are practically everyone else and big moves are still to be made...outside of Tampa. I mean, I can't see Tampa standing pat despite their lack of assets but can only pull off minor moves IMO. They have no picks and one of the worst prospects pools in the league.
