19-20 Leafs Cap - Moves to accommodate Marner

Zaitzev is the exact opposite kind of contract that the Sens will be looking for in the offseason to reach the cap floor. His contract has lengthy term, is full of signing bonuses, and his actual salary is equal to the AAV.

The Sens will be targeting contracts that only have 1-2 years left, and where the real money to be paid out is less than the value of the cap hit. Melnyk is trying to save money, why would he take on that absolutely awful Zaitzev contract?

You're going to be hoping that some rookies are able to play on defense the next year, you have to resign 4 of your dmen the next year and likely not going to be able to afford 1 of them.

If we are ponying up Nylander to Canes, then Pesce with more cost certainty, is coming back or no deal. Maybe Hamilton, but not Faulk.

AMEN!! I've seen so many Zaitzev to Ottawa that make no sense. If Toronto trades Zaitzev prior to July 1, he has no trade protection but Ottawa would have to pay 3 Million SB. If they wait till after the 1st, he has a 10 team no trade which Ottawa will definitely be on.

Fair point. But if the net exchange cuts Melnyk’s bottom line - I can see them doing it. Take Zaitsev short term and use him as trade bait - but if you have a better suggestion to him to land somewhere - happy to hear it.

If Zaitsev koves post July 1 and is gone by trade deadline, it could be a decent return for minimal costs for Ottawa. But there’s admittedly a lot of ‘ifs’ in my thinking