Phil Kessel (Signing Rights)

What Ottawa gets is Bryan Little contract that is put on LTIR so it doesn't affect their cap. Phil Kessles signing rights that really don't amount to anything and a interesting albeit unprobably young player to make the NHL. He would give Bellville more offense and could potentially fight for a bottom six role down the line.

So you may be deeply confused about this trade Ottawa gives up a low risk high reward player that could potentially be a decent top six player in Arizona that could also shelter the young players and count against Arizona's cap. He could potentially be a great two way center for them and could help mentor their locker rooom and young players.

Ottawa gets a big physical defenseman that could slot into the third pair and help Brannstrom in his own zone. He right now doesn't have much of an opportunity in Nashville and maybe in Ottawa he could unlock some upside although that is unprobable. It's also very similar salary going in and out so I don't think anybody needs either guy retained. Especially considering the wealth of cap space that both teams have.

*Pick is conditional

If Del Zotto plays 30 games then the pick is transfered back to Ottawa.


It's a depth move were Nashville acquires more offensive depth from the blueline and give up a little bit of size and physicality. He would also help out Milwakwe cause he could probably be sent down and if you want him resigned as a 7th or 8th D for close to league minimum then that is possible.

Hear me out...


If you shelter Zaitsev then at half retained he could actually be a pretty good asset in the third paring and would do very well blocking shots and might MIGHT provide a little bit of offense while being very defensively resposible. And if you look across the league this is pretty much the going price for a decent 3rd RD.