Never too early to talk trade, bash refs

Hi, Kev. So glad to see the Mailbag back. I don’t like imagining trades, as I don’t have the inside info I would need, but I can’t get one idea out of my head: Auston Matthews for Nathan MacKinnon. Would shake up two contenders who can’t get through to the last step. I am probably wrong, but I wonder sometimes if Matthews, when his contract is up, will want to play in the U.S. Leaf fans wouldn’t have that concern with MacKinnon. And while I realize Colorado’s cap would have to be considered, it just seems like an interesting trade that would be an (almost) pure hockey trade that would excite both cities. I’m old enough to remember Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais being traded for Brad Park and Jean Ratelle. Reminds me of that. — Steve J.

That trade? Sure. Whatever. Don’t think it accomplishes much. The Bruins didn’t win with Ratelle and Park. The Rangers didn’t win with Esposito and Vadnais. But it was a heck of a trade. Not sure shaking things up is necessary (yet) in Toronto or Colorado. Not sure it would be even the best thing to do. Let’s assume that the Leafs make the playoffs. Is there any reason to believe that they have improved enough to progress at least into the second round? — Gary A.

That’s the only question that matters this season. I feel like I should end every story with “but who cares until they win a round.”

I don’t agree with you on Auston Matthews’ wrist surgery. It was ludicrous to wait that long. It’s going to put him behind on his training and preparation for the season. A season for which all the preparation possible is needed. When it was a problem all year, it was crazy to wait.

— Craig M.

I was being facetious with my “nothing to see here, move along” bit re: Matthews. It doesn’t always come across in print. If he’s not ready for camp, it’s a huge story. If he is ready, then really, nothing to see here. He can skate, just couldn’t hold a stick while he was out. Skating is the most important thing for hockey players to maintain.

Is the refereeing going to be more consistent this new season, you think? Why can’t they call what’s in the rulebook? Cross-checking was forgotten during the playoffs to the point of being a joke. Can only imagine how many broken sticks there would have been if they were all wood like a Northlander. Ruin a career very easily. Seems pretty simple to me to follow the rulebook. If a player has to cheat, maybe he’s not good enough. Guess the response from baseball fans would be they all cheat.

— Ken W.

I think the age-honoured tradition of blaming the refs will continue to roll in high gear. That said, I thought the playoff reffing was abysmal in the early rounds. The NHL has to come to realize that fans pay to see the stars shine, not the pluggers mug them. The NBA figured this out a long time ago. If it’s close, star players get the calls. I’m OK with that.

Send your hockey questions to askkevinmcgran@gmail.com. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and accuracy