Devils decline. Don’t want to sign Debrincat on that cap hit. Plus, I’d rather get a first round pick for Bratt and a younger nhl player with upside.

OTT declines philly trade.

This isn't bad but :

- No way I make that swap if I am NJ but IF there is a contract dispute with Bratt then it would be a good hockey trade. It would be ideal for Ottawa IMO

- No way Brannstrom signs at that cap hit for 4 years... not if I was his agent. Take a bridge then get a career contract in 2 years.

- it would not be ideal to sign Pinto 4 years as the deal would expire... right into UFA. Then why pay 4 M$ now if it expires in UFA? He hasn't deserved that money yet and if you pay that price, it should buy some UFA years... But the solution is definitely to bridge so you don;t have to give him 4 M$ now (as you have to fit under the cap)

* Note : Sokolov has no business being on a NHL 3rd line, Greig is going to be at that spot. Kastelic is a pure Center, he should be the Sens 4th line Center for years.

** Note : Sogaard in the AHL, helps with your cap (you're over)

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The Hart trade is good for both sides I'd say. Sens can afford to trade these pieces.

- A 1st in 2025 HAS to be late at that point or the rebuild is still sucking

- Thomson is still worth at least a 2nd but Sens won't have a spot for him so they can afford to move him

- Same for Mandolese, the guy has potential (as shown in his first NHL game) but the goalies of the future are Sogaard and Merilainen.

- Joseph is not the cap dump some people seem to think he is. He makes 2.95 AAV x 3 years (not outrageous at all), is an elite PKer, one of the best skaters in the league and has a 0.45 PPG in Ottawa (37 pts per 82 games). I can understand the frustration with him as he leaves you wanting more but I would say he has 3rd round pick value for a team looking for a decent 3rd liner and who has cap space.

New Jersey would never want to tie up that much money in a winger. Bratt is also not the return Ottawa needs. Ottawa needs to be mindful of dollars coming back in after the departure of DeBrincat.

I strongly believe that is a very large overpay on Carter Hart. Hart is not an elite goaltender. To trade 1st, a high prospect, a roster player and a prospect goalie seems way too stepp, and would Hart really benefit Ottawa? Would Ottawa benefit Hart? Doesn't feel like a good fit.

Flyers will get more for Hart elsewhere