If Zaitsev actually has value

Unfortunately Zaitsev doesn't really have any value, especially with his contract. As for acquiring Tanev, Vancouver's management value him very highly. I'd think the starting point probably would be Kapanen or Johnsson, Zaitsev, and a 2nd or 3rd.

Not a chance. Zaitsev's value has been in a free fall since his rookie season. He's simply not good enough. It's going to cost more than a 3rd to move him with nothing coming back to TOR. Definitely not getting Tabev for that.

Gees with the way all you guys talk, you'd think Zaitsev to Edmonton for Lucic is a fair trade for both sides. Z's contract isn't as bad as you make it out to be.

Ohh boy, do I feel bad for you if Tanev is ever traded...
Gms have been offering (1) matt Martin for Tanev 1-for-1(from TOR) (2) Jake Dotchin for Tanev 1-for-1(From TBL) and so on.
If he gets moved, you might get a 5th lol, and you are here asking for Kappy + AJ+2nd/3rd and Z?
I actually hope he is never traded for your sake. It'll break your soul...
https://theathletic.com/714351/2018/12/14/chris-tanevs-rapidly-declining-play-introduces-another-asset-management-dilemma-for-canucks/

Tl;dr OP's trade is actually pretty close to what other GM's are offering you...

Realistically Tanev has more trade value that Zaitsev...simply due to the fact he's only got another year left on his deal so it's much less risky.

Anyone who watches leaf games routinely will tell you there's nothing wrong with Zaitsev's play....but there's really nothing special about it either. If he was maing $1m less no one would care...but in cap-crunched Toronto everyone is eyeballing every contract under a microscope to make sure we are receiving adequate value for each cap dollar spent...and the reality is that we have about $1m in cap being wasted on Zaitsev.

If there's a team with a ton of cap space looking to acquire a RHD for little acquisition cost...Zaitsev might be attractive as a fallback for a team somewhere...but you might be talking about 1 or 2 GM's who'd be willing to take him but happy to wait and see if there's any better options first.

Tanev's numbers have taken a nosedive the past few seasons...but with just 1 year left on his deal, I think there'd be more suitors at least willing to see if a fresh start somewhere new revives him. A 2nd rounder and a b prospect seems appropriate value to me....but not from Toronto as they can't afford any risky contracts