Quoting: THECLUGG
Not entirely confident that Tampa would go for this trade, but with them being strapped up against the CAP I know they are going to have to part ways with one of their forwards making $5+ million or let go one of their players due for a substantial contract. I think 2 former first rounders who have some up side still with value contracts could go a long way for a cup contender. Toss in a 2nd rounder and Tampa gets some future value as well.
Yeah, TBL is in a tough spot with the RFAs and that cap. They probably won't get full value for Sergachev, but I think they can do a little better than this. I think their first inclination would be to try to clear out the F glut (Gourde, Johnson, Killorn, Palat in that order I think). But if it comes down to moving Sergachev (which I wouldn't do), I bet they tack a F onto the trade to move cap.
How about something like this:
DET sends Zetterberg's contract, Svech, 2020 2nd round pick (EDM or WSH, higher of the 2), 2021 4th rounder
TBL sends Sergachev, Gourde
If I'm TBL, I still wouldn't do it (you can argue Sergachev was their 2nd best dman last year, and he's only 22, and you should be keeping guys like him at all costs), but this deal clears ~$11mm off the cap next year (5.16 for Gourde's contract, plus the $6mm+ you can put on LTIR for Z), brings in a middle 6 prospect, and a 2nd round pick that should be in the mid 40s. You are paying a high price to relieve yourself of the Gourde contract (which has 5 more years on it), but it frees up a ton of cap for RFAs and to improve your team while in your Stanley Cup window.