Colorado wouldn't touch Ladd's contract even with the salary retention.

At 4m that’s not a terrible contract

At 4m that contract is good and if he finds chemistry with Kamenev and their RW (not sure who would that be) he could also put up some really good numbers (40 points circa, as 3rd liner not bad)

Coyotes FO sounds confident they will get Raanta locked up, which is why they didn't move him at the trade deadline. Even if something goes very wrong with the negotiations, AZ wouldn't take Greiss. If that happens, I'd look for a trade between WSH and AZ, with Orpik as the dump and Grubauer/Kuemper as the tandem.

The issue with trading Ladd isn't getting another team to take him. He's still a good defensive forward and NYI would be more than happy to retain salary on him to get him moved. The issue is getting Ladd to waive his NTC. Apparently he really likes living in the New York Area. That said, if the Isles keep sucking ass next year and/or if Tavares leaves, it'd be alot easier to trade Ladd.

In regards to this specific Ladd trade, I'd throw in a 2nd rounder or Dal Colle.

It's not the $4m that's the problem. It's the next 5 years of Ladd's contract that's the issue. Soderberg is the better player and only has 2 years left. Easy pass for the Avs.

The leafs would rather give Martin away for a 7th, nothing, or with a 7th than retain salary as they are facing a serious salary crunch soon.

R u sayin Dal Colle’s only worth a 2nd rounder?

I mean, Griffin Reinhart went for a 1st and a 2nd, so I guess it all depends on the buyer.