Dear Kyle:
I’m a little salty with you today.
Not because you traded for Ryan O’Reilly, which I think is a really good move. It’s got more to do with the fact that you gave St. Louis my first-rounder to do it. That first was supposed to be part of the package I proposed for Patrick Kane.
Kyle, I know most people probably feel that this is it for the Leafs, that this is the move that was needed to get you guys over the top. But you and I are not most people, and we both know that anything’s possible if you want it badly enough.
Okay, so I’m pissed about the pick, sure. And I’m grudgingly happy that you’ve been able to acquire the kind of asset that will get you past Tampa if O’Reilly stays healthy. But Boston after that? Then Carolina, New Jersey or the Rangers after that, followed by Dallas or Colorado after that. Hmmm, that’s a mighty bumpy road to travel there, Kyle.
But I have another proposal that will win you the Stanley Cup, and even if I have to do the heavy lifting for you, I respectfully submit the following proposal:
TO THE LEAFS
Patrick Kane: 50% retained – Jake McCabe: 50% retained – Max Domi: 50% retained
TO THE HAWKS
2024 or 2025 first-round pick – Matthew Knies – Timothy Liljegren
You’ve already proven you know how to make things happen, so let’s get together on this and plan a parade. How would this lineup look?
BUNTING – MATTHEWS – KANE
ENGVALL- TAVARES – MARNER
DOMI – O’REILLY – NYLANDER
ACCIARI – KAMPF – HOLMBERG
Look at that third line! You get those three out against any team’s third line and there’s going to be some fireworks. Domi can also slot up to the second line, swapping places with Engvall.
I’ve created four lines and haven’t slotted in Alex Kerfoot or Calle Jankrock, which means you’ve got some good depth as insurance against injuries or poor play by Engvall or Holmberg.
It’s the kind of lineup that has you lifting Cups in June.
Kyle, I know you know that O’Reilly and Acciari are UFA at the end of the year, so likely pure rentals. And yes, so too might Patrick Kane be a similar rental. But McCabe has two years left at 50% retained after this one, and Domi could be signed for a realistic number. When the dust settles, and the parade is over, wouldn’t it be nice to have some of those assets sticking around for the investment you made?
In closing, there’s still two weeks left until the deadline, but everyone thinks you’re done. But Kyle, you and I know different. And I truly thank you for hanging on to Knies so you could give him to us. In the Windy City, we call that a solid.
Yours in hockey,
Chicago
NEWSMAGRENFREW 