I assume the Leafs are just a placeholder, they're probably the last team that would trade for Staal right now

They would CBO him

Pretty easy declines across the board for the Rangers.

Hm actually that makes sense... can't think of anyone else they would need to CBO so this could work

Are you kidding me??? Giving up a 2nd to get rid if one of the worst d-men in the league with no retention and you decline???

Well 1) it's wildly unnecessary unless you do what this guy did and make a bunch of poor contract decisions: a) Resigning Fast, b) Giving Georgiev a deal that takes him to UFA despite having several goalie prospects in the pool c) Resigning Strome d) Keeping Smith in the NHL, etc

and 2) Marco Scandella making 4 mil got a 2nd unretained this deadline, That's more than Demelo. When you account for the defensive system, the on-ice value of Staal vs. Scandella isn't that different at all. NHL GM's tend to like big veteran dmen with a lot of playoff experience come deadline time, we see it year after year. I'd say there's a decent shot a team deals for Staal at the deadline for a 4th or so if we retain a touch. No need to push him out if you're actually managing your cap correctly.