That doesn't mean it's likely. If he's not moved by the deadline, why would he agree to a sign-and-trade? He'd be far better off choosing his own destination in the summer on the open market.

Anything is possible, but the overwhelming odds are that, if not moved by the deadline, he becomes a UFA in the summer.

You’re really not getting this.

It’s obvious the bruins aren’t letting him go for nothing.

Agreeing to sign below his QO increases his trade value, thus increasing the chances he’s moved.

See? It’s simple.

They offer him his QO. If he accepts its 1 year. Not the end of the world. They wold have to spend that on an older player with less upside in free agency to replace him.

But he won’t accept because it means he’s stuck in Boston again. So he becomes an RFA and with the 4.4 refused, does not have to be given more than league minimum and B’s can match any offer. He can’t sign an offer sheet because nobody is going to give him an offer that would offer Boston enough compensation to not match it. At which point Boston likely trades his rights away. He’s actually become more desirable as teams don’t have to worry about the 4.4 anymore. Or he changes his mind, stays and signs a reasonable contract.

The idea of them non-tendering him and letting him go for nothing is nuts.

Everyone making a big deal about the QO have blown it way out of proportion.