Nick Alberga

I just think you look at, you know, what's ahead.

They really lack the assets.

And that's why I think you're hearing a name like Matthew Nyes floated out there.

And I think bringing in a Gavin McKenna does not hurt.

Considering the next two years, the Maple Leafs don't own their two first round picks, although they got a first rounder from Colorado next year for the Nick Watt trade that was put together prior to the deadline.

So that's probably the way I would look at it.

It gives him a marquee talent.

I'm not saying that Gavin McKenna down the road, if he is drafted, is going to be dealt.

But it gives him another asset to stockpile as they move forward here and decide what they want to do.

And to your point about Matthews, I still think there's a lot of gray area.

On July 1, he's going to be two years away from UFA status.

From what I understand, I think right now, as we have this conversation, he wants to be a Maple Leaf, is excited about being a Maple Leaf.

But I think there's still a lot of gray area as to what his future looks like.

And certainly, I think you look at this offseason, you know, the Larkin news coming out, more hoopla from the nice conversation, Vinny Trocek's name's out there.

Brady Kachuk is a name that was banded about earlier in the offseason.

Maybe Halibut's out there.

Maybe we just see outright fireworks.

So I think anything is possible right now.

I'll say that.

I think the blue line is something they really, really want to address, which I think is so interesting because a year ago, it's just funny how it's like revisionist history where it's like they have this pitiful season.