Zucker >> White'

Matheson >> Zaitsev

What do the pens gain from this?

It's easier for Ottawa to just buy out Zaitsev and roll with White. That Matheson contract is a huge deal breaker for Ottawa

White is younger and can bounce back and hopefully regain his form. If anything, his buyout isnt terrible. After this season, White will have 3 more years while Zucker has 1. I get that this could be a loss, but it is a risk.
On the defensive end, Matheson has 4 more years after this one, while Zaitsev has 2. Clearing up a spot on the left defensive side also gives POJ a spot on the NHL roster.

Maybe, although Ottawa is in the market for a top 6 player and Zucker can be that without having to give up any futures.

Yeah your right, your taking a risk. Too many to be exact. These are all ifs. If white bounces back, If POJ gets a spot (Could play good, could play bad). Zucker has bounced back and we've seen it so why trade him on the last 2 years of his deal? And Matheson has played great since he moved to PIT and has the best takeaway percentage for all of the LHD in the league.

Moving Matheson is to give POJ his spot, so it isnt an if... honestly, if we are to just bury POJ in the AHL, might as well move him for assets.
Zucker has been good I agree, but moving him will guarantee O'Connor sticking around.
Didn't know Matheson had the best takeaway %, which is pretty interesting.

Maybe if Ottawa really likes Nick Paul as the 3C going forward instead of a winger it could make sense to swap White for Zucker, but I think they prefer him as a winger, and I'd rather keep White in the three slot.

We can't Gaurentee POJ plays well. The management doesnt really like him and they love matheson. So trading Matheson to make room for POJ isnt happening any time soon. Also The way to solve the O'Connor issue is to trade ZAR, not Zucker

Not touching that Matheson contract with a Nick foot Paul

So you just keep POJ in the AHL?