The NYI were reportedly interested in Zajac before the Pageau trade and because of that trade (and Cizikas) they don’t need a bottom six center at all. The Isles definitely need a defenseman, losing Toews has been tough on them and they have zero defensive depth beyond their top six. And they could use a winger, the dream being a top scoring one but a two-way one with some scoring punch for the third line would also help.
And FYI we can’t trade Dell, he we would go back to Toronto or to any team that also put claim in for him before we could trade him to someone else.
This is a tough market to predict, it depends on which teams are actively buying. There’s not a lot obvious traditional contenders buying: Boston, Toronto (hey, they’re dominating the Scotia North)? Will Colorado buy? St Louis? Maybe fringier teams like Minny or Florida?
I don’t agree at all that Canadian-US trades won’t happen, they just have to wait out the delays. It’s not like teams make hockey trades where they swap roster players at the TDL. If they can get a better deal, or a better player, from across the border then it’s worth it rather than limiting themselves.
The Athletic just reported that sources are now saying the 2021 draft isn’t going to be delayed and will be held in July. Teams aren’t going too unwilling to part with 2021 picks, though I guess maybe some teams might potentially need picks to bribe Seattle.