Backlund wont waive to anywhere, hes a young father

And dudes been one of the best 2way players in the NHL since the beginning of February

Wheres the big splash. Just see an over payment for Bennett and a contract they could regret as soon as next year

The market for 2C is very small. Trocheck was the most open option, and he has already been moved. Staal exists, but he shouldn't be a target of BUF. Kerfoot could be a possible option, but he is more of a 3C

There aren't many options out there. And centers typically are more expensive than other positions.

As a neutral party I don't see this as a large overpayment. Johansson doesn't hold that much value, I'd equate him to Bennett + a bit more. Risto holds less value at this point than Backlund. That difference is from the first "swap".

Not sure why you would do the Blichfeld trade but San Jose accepts.

You said they needed a splash move. Johansson would be fine if they used him properly. If he has no value, theirs no reason to move him. Same with Risto