I rather get two guys than one guy. On top of that I believe Maloney will wait and wait up until almost the DL. I think you can deal with the Leafs now. And the cap situation is more difficult if we went after Vermette who has a 3.75 mill cap hit. Combined the Leafs duo is at 2.8 mill.
I believe a 2nd, McIlrath, mid-prospect, and maybe a 4th or 5th and you could get both guys from the Leafs.
That is not giving up a ton for us. McIlrath just doesn't have a home here, and if he does it is on the 3rd pair...big deal. A 2nd rounder is later in the 2nd round, plus we have two this year anyway with ours and TB's (deal the one that looks to be later...but both will be late 2nd). And then a 4th or 5th isn't a huge deal either way. Maybe we get back a 6th or 7th in exchange. And some mid-prospect that could go either way as a fringe NHL player. That is a good haul for the Leafs as well. Do it sooner rather than later so those guys get comfortable.
If you told me take that duo or get Vermette...I would take the duo. I really want Winnik for the 4th line. And Sant is fine for the 3rd line, plus I have this feeling we are getting Sant for sure, so I am kind of in the mindset of thinking Sant will come here, so get Winnik as well.