sure why not?

Depends on where the Sens are in the standings by the TDL... specially if they're trading with Buffalo... if it falls of the rails early this month, then yeah, sure. Get something of value for pending UFA's.

i agree

Motte wouldn’t play of Girgensons. If they trade for a forward one of Peterka or Quinn will be a scratch.

Simple - Holden is 35 and more or less a rental. The Sabres are not going to bump the younger, faster Bryson to the press box to play an older player because it does exactly what Kevyn Adams says he won't do: block the playing time for a younger player by inserting an older, short-term player in front of him. They've proven that by demoting Hinostroza and Bjork in favor of younger players getting roster spots.

Asplund may be an RFA this summer and become a spare part in Buffalo - for the moment - but they won't probably dump him in the process either.

I don't see Buffalo offering Asplund a QO so this is an opportunity to number 1 get something back for him and number 2 Motte is an upgrade. I get that he is likely a rental but he is young enough where they could re-sign him to a cheap AAV for 2-years. In my opinion Bryson is a number 6 or 7 d-man. If they want to give Bryson more games they can either sit Holden or sit Lyubushkin. They have a chance to make the playoffs. Might as well try to make a low risk move to improve the chances.

Ottawa accepts.

Nevertheless, if Asplund can't get in the lineup, why would Motte? Granato likes his current 12 forwards - and even proved that by letting two of his favorites (Hinostroza and Bjork) get waived and demoted.

You're not wrong in expecting a "low-risk" move but Adams has given enough parameters for anyone wanting to predict what that may be - it will be a young player that fits their age group (i.e. 22-26), has remaining term on their contract (not a pending RFA or UFA) and strong character.