If the habs were already retaining on dadonov it would make 100x more sense for them to eat 2.5 million and get a real return vs getting a lemon and a late pick.

Hawks accept if Kubalik doesn't get the QO.

Johnny T isn't gonna waive nor do I think you should just give him away

I don't think the caps will trade backstrom's contract (nor would anyone take it back) until he definitively retires to guard against the small chance he does come back in a year. If the leafs are just giving tavares away for free though, caps will 100000% take him

I would expect that they would talk to Backstrom first. However, even if there is a possibility (but no certainty) of his return, this could happen. THis suggestion isn't just dumping the contract so that you don't have to deal with LTIR garbage. It brings in a big piece. I understand wanting to be loyal to Backstrom, but that is a two way street. I don't think that Backstrom would want to deny his team and team mates the potential of a healthy 1C.

$11M for Tavares is stupid, but his 3 remaining years lines up well with Ovechkin's window.

Valid points from all of you. Fyi, I did the deal with the expectation that Backstrom returns after a year being out.
Returns after one year being out.

Yea I definitely agree they would talk to Backstrom first. I just think unless he definitively says he's done, which I don't think he will do, no team will trade for him and the caps won't trade him. As seemingly stupid as it is, I don't think the Caps ever want to see Backstrom -- the franchise's second best ever player -- playing in another jersey somewhere even if it means they have to pay a 3/4c 9m in a year or two. And for the Leafs while Tavares is overpaid, he is still a good 2c, Backstrom as much as I love him is not. His point totals weren't disastrous, although it was his lowest ever ppg, but watching him play he just cannot skate anymore. If he was good to start the season, I would be uncomfortable having him as the Caps' 3c, let alone 2c. It would be a massive risk for the leafs to take which I don't think they would.

If all the Leafs need back for Tavares is a fine 3c, Eller with 1 year left at 3.5m is available and a much better bet for them than Backstrom. I'm sure the Caps would be all over Tavares for that and almost certainly be willing to add more.

Wings MAY consider this