Lets trade a 90 point winger for a 4 point D man who sucks! Great idea.

Still no need or want for Timmins on the Jackets.

You can probably get Chicago to take Tavares for cheap, they'd just play him at 2C to mentor the kids, it'll tide them over until next off season where there's a much stronger UFA class to go spending on. What you're doing is textbook cap circumvention though.

been done and ruled NOT circumvention by other teams

When did the guy go back to where he was just traded from?

maybe you think the Leafs have leverage in this situation?
that's not what this is. Leafs are at a disadvantage. Getting anything they need in return + cap space is a win
not every team has the room to take on his salary, and Marner's destination list will be limited - waiving his NMC will come with some conditions

CBA: For one season following a compliance buyout, players are not permitted to rejoin the team which performed the buyout (this restriction does not exist for normal buyouts).
this means Tavares could not sign a contract with Chicago

other CBA info: A buyout can only be performed on a player who was on the clubs reserve list at 3:00pm on the most recent trade deadline
this rule would not permit Chicago to buy out Tavares in the off season.

So Leafs need to find a trade.

The leafs keep Marner instead of locking into that boat anchor of a contract. They much rather run it back than get garbage for an elite winger.

Edit. I also doubt he A) wants to go to Philly. B) Wants to go to a fringe playoff/rebuilding team

So the leafs can't have someone else buy out Tavares and then resign him..... Sow how are you getting him back at 3 mil?

The CBA was amended after the Brooks Orpik trade to CO. CO bought Orpik out and he re-signed with the Caps at a lower salary. That loophole got closed with the last CBA addendum three seasons ago. A player who gets traded in the off season and then gets bought out can't resign with the team that traded him for one season. JT can't be bought out this off season and re-sign w/ the Leafs until 7/1/25.

correct