Definitely like targeting Hoffman and/or Ryan, but the cap and term for all these players combined creates big issues in time, as salary cap for future RFAs is tight and 2020 expansion draft protection slots are limited. I'm also not so sure the compensation in these trades moves the needle for Ottawa or Vancouver.

Edit: If I'm Ottawa, I reject out of hand. If I'm Van, I double check my roster and salary commitments and think about it.

I don’t think you’re completely wrong but I have to disagree about Ottawa rejecting “out of hand.” Let’s look at the benefits and costs for Ottawa, a team that has publicly stated that they’re prioritizing cap space and who is facing constantly mounting pressure to sign a generational superstar:
1. Cap hit differential clears them 7.5M in space
2. They get a young, second-pairing LHD on this theoretical conservative bridge deal.
3. They get Wayne Simmonds, formerly a preeminent powerplay goal scorer and presently a productive third liner. 1 year remaining before they can let his contract go or trade his rights.
4. A first-round draft pick.
At the cost of:
1. Mike Hoffman (huge)
2. Bobby Ryan’s production over the next four years. What can you hope for, with his consistency struggles and injuries? Second-line production at best?
I just don’t see how that doesn’t come *close* to balancing. Hoffman is great, but the return really is there.