Even though Nemec was just a 2nd overall pick and they need a RHD, I doubt they'd move Batherson at his term and AAV when they're trying to compete now and Batherson is in the midst of another break out year.

If Debrincat signs this trade makes a lot of sense.

Debrincat-Stutzle-Giroux
Tkachuk-Norris-UFA

Chabot-Zub
Sanderson-Nemec

That's a really interesting trade here.

no chance in hell OTT is trading a 24 YO RW that is on one of the most team friendly contract in the NHL that is above a PPG for a unproven 2nd OA player and a 3rd line player, Batherson alone has a massive more value than Nemec.

You coulda got more from MTL at the Draft
Heck you could still get more from MTL now
That said you wouldnt get a fully developed prospect ready now like OTT deal.

1st at the Draft this year for Nemec would do
MTL gets 4th OA trades it to NJD with Kappanen
NJD gets a middle 6 faceoff Center who's played for Team Finland Championship teams at all level based largely on his Faceoffs.
Think Lars Eller type but had stiffer competition to land on his National Team at the same level.

Deeper draft this year and NJD could get paid to parlay their #2OA pick into a Russian Elite Sniper , Big Bodied Canadian Center's Fantilli or Yager.
Even the 7th OA projected player Dvorsky is projected higher then Nemec. Rather then trade their pick last year they leverage a young RD to get a guaranteed top 5 picks next year and more

MTL's so desperate for RD and the fact that he'd be the 3rd core Slovak taken in that draft gives Hughes a core that will play together for years internationally as well as in the NHL.Hughes rebuild is over quickly and he does what he always claimed he would taking the players already drafted who's further along over a pick .