-Cody Ceci (3.25M UFA)
-Mikael Granlund (5M UFA)
-Josh Norris (8M x 6Y)
That's the kind of deal I would expect, and everybody will lose their mind over Ottawa giving away Norris for two expiring contracts, even if they are useful players who help now.
I still think that it's not only about getting players now, but also getting out of that contract and creating cap flexibility. I highly doubt that we have the leverage to get legitimate assets, or an exciting piece like Jiricek from Columbus.
Ottawa then either keeps the players as own-rentals (or re-signs them), or they flip them at the deadline which at worst gets them a few 3rd round picks. The result being, they get out of the Norris contract completely after failing to save the season by shaking up the room.
I guarantee you that whatever he returns will be moaned and groaned about because people will discount that it is just as much about getting out of the term of the contract without having to attach a major asset to it as it is about getting back players.