Please stop with the crazy idea. It's not going to happen.

You should probably learn the rules about this sort of thing before posting. Go ahead....google it.

If it’s crazy and it works it’s not crazy. All possiblities and loopholes should be explored, especially considering the benefits of 6 million in extra cap space next year. If you think Dubas and Pridham didn’t consider the possiblitity of moving Marleau’s third year then why did they front load his contract? This exact scenario was investigated by the NHL concerning the Brooks Orpik trade, buy-out, and resigning last year and they ruled it to be completely legal. What am I supposed to google?

Its a 35+ contract which means no cap relief if bought out.

Yes, so exactly like Brooks Orpik (was 37)

That's... That's not... That's not how contracts... oh FFS why even bother?

1. Dubas and Pridham didn't sign Marleau. That was Lou
2. I don't think cash can be traded anymore
3. Marleau would need to agree to waive his NMC (both to get traded and to be placed on waivers)
4. I don't think this is very likely
5. Despite 1-4, it is theoretically possible. Leafs trade Marleau + something Zona likes to the Coyotes. Coyotes place him on waivers. If he clears, they buy him out. Then the Leafs re-sign him.
6. Given his low salary in the final year, it would only cost Zona $416,667 in each of 19-20 and 20-21, while the cap hit is $6,250,00 for 19-20. This could be attractive from their point of view especially if they're getting a pick or player they like
7. At 1 year and 6.25m, I am not certain Marleau would pass through waivers. So, would Marleau agree to waive his NTC knowing there's a chance he wouldn't have any control over being claimed by another team? Would zona

Again...it's possible...possibly attractive from Zona and Toronto's point of view, but from everything I've read about Marleau, I can't see a sceneario where he'd waive his NTC

Thanks, you bring up a lot of good points, I hadn’t considered anyone claiming him off waivers due his contract but that would definitely be a problem. Marleau isn’t going to waive his NTC but I had hoped Dubas could put together a sales pitch about how he could make more money and still stay with the team while increasing his chances at a cup. The more I think about it the more it seems too risky for Marleau. Really unfortunate because it could’ve been a win-win-win situation.