Here's an article from three days ago where Melnyk is saying the team is already over budget for the season.
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2...for-this-year/
Quote:
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Though only four NHL clubs have more salary cap space than Ottawa’s $8.2 million, beyond a payroll of about $57 million, Melnyk said his team is “already over budget, I just found out (Thursday).”
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So the combination of Zibanejad being waiver-exempt and having a two-way contract might have at least been a factor in his being sent down. Which isn't to take anything away from the performances of Pageau and DaCosta.