What about Boqvist for Kubalik? Change of scenery deal for both sides. Columbus may want a late pick, but at the trade deadline when cap opens up a bit, they may project that they have a higher chance of getting a late pick for than they would for Boqvist because Kubalik will be a pending UFA.
He's played his way off of the Blue Jackets, and I can't imagine there is any trade market for him right now because of his contract.
If we assume Brannstrom is out long-term and may not be qualified, he's basically a cost-controlled Brannstrom replacement this year and next year. If he is really terrible, the Senators could buy him out at almost no cap consequence.
SEASON | INITIAL BASE SALARY | INITIAL CAP HIT | SIGNING BONUS | BUYOUT COST | POST-BUYOUT EARNINGS | SAVINGS | CAP HIT (CBJ) |
2024-25 | $3,200,000 | $2,600,000 | $0 | $533,334 | $533,334 | $2,666,666 | -$66,666 |
2025-26 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $533,334 | $533,334 | -$533,334 | $533,334 |
TOTAL | $3,200,000 | $2,600,000 | $0 | $1,066,667 | $1,066,667 | $2,133,333 | $466,668 |