Dumping Zaitsev makes sense. Taking back Ladd in the deal when ur moving Brannstrom and a 2nd does not.

No reason to take back Ladd if we’re paying Brannstrom+2nd already. It’s either taking Ladd and a small piece going back or no Ladd.

And Formenton is better than Trenin and I think it’s by a wide enough margin that this wouldn’t really be of interest even if the pick swap was a bigger gap (this trade isn’t close).

Also acquiring Formenton would be a PR nightmare. He isn’t going anywhere rn.

Not very good moves for Ottawa

1. Trading Formenton for Trenin makes sense if you KNOW that he is guilty but then, why would anyone trade for him?

2. Why would Zaitsev cost that much to dump? His bonus has been paid and he is owed only 7 M$ for the next 2 years, which is 3.5 in average. Sure, it's still too much but he can easily play a reduced/3rd pairing role which makes his contract not a total dump. Based on previous dumps around the league, why would you need to pay Brannstrom + 2nd + take Ladd 100% dump to get rid of him? Fischer and a 4th doesn't move the needle at all