We are severely underpaying for Nino with retention here.

I disagree Preds need centers Holmberg has proven to be a good center in his limited experience. Kerfoot flipped could bring in a 2nd/3rd rounder. As it is unlikely that Preds make the playoffs this seems good for both teams

If Nashville is out of the playoff hunt then Kerfoot is of 0 value to us. Holmberg is decent, but has a small sample size. You’re asking for Nino WITH half retention and you have no picks involved?

We pass.

Why would any team retain for that return?

NSH has young centers like Glass, Pärssinen, and Novak in the lineup already. Holmberg isn't going to get icetime over any of them. If you think anyone will give up a 2nd for Kerfoot, go out and find that deal, then offer NSH that pick.

A B prospect and a cap dump doesn't get a conversation started here, even without the retention.

What is going on here

Frankly, that won't be enough for the Ducks to say yes.

Rico is the last 2C potentially avaliable on the market now that ROR, Toews, and Horvat are off the board, and there are multiple teams who would want him (PIT, COL, DAL, CAR to name a few)

All the teams you mentioned would want him as a rental without term. Plus, you will not get a 1st in return.