Now, I think Zaitsev is worth his 4.5m a year, it's his five year term that might scare away teams. If I'm the Leafs and knowing Zaitsev wants to leave, I wouldn't even care about anything back in a trade.
Having 4.5m free cap space for five years ...that would be enough for me.

how can you ask for a prospect and a pick for an anchor?

The key is, do you have to pay to get rid of it or has Ray Shero taken on an apprentice somewhere

You're right. Let's imagine the best offer that Leafs get is a 7th rounder and the Leafs have to retain 1.5m, then do the Leafs do the deal? And that might be the best offer. So then the Leafs have find a 3m competent Dman replacement just to remain cap even for the 4.5m Zaitsev. Do they do that trade or keep Zaitsev? Or does Zaitsev be true to his word, says he will never be a Leaf and he stays in Russia. Having Zaitsev retire from the NHL might the most cap efficient resolution for the Leafs.

Worked for us with Berglund (sounds like he is doing well and is at peace)

I know there is a lot gut wrenching in Sabreland when they see ROR playing so well for the Blues. But still think that was good trade for the Sabres. They weren't winning with ROR, so the Sabres got 6m cap freedom from ROR and suddenly 3.85m with the retirement of Berglund. Now spending that 9.875 wisely is the key for the Sabres in making it a good deal for the Sabres.

We didnt get any cap in the trade until 2021. Sobotka at 3.5, berglund at 3.85 and Thompson at 925k. Only berglund contract termination got us room.

It was a horrible trade that I was wrong about

Stecher is better than Zaitsev. Why would the Canucks do that deal?

i have no idea

Dumping Zaitsev is not enough. Leaf fans want value for him. The idea of a 7th for Zaitsev and retention of 1.5M is realistic but that does not draw eyes to sportsnet central.