MOCK TRADETo TOR:Elias LindholmChris TanevTo CAL:TJ Brodie
Calle JarnkrokTopi Niemela2024 1st round pick
2026 1st round pick

While it is a lot for both teams to give up, both sides get something that fits their immediate needs and long-term outlook.
Why The Trade Makes Sense For Toronto
For the Leafs, they are parting with five big-time assets, they get two pieces that can help them on a deep playoff run. Lindholm has been a Selke finalist before and can provide a great 200-ft game for the Leafs. Tanev is a stay-at-home defenseman who provides an excellent defensive and physical game.
The Leafs would be unlikely to resign both players assuming they bring back
William Nylander but Tanev could be enticed to stay in Toronto long-term. However, if the Leafs are unable to sign Nylander, they could sign Lindholm for a more modest rate and keep him as a replacement for Nylander.
Why The Trade Makes Sense For Calgary
Calgary is entering a rebuild in the coming years. They are constantly stuck in no man's land and do not have the pieces as is to make a deep playoff run. With Lindholm, Tanev, and
Noah Hanifin all having their deals expire this year, the Flames will need to kick off a rebuild sooner rather than later.
The team will be getting two pieces that they can use now in Brodie and Jarnkrok, both of which are former Flames, and three pieces that will help them long-term. Niemela is the Maple Leafs' top defensive prospect and can be a piece on Calgary's blue line for years to come when he inevitably makes it into the NHL.
The first-round picks can be used however the Flames choose to do so but assuming they use it to draft talent, they can address any need they have at the time.