Devils rather have 1 year of Subban

Devils have tons of Cap space this season

Every year after it gets less and less

They'd need a lot of incentives to take Zaitsev

More of a minor thing but the Vilardi trade doesn't seem ideal for the senators given the positional difference with how many C they have and few RD

Branny is a lefty, and Ottawa doesn't see him as a right side guy. Dorion mentioned on a podcast that they feel he dead ends himself when moving the puck on his off side. He's also currently boxed out of the NHL as they have 7 NHL Dmen, and Sanderson is coming at the end of the year.

Ottawa doesn't really have that much long term at C. They Have Norris as their top guy, Pinto who is probably a 2/3, White who is potentially moving to the wing (Pinto is more suitable as a C, and Ottawa is adding a C this summer). Paul is primarily a winger, but I think he can be a great 4C, and Tierney will be gone by the deadline. As for Prospects, they don't really have anyone close to the NHL besides Pinto.

If Ottawa is shopping Brannstrom, getting a young player with upside would be preferable to trading him for an NHLer without as much offensive talent like Ryan or Dylan Strome. Vilardi might never reach his full potential, but he's already a solid NHL player, and he has the upside to be the most skilled C Ottawa has imo.

That's fair. I'm not a Zaitsev fan though he has been decent. I'd like to see that contract go so the young guys can move up next year (JBD specifically). I figured on a one year deal Subban might see some resurgence to his game in another city. Risky, but not overly risky. Salary is low too.

I wouldn't give up more for him so it's a dead thought.

I think this trade has the potential to be a win for both teams in a big way. Unless one of them totally falls out, the upside and fit is there both ways.

Idk, I don't really see Strome becoming much more than he already is, and I just don't think he's a good option as a regular Centre in the top 6. There's no consistency.

Was referring to the Vilardi for Brannstrom trade. Agree with you on strome.

Lmao my bad. There are so many Brannstrom deals today it's hard to keep them all in order lol.

But yeah, I think Vilardi would be a huge win for Ottawa. And I think LA could really use a guy like Brannstrom

Kings point of view I would have to decline. Brannstrom is too small of a defenseman for Pacific division.