Proposal: Noah Cates to the Leafs

[pooch]

I really like Cates. Perfect sell high candidate but I highly doubt he's available. He's exactly what this front office covets. I think a 1st and Cowan is probably too much. How has Danford been since he was drafted?

 

[Arthur Morgan]

A 1st that’s not for next year but the one after and probably a late first has considerably less value IMO

doesn't make it much better. Cates is playing well, but how long till he's back in Torts dog house?
on his final RFA year, could sign 1 year and walk as a UFA. No Thanks. he's all yours.

Leafers are seeking a defensively solid #3C. Laughton is honestly neither at this point. Cates is, but an organizational golden boy right now. It will require an overpayment to get him, I'm confident in that. There is zero reason to move him otherwise.

good keep him, we don't want to overpay for him because as much as I like him I dont think he's worth it.
any other options? if Cates is all you got then we will happily look else where

I would give up a 1st + another prospect outside of Minten or Cowan.

Tampa paid 2x 1st and 2x 4ths for Brayden Hagel. This package (Cowan + 1st) from the Leafs is comparable if not better imo and Hagel was both younger, better and on a better contract (position considered as well) compared to Cates at current time.

Hagel and Cates aren't the same

 

[FlyguyOX]

doesn't make it much better. Cates is playing well, but how long till he's back in Torts dog house?
on his final RFA year, could sign 1 year and walk as a UFA. No Thanks. he's all yours.


good keep him, we don't want to overpay for him because as much as I like him I dont think he's worth it.
any other options? if Cates is all you got then we will happily look else where


Hagel and Cates aren't the same

Cates already took a bridge. I'd be surprised if he bet on himself with another 1 year deal. He came into the league after 4 years of college. I'm sure he's ready for a long term deal.

Cates is the best player on the team you'd want as a great defensive 3C, tbh. His defensive metrics are stellar over the last 3 seasons and he's still young and in his prime.