In what world does a handful of games of Zaitsev "sort of" being able to play make up for two seasons of play suggesting that he is definitely not worth that contract?

I'd be surprised if the Leafs could get a 4th but I think a 5th, 6th or 7th at the worst is what Zaitsev could be moved for. He's an NHL player no doubt, not a high end one obviously but he doesn't hurt you if given a defensively sound partner. Gardiner is the main reason he looked bad the past 2 seasons. Constantly having to bail out an absent minded pylon can make anyone look bad. Its like when anyone is partnered with Marincin, you're going to look really bad.

ZERO chance KK and AJ accept 1 x 2.25mil deals...

What??? The Leafs save just 700,000 by exchanging Miller and Zaitsev. Then the Leafs give up Bracco, Gordeev and an third rounder for that privilege. I don't think Ottawa does that deal. Not that Zaitsev isn't bad value, by gotta think Sens will spend 4.5m elsewhere, sometime.

Dubas apparently has picture of Johnsson and Kap making a Scandinavian sandwich in a hotel room because that's the only way they accept those numbers.

I've compiled a small list of better options for the other 30 NHL teams:

-Sign a defenceman with a similar skill set to a 1, 2, 3, or even 4 year deal, and save yourself multiple years of his contract.
-Sign a defenceman with a similar skill set, overpay him, and save yourself multiple future years.
-Wait it out until Toronto realizes that they've either got to keep Zaitsev (Which is fine), or include assets to move his contract (which is also fine).

I just don't see why Ottawa would have any interest in taking Zaitsev without getting assets to offset the contract? "BECAUSE THEY NEED TO HIT THE CAP FLOOR!!!!" Well, they're a dumpsterfire, and there are plenty of teams out there that will be looking to shed a bad contract or two this summer. When you're tanking, you don't spend to take bad contracts on.

I usually scratch my head at a lot of the Miller to TOR trades, but this is not too bad

I'd Rather see Bracco and a 2nd