Ottawa and Detroit reject. Not enough for those cap dumps.

Ottawa might take that trade if they don't send a pick back. But only cause Melnyk likes guys that are paid less than their cap hit. Any other team and it costs more to move Russell.

I think Detroit might take it if you throw in Puljujarvi.

Don't think Ennis signs that cheap and the goaltending is suspect at best.

Personally I would prefer the 2020 1st too, the draft looks pretty good and unless McDavid gets injured they should be a safe bet for the playoffs next year too. Depending on how far they go in this year's playoffs we might need to adjust value, if the pick is 30 or 31 you'd need to add another pick for sure.

Didn't notice it was next year's pick. Good catch.

Detroit demands this year's instead of next year's or no deal

I think it would need this years 1st, with an addition, not sure if Puljujarvi fit's Yzerman. Blashill is a reasonable development coach, but Pulju famously doesn't speak much English, Filpula could be a good mentor, but he's probably better suited to a team with a strong Finnish presence.
2020 1st plus a damn good prospect would get us to take on Neal's contract.

Ottawa and Detroit shouldn't rush to take on contracts. The cap crunch will be even worse next year.

Absolutely, and we should target 1 year contracts, as they will be able to make similar deals in the 2021 offseason. Thats what makes Neals contract problematic, it takes up 5.75 for this upcoming season and 2 more.

Neal really isn’t that overpaid nor does Edmonton need the cap space that badly.

paying hoffman 7x5 is too much