Josh Lawrence
Personally, I would be fine if they didn’t do anything other than call up Trevor Moore, scratch Lindholm, and glue Connor Brown to the 4RW position.
A fourth line consisting of Moore-Gauthier-Brown would be one of the best fourth lines in the league, arguably the best. If I’m being honest I think Moore would play his way up the lineup if given the chance to remain with the big boys, I’m sure my editor will agree with that one.
However, if they were to make a move, I would prefer a one for one trade.
As much as I love them, I don’t see the Leafs being able to keep both Kapanen and Johnsson. They are weaker on the left than on the right and Kapanen’s play this season both increases his trade value as well as the asking price of his upcoming contract.
I think a trade for Josh Anderson would be a great move. He’s locked in this year and next for 1.85 million. Kapanen will be asking for around 4-5 million AAV, in my opinion. Josh Anderson has 16 goals and 8 assists playing primarily with Boone Jenner and Nick Foligno on the third line. His production is all but guaranteed to increase by a good amount here. Kapanen has 15 goals and 15 assists having bounced between Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri.
Kapanen may have more of an upside offensively but Anderson’s goal totals have been steadily increasing over the last season and is on pace for a career-high 39 points this season. He is cheaper than Connor Brown and will cost less than half that of Kapanen on a long-term contract. Anderson also instantly becomes our most physical player and would lead the team in hits. He’s gritty, can put the puck in the net, and he’s cheap.
I think this move although may not be liked, may put the Leafs in a better position, this season and next.