I don't think Gourde is a "pay-to-take" contract. Pageau probably demands a first and that's all. Gourde, if was on a better contract, is still a better player overall. You should be fine with Gourde and a 3rd.

I don't like what Gourde brings to the table. I would not take that contract if I'm Ottawa.

Gourde could be effective 3rd liner for Ottawa and if doesn't work out they can trade him in 2022 .. there is no cap issues ever in Ottowa so a draft pick sweetner for taking on 11M and get 2 years of 30 pts from Gourde

Gourde isn't waiving for Ottawa, it wouldn't take a 1st round sweetener to move him anywhere (in this case at best a 2nd) and he's more of a 45-50 point player than a 30 point player when used correctly. Stats don't lie but Boltlover often does when it comes to Tampa players he erroneously perceives to have weak value. I'd like for Tampa to make a play for JGP but this trade isn't it.

"If he sucks you can trade him" is not a selling point. Yeah the sens are swimming in cap space, and could easily afford Gourde, but that doesn't mean they should. Having cap space is a good thing, and Ottawa should be looking to keep it, or use it to take on big, short term contracts for assets.

I'm not saying Gourde is a bum, but he's not a play driver, and he makes more than I would be comfortable paying a complimentary/depth player.

You are correct that Gourde lacks NHL skills and is not a play creator.. or goal scorer .. he has 6 goals and 19 pts in 48 games so he a 30 pt. 4th liner .. on Tampa .. could have similar stats as Ottawa 3rd liner or 20ish points on 4th line .. market will dictate if we get anything for him .. if Cap does NOT go up I cant see how we get much return