If you need max retention on AHL players just trade McDavid and Draisaitl to serious teams already.

Only needed for a 22 man roster. Which are these serious teams you speak of though?

22 men isn't even a full roster. I'd be praying Nurse gets hurt in training camp, just to buy yourself some cap space.

Draisaitl sure would look good in Preds gold.

But many teams ran 21 or 20 last season and will be doing it again next season too, It's not unusual.

I think Draisaitl would probably have the rebuilding Preds on his no trade list. But how would Nashville run a 23 man roster with Leon on the team?

As a temporary measure. No one runs with less than 23 all season long.

NSH currently has over $15.5M in cap space for next season, with an 18 man roster. None of their RFAs are going to break the bank (Glass could be in the $2.5-3M range, depending on term. No one else should cost over $2M). Presumably there'd be a roster player or two going back to EDM in the trade, opening up more cap room. Fitting him in wouldn't be much of a challenge.

Why would either team waste a retention spot for that?

Because they won't be competitive next season.