I don't think that Pens deal happens unless Matheson is involved somehow.

But the thought process is sound. It is the sort of deal Hextall makes for sure, but I think it's Matheson over Zucker.

Maybe do a deal involving both? Again, a deal Hextall likely considers

I actually really like this but as the other guy said it only makes true sense if Matheson is involved. I really like the idea of Butcher as a third pair guy though.

I would entertain a Zucker + for Miller trade. Drop Butcher though, he isn't needed.

Butcher isn't good though. I agree that we need to move on from Matheson's contract, but he can still play. Butcher is a 7th D.

Matheson's contract is near Albatross level. It would certainly cost a bit more than a 2nd to entice us to a do a deal.

Sounds good. Just thought it was a chance for 2 LHD's that weren't being used a chance elsewhere.

You're evaluation of the players is something I definitely agree with but the only thing is Matheson's contract is a major anchor.

And the Sabres are in a position to take on the contract to hit basement. Also in a position of eat a portion of the cap hit in a flip.

I didn't say to include Matheson in the deal as constructed. Include him in a deal that improves the Sabres return.

Zucker is 100% flippable next season. Matheson a year later. And the Sabrea walk away with a better return.

Problem is Butcher would likely be 4th or 5th on the LD depth chart, unless Matheson is moved.
Matheson's contract is a huge anchor moving forward, but his play has been pretty good. If they could move him for a productive winger of equal AAV I'd be all in, if not I'd wait until the offseason to move his contract.

This makes no sense for the Pens. They already have 8 or 9 NHL-caliber defensemen, trading for one of Butcher and Miller makes no sense, let alone both of them. It's even dumber to give up Zucker a good 6th D and a 2nd rounder to do it.

I know Buffalo was paid to take Butcher but prior to coming to Buffalo he averaged 37 pts/82.
While Buffalo has many other option at LW, Zucker for Miller seems to favor Buffalo.
Over the past 3 years Jason has only played 128 games but has 33 goals and 70 pts, or 21 g and 45 pts. over 82 games.
Butcher is another story. A team looking to help the PP, he could be a good option.
His first two years he had 37 PP points.
Do you think he could revive PIT's PP?
While Matheson has value, not so much to Buffalo with Dahlin and Power, considering his value, and salary adding second would not be enough to take him.


Buffalo would be bowled over by this offer IMO.
Matheson would be a tough sell unless there was third team and Buffalo was going to hold part of his salary for four years.
Using the Ladd trade of $5,000,000 over two year cost the Islanders 2 seconds so four years of $2,500,000 could cost as much as 2 seconds as well.
BTW that Ladd trade is looking really sweet to Arizona right now, the 2022 second is currently the 36th OA.

Well that is my tome of the day.

Just to touch on the Pens PP. Malkin has been out all season which hurt them. Sid missed 12 of their 30 games. The power play will rebound.
Also, I'm not sure how Butcher helps the PP. He has 4 power play points over his last 101 games.