See but this doesn't save the leafs any money which would be the only reason they trade Nylander. Gotta be dumba and picks or spurgeon and more picks

That's way too much for Nylander. You're trading a player coming off a 33 goal (64 point) season and a top pairing shut-down RHD that can pitch in offensively (a rare commodity in the NHL) for a player that had less goals and points than Zucker!? I get he's younger and probably will be better than Zucker but for that Toronto is going to have to add Kapanen and something else (like a 3rd round pick)

marmon725 is correct, it doesn't help the Leafs delicate cap situation. Maybe Gardiner would have to moved to make it work. Leafs certainly would benefit for a year....a lot would depend on Zucker has he only a year on a RFA contract till unrestricted free agency if he desires.
I wouldn't depend on Zucker having an season like he did last year. But trade itself fo value of players and maybe even term.....is a pretty good.