Quoting: PhilTheThrill
Their ask is close to what Kessels ask was, and I doubt that happens at all. If they were smart they’d take that deal.
They don’t need to trade Brassard.
1) They are only saving 500k salary
Brassard makes 3.5m salary and Sheary makes 3.0m salary. Ottawa is trying to cut salary and they could cut more off by not taking a roster player back. That causes the salary cap issue for the Penguins.
2) They don’t get a “top” prospect
Honestly, this depends on Ottawa’s preference. I could see Ottawa wanting Sprong over Gustavsson or vice versa.
I wouldn’t ever consider a goalie prospect a “top” prospect, because they are hard to rate. A “top” goalie prospect? Sure you can call him that.
3) The arguably most important part for Ottawa: Getting a first
Ottawa already traded their first for Duchene , so there’s a good chance they won’t have a first in 2019. Ottawa is rebuilding, no question, so they would want a first is a deep draft(both 2018 and 2019 are deep drafts, fyi).