Why would Ottawa do this exactly?

Here's a playing-well Duclair and an on fire JGP for a guy over in Europe.

Well, apparently Ottawa has already shown interest in Puljujärvi. And people seemed to agree that Duclair would be a fair value return. And then people say Pageau could maybe get a first. And Samorukov and a second is pretty close to being worth a first. The rest is just for cap problems which Ottawa will be fine with because Manning only has one year left.
Just how I see it though.

The only beef I have is that finally, Duclair is producing consistently and NOT constantly being traded. The guy should stay in Ottawa long term IMO. He's earned a break from all of that. If Ottawa wants JP, what it cost if it was only in picks? Also, I think Ottawa needs to pick up some Finn mentors for JP, it sounds like he's gonna need 'em in order to be successful

It helps Ottawa tank n that's a great thing this year ...with the added bonus of helping Edmonton stomp San Jose thus improving the other first rounder while stock piling futures ... Go oil !

You guys have four top-6 forwards, including three that can play center. You should focus on filling the other two wing slots first rather than looking for a #3 C, and for the reasons advanced by @BlastnyFromThePastny , Ottawa probably isn't interested in sending you Duclair (and surely isn't interested in sending you Pageau unless they're convinced he won't re-up there).