Analyst predicts a surprise acquisition for the Leafs and a huge overpay

Keith Yandle believes that Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is going to garner a higher asking price than what insiders have predicted. Insiders have predicted that the Hawks will likely get a second round pick and a third round pick for Toews, should he decide to waive his no-move clause. However, Yandle believes that trading for Toews would cost the Leafs a second round pick as well as top prospect Nick Robertson.

If it comes down to a bidding war, then maybe an extra piece will have to be thrown into a deal to acquire Toews, but adding in Robertson would be a massive overpayment for a declining Toews. Simply put, if the Leafs do end up trading Robertson, it's not going to be for a pure rental.

Let's also not forget that Toews comes with a $10.5M cap hit for the season, so it would be very difficult for the Leafs to fit him under the cap, even at 50% retained. For the Hawks to want do that, it would likely cost the Leafs additional assets and it just doesn't seem worth it for a pure rental in obvious decline.