Y'all really think OTT would do that? I've seen this more and more and I think it is a pretty good move. Idk what's more beneficial, keeping the first rounder or keeping Wilde

If I'm the Isles I'd keep the first, the right side of their D is set for a long time if/when Pulock signs long term and they play Dobson

From Ottawa's perspective I think they'd rather have two NHL ready players rather than a late 1st round pick and Boychuk is only owed 8 million (instead of 12) for the last 2 years of his deal since it was front-loaded. Cap hit really shouldn't matter for them.

So they get 2 NHL caliber young players and a top 6 RHD for basically nothing

I really don't think that's enough coming to back to Ottawa. Just imagining 2 years of Boychuk AND Zaitsev on the ice. They can't do that... it would be SO BAD.

Bellows is a former first rounder (and should have been playing this year in the NHL) and Wilde is a 1st round talent

Figured it would be more beneficial for both teams to give them two rather than a late first rounder a year from now + one of them

Bellows value took a real hit when you guys went with a 30 man playoff roster and shoved him off the bus. Seriously, no better way to tell a kid you don't see him as part of the future.
But YES they're both still very decent prospects BUT we already have Zaitsev on the right side for FOUR more seasons. Adding Boychuk for TWO is just too evil to do to a vanishing fanbase.

but you have literally enough cap space to throw Boychuk in the press box or bury him in the minors. Adding two first round pick prospects should be a no brainer for OTT

This is a good plan - is the sentence often said just as Eugene Melnyk enters the room and says "What plan?" Then it all goes to shirt! No way is he PAYING Boychuk's salary to have him sit in the press box. He just won't do it, which means fans will be forced to watch him and Zaitsev on the ice wondering why everyone else is moving so quickly. And they won't send him down either. It's maddening.

OTT accepts