***Second part of the three team deal.

-DeMelo agrees to an extension

Winnipeg clears a ton of cap space over 14 m to Buffalo and 6.5 coming back over the next couple years, acquires a goalie with an additional year, shakes up their roster, and slightly frees up their defensive log jam by moving two out, picking up one. Being from Alberta, Hart may be open to signing long term in a couple years.

Buffalo takes on Nate Schmidt’s deal, and acquires DeMelo.

The idea here is that Chicago is interested in the contract for cap floor reasons, and uses him as a skilled winger for their top six next year and the power play. They need some skill in the lineup for Bedard.

The value here for moving up 4 spots in round 2 is a 4th rounder+ plus pick 93. This pick positions Buffalo to move back into the first round if they need to.