With Columbus now in a fight for a playoff spot, this actually makes sense as a low risk high reward acquisition for Columbus and a great fit. Staal's realistic value is somewhere between a 3rd and 4th at the moment, maybe more if some salary is retained. He plays center and wing.

Ullmark should be back by the time this deal is made. Here, Buffalo swaps goaltenders with Columbus and picks up and additional year of Merzlikins

Buffalo acquires a big defenseman prospect, comes full circle and reacquires Zack Kassian (to make money work), and Alex Stalock, to compete for a backup role for the remainder of this year and next year.

Conditional 2021 second round pick or 2022 3rd round pick if Toronto advances to the conference finals

Buffalo retains salary on a move to help bolster Toronto's defense