why not trade for Stepan and Hossa from Arizona. Get almost 12 million in cap coverage for 2 million in real money, and you arent stuck with another year of Eriksson.

because Loui's salary structure can save Melnyk money. Loui's deal is 12 mil AAV over the next two years, but only 5 mil in real money. Which means if Melnyk orders his GM to stay under 65 mil with the inclusion of Loui the real money out is much less. Cheapie owner can pocket some cash this year.

The other deals for picks were just to move things around to see if the cap could work for next season.

Melnik wont want that eriksson contract.

Ladd negative value almost equals Dobson.
Eriksson's negative value will equal Dobson, or, for the Canucks, Podkolzin (i think)

All of the guys you traded from the Sens are UFAs (not under contract anymore) except for Anisimov. Boedker already signed with another team.

I know, I did that just to see what the numbers would look like for next season.

The actual deal I think Melnyk might consider is Anisimov for Loui, Lind and Rafferty, maybe add a 2nd 'cuz Benning. Melnyk gets the potential to save real money due to Loui's deal structure, Ottawa gets two solid prospects that could step in to their lineup next season. Yes Loui's deal is bad, but if Melnky stays under 65 mil with Loui on the roster, its money in his pocket. If he can keep it around 61-62 mil, thats up to 4 mil saved in real money for the cheapie owner. With covid creating so many losses thats a real incentive imo.

trade for kris russell. Though his cap hit is 4 mil, he is owed only 1.5mil which could be appealing to melnyk

Ya I was just gonig to say all those guys traded wont play another game for Ottawa anyways