Ottawa needs Gaborik's contract. Zaitsev won't end up in Ottawa without Ottawa getting significant assets in return. They aren't going to do Toronto a favor like that.

Why would the Rangers do that? Marleau at this point isn’t good and a HUGE cap hit for what he is, Rangers want to try and sign Panarin and wouldn’t be able to with a stupid contract like Marleau. Kravstov is also going to come over and diminishes a roster spot.

The difference between NYR’s 2nd and Toronto’s 1st is probably 10 spots, tops. So you’re essentially dumping Marleau for free.

Personally i disagree, i don't know if the OP thought of this when he made the scenario because the Ottawa trade is pretty comical but the the 2019 draft is looking weak and the 2020 draft is looking very good and deep. I would easily trade a weak second rounder and pay Marleau 1mill, take on his cap hit for 1 year while rebuilding for another 2020 1st.

Trading a RETIRED Marleau is pretty realistic, but maybe not to the Rangers. Maybe even the Sens. I'd rather have Zaitsev than to extend Gardiner. Why folks think trading Zaitsev and then to replace him full time is Holl makes the Leafs better?.

Sorta what it cost DET to dump Datsyuk on ARI no?