Additional Details:
Leafs End: Moving Zaitsev here we will call what it is: a cap dump. Albeit I beleive he is a servicable defenseman, he is not that great at $4.5 million. Don't think many will debate that. Selling a change of scenery might do him some good.
Connor Brown is part of the price in the said cap dump. First, he can be a solid 15-20 goal/40 pt guy. He needs ice time. He is not going to get that as a Leaf. Secondly, he is a cap casualty moving forward.
2nd round pick: another part of the price for the cap dump. And since the Jackets moved everything to try for a wildcard spot, this should grease a wheel.
Nutivaara: less money, and perhaps a slight upgrade on Zaitsev. But, he is young enough to fit in long term, and inexpensive enough that he can be a movable asset down the line if need be.
Jackets perspective:
Zaitsev: a body that replaces Nutivaara
Brown: he is young enough to present a long term solution offensivley - and I argue the Jackets need that (why else to you sell your soul for Dzingel and Duchene??) A great top 9 forward, and arugably top 6 potential given the opportunity. With the number of UFAs the Jackets have, a good contract and some control has is enticing.
2nd rounder: Jackets need picks. End of discussion.