Really makes no sense for Ottawa, unless they like Zaitsev for his five years contract. Same with Ducks, what's the purpose of signing Kesler, he doesn't affect the Ducks cap this year but Marleau would.

I like the framework of Marleau and Zaitsev trades (and don't care about the details) and the projected salaries, but could Colin Miller be got with 2 late picks? I thought he was a decent RHD, not some cast off.

The idea with Ottawa is that they have a ton of cap space and need NHL-caliber defensemen. Really, I have no idea where Zaitsev goes, just that he wants out.

As for Anaheim, they're not cash-rich, so they would rather not pay Kesler all that money to not play, whereas Marleau would only cost them $1.25M in real money this year and can help mentor their younger players.

He was a healthy scratch by VGK, he's making a fair amount of money and they have zero cap space. Now, maybe it takes a 4th and a 6th instead of a 6th and 7th, but it really seems like they would be looking to get rid of him.

I'd think they'll look for, and could probably get, a prospect whose salary won't be on their NHL roster -- you know, why they drafted all those defensemen in the first place.

I just don't think they're going to get a ton of value for Miller. Yeah, maybe the Leafs give up a B prospect instead of late picks, but we're just splitting hairs at this point.