In this scenario, why are you buying out Smith? You have the cap space to retain him and bury him in Hartford.

Mainly because things have gone so poorly with him that the team might just cut it loose and let him catch on elsewhere. Also they might have to make the decision on buyout before some of these trades have time to materialize. Finally, because it’s never a bad thing to have extra cap space, and Smith is a lost cause. Maybe we could circle back on the Gusev situation or another trade with a cap strapped team.

You're probably going to have to retain salary to make that EDM trade work.

But seeing as how Kreider and Namestnikov are both 1 year deals it shouldn't hurt you any

That would probably require them to put their 1st rounder in play. I accepted a lesser return assuming they would find another way to shed salary for the chance at putting Kreider on mcdavid’s wing.
With the Smith buyout, we could take back a contract though. Kassian might work, if we can find a roster spot

Oilers decline, we dont trade first rounders, we will be picking top 10 again and again and again! #nodeal