Plan Z Deadline Not Contending

Quick question - if the Isles aren't contending at this year's deadline why make the Kulikov deal? He walks at the end of the year so at the end of the day you're just replacing an expiring Scott Mayfield with another expiring contract - why not skip the top deal and give Grant Hutton the minutes if they're out of it?

Pittsburgh declines

I should have been more clear on that. The Kulikov deal happens before opening day as insurance for Robin Salo.

The blues D is already set. No need for mayfield anymore. Getting him just means we have to make more trades and I think the blues are done. Unless Mayfield can play LHD on the top pair there is no need for us to trade for him.

From the "Team Explanation" at the top of this AGM
"This AGM is more about the pieces moved and the return, not necessarily the other teams involved."

It doesn't have to be from the Blues, it could be from anyone. We have no idea who is going to need what at the deadline, this is just what I believe a return on these players would look like.