Here's another aspect: I've read some HFOtt backers slagging White a bit. Fell off from his strong start to career. Now they don't know if he's competent for top-6, as he seems ill-suited for bottom-6.
at C: Stutzle, Norris, Tierney(RFA), Logan Brown, Chlapik, Pinto, etc...
So do they really wanna fulfill the 24 mill commitment they've made for White?(currently 4.75 AAV) It doesn't have to be the deal I've suggested, but it's easy to see where Melnyk might accept dumping this contract, & casting his lot with the C pipeline.
Easily a similar argument can be made with Zaitsev. This 9-10 mill AAV on them two, could be switched into shorter commitments, as they prepare for superior prospects arriving.
It's more of a $/term thing, where they might want to shift more cash-commitment to the young wave that's coming.