I'd be all for the Blues getting Logan Couture. But, Sharks would have to take salary coming back to fit it in with the Blues.
Salary won't be an issue for the Sharks. They can retain salary or they can take salary back. They have 5.5 mil in cap space right now and likely only stand to gain more as things play itself out. So long as it is a futures-based trade that makes it worth it, I would be open to the move. However, one thing to remember is that Couture has a three team trade list and if the Blues aren't on it, they'd need his approval to get it done. I'd be interested in seeing what you would offer for Couture right now though.
I don't see how. We don't have the money to pay him and no one to move to balance salaries without making the trade pointless.
Sharks can retain salary if it makes it easier to accomplish and are looking for futures-based proposals for players like Pavelski. I know Ottawa is a budget team to some extent and I'm pretty sure that they have the assets to make a move here but Pavelski also has a three team trade list and would need his approval if Ottawa isn't on his list. However, I'm all for listening to proposals for Pavelski and I'm open to moving him.
Value of Braun to Toronto?
I realize he's not in the OP, and wondering why..hurt? Washed up?
I would reach for a 1st round pick from Toronto for Braun contingent on them making the playoffs or the return of our 2nd and 3rd round picks if the Leafs don't make the playoffs. He's been solid so far this season and has been solid for the most part in his career. He wouldn't be my focus in terms of moving guys along right now because they have Thornton, Hansen, Ward, and Dell with expiring contracts before UFA and Hertl, DeMelo, and Tierney with expiring contracts before RFA. Then my focus would be on Couture and Pavelski with expiring contracts after next season. After that, see if there's a place to move Paul Martin to and keep an eye on Donskoi and Heed as they will have expiring contracts after next season as well. Braun is a very solid player on a good contract for another two seasons after this one. There are a lot of guys they need to make determinations on before they get around to seeing about Braun. The only way he goes for me is if they're blown away by an offer that likely has to include a 1st round pick.