Thinking you have to turn bereglazov and holden into a better prospect. Also, lose the 3rd rounder going to the Rangers. That's also A LOT of salary retained. I can see them retaining, but it would have to be 1-2m

The problem with trading Hayes is that Fast, who's more of a 4th line guy, becomes a 3rd liner and Puempel, who should be the 13th forward becomes a 4th liner. I do agree with the above reply that 3,000,000 is a lot of retained salary. Other than that, I feel like this is doable.

Yea, Sakic would probably demand as such, I just figured the price would be slightly lowered to Holden & Bereglazov + Hayes and a 1st because of Duchene wanting out and his agent pushing Sakic to pull the trigger

Yea, I thought about this as I was making the trade, but perhaps they step up in a higher up role??? And yea, probably should have had less salary retained

if you move someone other than Holden in the deal, Holden can then be flipped for Spooner if that deal is still on the table. Making it all work under the cap however, would be the trick.

Not saying he can do what Hayes can, but if you add in the assumed increased production from Duchene, we would be fine.