Note two things about this incontestably accurate construction:

1. Everybody seems to be overlooking the fact that Zuccarello's NMC turns into a ten-team-no-trade clause next July, making 21 teams he can be traded to. (And I'll bet dollars to doughnuts Buffalo's on that list.)

2. Note how impossible it would be to work out some trade with Buffalo to acquire Jack Eichel, because it would require both Zuccarello and one of the big three defensemen to waive their don't-wanna-go clauses.

You have one extra and $50,000 in cap space. This cannot work, but I’ll let someone else explain why. Too much for me to type…