That Zaitev trade makes no sense for Ottawa. Ottawa needs a RD they can find a 4th liner anywhere. They much rather just use the pick to dump him with no return.

I would rather bet on someone much more proven in Monahan from a Flames perspective. Calgary already has questionable center depth with Monahan, gets significantly worse without him

You're spot on. Kelly, Kastilic, Gambrell, Watson and then you got Greig, Sokolov and Boucher. That's 7 guys who could rotate the 4th line easily that doesn't make freaking 3.4 million dollars and isn't a waste of a roster spot. Meanwhile that RD suffers whilst we're waiting on Thomson and JBD to develop. Zub is our only good NHL ready RD atm that is really worth keeping.

I'm sure Dorion will find a way better deal himself at the deadline if he wants to move Zaitzev.

And the TS already knows what I think about Allen to Vegas. Completely unecessary.

Habs keep Allen. For multiple obvious reasons.

You are not allowed to make picks conditional on players resigning.

While I don't think this trade makes sense for OTT right now, they MIGHT have to pull something like this after this season, but not this season. DeBrincat and Stutzle are RFAs after this season and they will get PAID. They currently have a comfortable amount of cap space that can carry over to next year, but getting Zaitzev out may be something they have to explore.

Yup, but if you remove that condition I think the trade is fair. Although I'm sure MTL fans will argue he's worth a 1st.

You're suggesting Bedard-Docker, Thompson and Zub wouldnt be better then Zaitsev, Thompson and Zub?
If that's the case the real question is how low does OTT value Bedard-Docker or Thompson and can MTL acquire one of them ?
I just assumed given the points they're at in their career's that they'd be a priority as would moving on from Zaitsev after OTT facelift.
Thats if OTT doesnt want to just use the cash as i pointed out to acquire a clear cut #1 RD

I never thought i'd see the day someone would lobby to keep Zaitsev in OTT

good to know

If you chose to read you'd see that's all covered above with Byron.
If you knew reports are no longer "he'll be at camp" and are now "he's doubtful for camp"
Its much more likely he either goes on LTIR till he retires or just retires.

That would be completly dumping Zaitsev's camp and being able to promote Bedard-Docker who shockingly is being treated as unworthy by a lot of people.
I was always under the impression Bedard-Docker was a solid future 2nd paid Defensive prospect but after today im wondering what problem he has i dont know about.

Supply vs Demand
Its a business and i dont make business decisions based on information that ignores the Market.

I'm not saying Allen is worth a 1st so planly as you stated given its a conditional 3rd round pick not even a guaranteed 2nd . . .
I said if he wins a cup he's worth the 32nd OA pick which for years was a 2nd rounder and while placement changed quality did not.
I probably shoulda went with a 2nd and a conditional 4th that becomes a 2nd if VGK wins a cup to make everyone else more comfortable i guess

Lets just say i agree and put Value aside
VGK i think makes sense for VGK given their situation
Allen has ARZ and DAL in on him as well but VGK has the biggest need with both goalies injured and 1 out for the season.

I did read and the point is still soaring over your head. Ottawa doesn't need a 4th liner who makes 3.4 mil at ANY point. You effectively want US to take on Byron so that YOU can flip Zaitzev at the deadline for a pick or smth, when we can just do it ourselves. Or you want us to rely on the Habs medical team and gamble on a player MAYBE being on the LTIR for the whole year or retires all together? And at the cost of a freaking 2nd round pick and Daoust as well... Really? Blockhead.
Dump your ****ty contracts somewhere else and we'll do the same.
Just an extra FYI, Ottawa isn't in win now mode this season. Giroux has even gone out and said it in the media that the goal is not to win or be real contenders this season.
JBD might be ready for the NHL but if you're gonna try and convince me he's gonna do way better in Zaitzev's top 2 role in his first year then idk what to tell you..