Detroit probably won't take Nemeth back. Sabres probably have the best combo of Cap space and actual need for D. I would look there.

I don't see any reason to trade Reaves. And considering his contributions this Season, they could do much better than a 6th if they did.

Detroit declines, don't want Patrik back.

Gonna cost more than a 4th to take Nemeth off your books, from any team. Detroit is not that team, as they are not taking on 2 years of a cap dump and are moving into the next phase of the rebuild and should start becoming a cap-ceiling team again within the next 2 years that will need that space.

Red Wings decline. Oesterle is a better 7D than Nemeth is.

Reaves definitely still has value as a player- when used in a limited role. He is a leader and a good team mate...but the whole "deterent thing" is for sure a mirage- but as a 4th line "energy guy" whose job is to make some hits to swing momentum- he is fine. The problem is when the coach tries to expand his role beyond that. I'm not looking to push him off NYR, but next year CAP space is at a big time premium- largely due to the combination of dead CAP space, expiring contracts, and ELCs coming to an end. There are other guys on the roster to provide the toughness he provides- so if he can be moved, the resulting CAP space is much better used elsewhere.