Teams don't retain that much for that long

What’s worse kadri at 7 for 6 years or 1.4 and you get Nylander

I feel like Kadri probably blocks that in a heartbeat - something tells me he doesn't have a huge desire to go back to Toronto. It's probably good that he would, tho, because I think this is a tough deal for the Leafs. Even with the retention (that Calgary probably doesn't agree to anyways), this adds nearly $2.5M to Toronto's cap and actively makes them worse, I think - especially when you pair it with the Brodie trade you follow it up with.

Put it this way, would you make this trade:
TOR GETS: Nikita Zadorov ($3.75M), Nazem Kadri ($5.6M), 2024 3rd
TOR LOSES: William Nylander ($6.9M), Connor Timmins, TJ Brodie ($5M).

Leafs only clear about $2.5M in cap, while downgrading both a top-6 forward and a top-4 D with Nylander -> Kadri and Brodie -> Zadorov.

Also not sure why you'd give up positive assets for Tyler Myers - a guy that Vancouver would probably ship to your door with full retention for nothing at this point.

Honestly I’d do that trade

I don't care about that other crap, but the Canucks accept and run!!

Interesting scenarios.
1) CALGARY - I agree that it would be hard for any team to retain salary for 6 years. Alternatively, the Flames would likely have to use draft capital to move Kadri. Treliving obviously likes the player, which makes it plausible. Its more realistic that the Flames retain 50% on Zadorov in this proposal and the Leafs consider as they need size on defense and their window is now.
2) VANCOUVER - I would offer Brodie straight up for Myers (with 50% retention). The Canucks take on $2mm net change to upgrade their right side, pairing Brodie with Soucy (vs. Myers) and Leafs get another large defender.
ALTERNATIVE - I am not a fan of Myers and would try to target Connor Murphy in Chicago using Brodie and/or prospects and picks.
3) GOALTENDER - I think Samsonov will cost $3.5-4.0mm.