Is paying the buyout cost for Johnson for the next 8 years really the best course of action?

That deal would make sense for Ottawa if Hornqvist had less term on his deal. We cant afford to take an older player on long temrm

Someone will eventually take the contract, just not this year or next.

If there is one player in the league destine to be in Seattle it's JJ. But it won't be the penguins sending him there.

Lets be honest about things. In 3 years the penguins might very well be in the Shane Wright Lottery.
So if he goes it's this year or next.
I think the real issue holding back a trade on him is not moving him. It's who do they have to play LD when he's gone. Right now you are looking at Riikola, who looked ok at times but they are hoping for better.

nobody is taking that deal unless the Pens give up way to much, just look at Toronto with Marleau. And either way the buyout cap hit is only like 1 million for basically every year except one when it is about 2 million and Johnson is barely an NHL level player at this point anyway, so I don't see the point in keeping him on the team

Just bury him then.

Or overpay to get rid of him.

Even that's better than paying for 8 years imo.