How does the value equate for the LA deal?
Disclaimer: I really like JJ and what he did for CBJ during his time here; but...
If Rust and Miletec remotely equal Villalta & LaDue:
Carter is much more serviceable than Johnson, so the 3rd included should be left at home for taking JJ , his contract. and probably not even making the top 6 in LA.

In addition to the $1.5MM in additional cap the Kings take on in the first three years, they have Johnson for a fourth year AND pay out more than FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS in real cash money as a result of this trade. I don't think a mid-round first is adequate compensation for that, never mind the third-round pick.

LA isn't competing for anything other than a lottery shot so thinking that they should be considering if Carter is more serviceable than Johnson is not the right strategy. Johnson buys them an additional 1st. Why pay Carter that much when Johnson could be had for less while they need a LD. Carter is an asset. Getting Rust and Miletic for Villata and LaDue to me speaks for itself.

The money is also terrible because Carter's contract was front-loaded; he is actually due only $7MM for his last three years. Rust's and Johnson's pay is their actual cap hit for all three (in Johnson's case, four) years.

"Less"?!? Carter costs $7MM over three years. Rust costs $10.5MM and Johnson $13MM (over four years).

You baster you signed Markov! I sure hope the Habs don't have 2 dud L.D men for 8mil+ and no Markov.

OldNYIfan - Very few if any teams (OTT) are actually in danger over actual/physical payroll. The actual season to season pay per player is insignificant to teams, not to quote Kramer, but they write the **** off. It's about CAP SPACE. Rust could be re-dealt for at least a 2nd (salary retention/prospects etc.) and Johnson would become a expansion draft deal. I'm not trying to sound like any of the "GM's in waiting" that post on here all the time but play chess man, not checkers.

Every time a Penguins fan trades for Puljujarvi, a baby gets slapped with a fly swatter.

I'm always amused at how easy it is for so many people to spend fifteen million dollars of someone else's money.