I'm posting this trade as conditional to my trade with Montreal. If that trade (the one where Montreal announced we'd struck gold) is approved then this one can be processed as well. If not it's null and void.

Travis Zajac, $3.9m (2012-13)
Jakub Voracek, $3.2m (2013-14)

Mike Riberio, $5.0m (2012-13)
Blake Wheeler, $3.6m (2013-14)

I make this trade to free cap space while sending obviously superior players to Columbus. I have to thank the Blue Jacket's GM for his patience and understanding. It took a lot of effort to get to this agreement but it was based on the assumption that the other deals I have made are fair.

Really hope this isn't controversial too. 

Considering that nashville is getting three guys on much better contracts, I cannot approve of this deal until the anaheims pick is out. The better contracts should be enough to compensate for what you are sending over.

I don't understand why you think it's so much better for my side. I'm eating cap and sending the better players. Moulson equals Richards but with a far better cap hit for this season and I think Berglund will prove far superior to Talbot. The fact that Moulson has to be extended or walked away from may well be balanced by the fact that I cannot walk away from Talbot. If those were the only 2 players involved I'd never do the deal.

Why it works for me is the future potential of Ellis. Which, as my trade partner said, he'd never be able to see because he is so tight up against the cap. He said he was happy to get rid Talbot's and Richard's contracts while making cap room, getting a prospect, and moving up in the draft. Curious to see what others have to say but I'm scratching my head.

I confirm this trade. I paid a bit more than I wanted but got my man in Ellis. Remind me to bring some lube next time Bugsy.....seriously though, I'm happy with the deal. 

Here is a more in-depth explanation
 
Maximum Years
</= $2.9m, 2 years
- so an extension or signing can be 2 years that is in value of 0.2m to 2.9m
- 0.2m to 2.9m can also be a 1 year contract

$3.0m - $6.4m, 3 years
- so an extension or signing can be 3 years that is in value of 3.0m to 6.4m
- 3.0m to 6.4m can also be a 1 or 2 year contract

>$6.5m, 4 years
- so an extension or signing can be 4 years that is in value of over 6.5m
- over 6.5m contract can also be a 1, 2, or 3 year contract

Contracts can be less in length then the given values but can't exceed the given years. Ex. a 9 million free agent bid can be a 3 year - $3m, 2 year - $4.5m, or a 1 year - $9m but can not be a 4 year - $2.3m
Note: Maximum dollars for a single season is $10m

I get this.

If I have a player that is resigned to an extension in the 3-6.4m range (for example) then I can extend said player for 1, 2, or 3 years.

However....

If I let that same player go to Free Agency instead of extending them.....then I can sign said player to a contract of up to 4 years.
________________

Therefore, there is a built-in incentive to sign Free Agents rather than signing Extensions as a contract signed during Free Agency is more flexible.

Right?

ROTFL.....sorry Bro. Make it 3 posts that need deleted!