Sens should not make that deal.

I would put Filip Gustavsson as the backup instead of Joey Daccord.

Why not? I realize that it hurts out Defense but gotta give to get... maybe take out the SJS 2nd?

Even if CBJ accepted (they won't), Laine would not sign 8yrs x $7.5 million. One year at $7.5 million is the starting point for negotiations as he will want a bounce-back season before signing anywhere long term.

Branstrom doesn’t do it for Columbus to move Laine. The only reason they might consider is the 1st being a top 5 projected pick.

In my opinion, Laine isn't the piece that puts the Sens over the top. Tremendously talented shooter, but has consistency issues, he doesn't do a great job of driving offense outside of his own scoring, and he doesn't make the players around him better.

Long term, I don't see Laine being a better fit for Ottawa than Brannstrom and a top 5 pick.

I think there's definitely an argument in favour of trading for an impact winger if such a trade were to be available to the Sens. I even think there's a scenario where moving Erik Brannstrom makes sense, but the only way I'd be totally comfortable with moving Erik Brannstrom is if you're drafting a Dman with that top pick. I personally think the Sens are better served drafting with that 1st, regardless of whether it's Power, or Beniers or Guenther or whoever else.