The sens get a good D-Man and the Leafs clear out cap, but still need to balance this with picks/prospects.

Zaitsev is 100% worse than muzzin on a bad day.
That massive massive ability gulf isnt close to cleared by a 6th and a million bucks in cap.

What would balance this deal then? What if the sens retained 50% and added a 2023 3rd?

Unless the sens want to add something dumb like their 1st, there is zero incentive for the leafs to take zaitsev. He's just that bad and even at 50% he's a burden worse than muzzin.

"AN IDEA". And a poor one. Why would NTC Muzzin leave the Leafs?
Why do we see some many Muzzin trades for this season?

Because leaf fans think it'll benefit Toronto, and they don't think he paid for a NTC for a reason and isn't likely to waive.

Ottawa does better just coughing up picks to dump Zaitsev outright. Won't argue Muzzin isn't a better player (even though I think he's pretty washed too) but Ottawa needs all that cap space gone next offseason, and Muzzin's deal is a way bigger problem than Zaitsev's.

Leafs did the Zaitsev experience. He requested a trade to leave the Leafs. Zaitsev is definitely not the answer. I'd rather take Jake Gardiner back lol

Rather have Muzzin