No way that BUF takes those contracts (Benn, for example).

Furthermore, WSH won't accept that 3-way trade unless MTL gives them more, since they would be losing so much just for Pacio (De La Rose isn't going to amount to anything).

MTL screws WSH no way they agree to that, and The Sabres arent going to be looking for picks to fill out trades, they want NHL ready prospects.

So the habs basically get;

Ryan O'Reilly, Tobias Geisser
for
Max Pacioretty, Jordie Benn, Jacob De La Rose, Jordie Benn, Michael McCarron, and a 2nd?

This seems like one of those rare trades where it's a lose/lose/win.

I don't see how any of the contracts would be bad for BUF. Benn is literally the highest paid at 1.1M and while he would ideally be on the bottom pairing with a strong defense, he easily slots into a top 4 spot, or top 2 pairing in a pinch. Not to mention he plays both left and right sides equally well.
Also, WSH should not get more... they are essentially giving up 2 prospects and a 1st for Patch (1.5yrs), and next years 3rd for Gorges & DLR (who could easily replace Eller/Beagle when the time comes). Now obiously Patch isnt Ovi, but in terms of production they are they are literally the two best during the past 5 years. Name me a team that wouldn't give up 2 unproven prospects and a 1st for Ovi. If your montreal, would you not give up Mete, Jullsen, and a late 1st for Ovi?

So if you're Washington and and the Habs offered you Mete, Juulsen, late 2018 1st, and a 2019 3rd for 1.5years of Ovi you would take it and Run???
McCarron & Djoos are both NHL ready and Benn is an NHL vet. BUF will also be sitting on 2 picks in this years 1st. 2nd, & 4th rounds + 2 in the 3rd for 2019. My logic was if they want more NHL ready talent, they have the futures to cough up to another team in rebuild mode.

So who do you see as the winner?