Honestly don't like anything NYI would realistically give us. You won't find a fanbase who loves Pageau more than us, but we wouldn't touch that contract with a 5,000,000 ft pole

The Isles being in on Cat might be good for Ottawa in the sense that it'll give them more leverage when dealing with other teams, but they're a terrible fit for Ottawa as an actual trade partner. They don't have quality futures to offer to potentially replace his talent long term (which I don't think Ottawa is really looking for anyway) and their roster as a whole is filled with big contracts for older players who Ottawa should steer really clear of. There's just nothing there that makes sense.

Palmieri won't waive for any Canadian team, he's a good ole American boy who had already made it abundantly clear awhile back. That he has no desire to play in Canada. And sorry but the islanders aren't on DeBrincats list of 5 teams that he would sign long term with. He still wants hometown Detroit long term.

That and the Sens taking on 10 mil for 2 years for less than outstanding players. Woof

The only way I could work it out in my mind would be a scenario where Ottawa is getting a pair of unprotected 1sts, and that's just not happening. I think Ottawa gambling on Isles missing the playoffs a couple of times and giving some nice picks is the only way it'd work, but there's too much risk for both teams for it to work.