Take it from a Leaf fan who is looking at who are 4th replacement forward is now that Simmonds, Thorton, Robertson are all out for a month or more each.
Keep him, tell him to be quiet and to earn his spot.
Like others have said he is young, good, and cheap.
His value now vs the offseason is not going to change much even if he doesn't play a ton. (Maybe its a 2nd now, and in the offseason its a 3rd+later pick)
He is still a 22/23y.o guy who has almost 175 games of experience playing decently well.
Only way this makes sense if its a young guy who is unhappy for a young guy who is unhappy. (Some weird package around Mete for Brannstrom)