The Leafs get immediate cap relief and trade a position of depth for a position of need. If they lose Gardiner (already lost Hainsey) then they just run in place here, but with the cap room and Gardiner hanging around it's possible this is a big upgrade for them.

But Barrie is heading toward FAgency so they kind of kick their cap problems down the road. It's a constant struggle for them because they are going to have three HUGE contracts up front. So maybe this is a coup, maybe it's just a placeholder. Best-case scenario they keep Gardiner, find a way to unload Nylander and later sign Barrie long term. That would be incredible.