I'm probably wrong but a top 6 forward for a 2nd pair D man? I think it would be a good deal for both teams. Maybe we'd have to add a pick. I don't see it as robbery for the Leafs.
Except that Kapanen is the Leafs' 3rd line RW, behind Nylander and Marner. So, you're really looking at a 3rd line winger for a guy who could conceivably be the Leafs' top pairing RD. Definitely in the Leafs' favour, without question.
I guess my big objection when looking at that deal is that I don't like the idea of dumping Zaitsev for literally nothing. Yes we don't like his contract but he is still a serviceable RHD man. They're valuable and he played well with Muzz.
Is Pesce that much of an upgrade on Zaitsev? Their contracts aren't that different.
Yes, Pesce is that much of an upgrade over Zaitsev. You're right in that Z is still a serviceable RHD, he's just overpaid by $1.5M-$2M per season for what he's actually been able to contribute. Pesce, on the other hand, is probably underpaid by $1M-$1.5M.