I find it interesting how we all (it seems) pretty much agree on trading JVR and yet no one thinks management will do it.
My psychology is this: I’m happy the team has improved and I’ve enjoyed the season. It looks like a tough slog through the playoffs. I want to improve further in future years. That kind of delayed gratification is fairly rare in sports — it is hard not to want the best right now. But I get a sense others feel that too. I wonder if management is aware of fan psychology. It would be great if they exploited it this year ...
If there's anything that Leafs fans should be able to handle by now, it's delayed gratification. Management should be able to as well. That's what Shanahan had been preaching. I haven't heard him say much of anything recently, though.
I'm on the same page as you. The best thing to do for the future seems to be to trade JVR, depending on the return, of course. I'd like to see the Leafs avoid getting into an arms race with Boston and Pittsburgh at the deadline. To get through some combination of the Bruins, Lightning, Penguins and then the WC champion? I don't see it happening. The Leafs are getting better, but they aren't at that level yet. Sure, anything can happen, but I wouldn't base my strategy on that idea.
If there's a trade to be made that will most likely improve the team for now and the future, then sure, go for it. Otherwise, I'd rather the Leafs just keep building through picks and prospects. If the Leafs eventually trade for a top pairing defenseman, it will cost a boatload. I think it's better to stockpile assets now while looking for such a trade. Maybe one of those assets becomes the player you need.
