So, I'm not going to make a case that the forthcoming draft for Seattle's NHL team is the biggest thing the "other" Ontario team has to worry about right now. Heck, it really might not make the top ten in all honesty. That said, let's take a look at what they might do about working with the one team they're not trading Erik Karlsson to. Probably.

(See here for the criteria I've been using, thanks to capfriedly.com and hockeydb.com for most of the raw data here.)

It's perhaps just as well that most of the roster isn't under contract that far out to the hypothetical draft time.

Forwards: Bobby Ryan, Zack Smith, Marian Gaborik

Defensemen/Defencemen: None

Goalies: None

So, first things first: Bobby Ryan has that pesky No-Movement Clause on top of a modified No-Trade Clause so he's only going there if he really wants to. And if Ottawa hasn't figured out a way to get rid of him between now and then. Whether he really makes it out as part a Erik Karlsson deal or as a compliance buyout in the *shudder* next lockout, I still doubt he'll even be on the roster for it to be a concern.

Smith has another modified No-Trade Clause which presumably wouldn't apply here and Gaborik has no such clauses here. Gaborik is a full six years older than Smith and on a noticeably more expensive contract, though it should be noted both of them would be expiring after the 2020/2021 season. Maybe it's my owning his old Wild jersey, but I'm going with:

Marian Gaborik (Winger)

Now, since Gaborik is already closer to 40 than 30 I'm making a slight leap of faith that he's still playing in the NHL. However, his contract does come in a handy for helping a thrifty ownership group like Ottawa's nudge over the salary cap floor. Additionally, as often as Smith's name has been in the rumour/rumor mill, it's a lot easier seeing him traded between now and then. As for Gaborik?

Why Ottawa Would Make Him Available: If Ottawa's going to undergo a massive roster shift in the next few years and identify who's going to be the next core, Gaborik's usefulness to the team will coincide almost perfectly here. He can hang around until the newer wings are ready to supplant him.

Why Seattle Would Draft Him: Well, that contract would fit nicely under the salary cap and if he's actually productive he can be flipped at the deadline for some form of future asset. He's far enough along in his career I'm not going to try and sell you on the idea that he's anything more than a chip to be cashed in at the trade deadline. But he's still got (when healthy) decent enough skills to be a middle-six winger and someone useful on the power play. And if there's any young Slovakian players in the Seattle locker room, I can imagine they'd love to share a room with one of the most talented players that country's ever produced.

For someone who'd (hypothetically) be in the NHL for over 20 years, I could think of far worse ways to leave the game.