love to trade the two guys who signed good deals to get another offensive defensemen

That's a bad trade from Carolina's perspective. 1D for a middle sixer, very bad defenseman, and a boom or bust prospect who is leaning more bust.

The second deal is more feasible imo. Zucker has been traded twice (Cgy and Min botched the paperwork, Kessel but NTC), and neither package was overwhelming. I think you might be able to get him slightly cheaper to be honest.

Leafs just aren't as good as year with all the defections due to cap reasons. Trading for Hamilton, Zucker and Hunt certainly aren't the difference makers if you have give up Johansson, Kapanen and Ceci...hardly a team making a Cup run. And to give up the potential of Liljegren and Bracco too. Doesn't make a difference to the Leafs that much this year and certainly potentially hurts the future.

I honestly think Kapanen might be better than Zucker but he's definitely better at his price+Bracco. Carolina trade is closer, would probably need to put in Bracco or a high pick if they're taking on Ceci

Canes don't trade a big name from the blueline for a package. they'd want a forward of equal value. they already have enough middle 6 guys.

Wild would probably do something around Zucker and Kapanen, but I doubt they retain salary or take on Petan who they have no use for.