Kuznetsov Monahan Discussion

Team: 2020-21 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: May 5, 2021

Published: May 5, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Based off of other discussions, Monahan and Kuznetsov are comparable. From 2015-16, Monahan has averaged 57 points per season while Kuznetsov has averaged 62 points per season. Both are top 6 centers who have been subject of scrutiny for different reasons. Neither of their last two seasons have been anything spectacular. Both could maybe use a change of scenery.

Kuznetsov has a $7.8mil cap hit for another 4 years; Monahan has a $6.375 cap hit for only another 2 years. Possible 1 for 1 but unlikely, I think both sides would want something a little more.

Washington adds a 2023 3rd rounder since Calgary is taking a more expensive contract. Washington lacks a 1st rounder this summer, and a 2nd rounder next summer. So, they'll probably want to keep what they have in the 1st and 2nd rounds from 2021 to 2023. Could be a 4th rounder and I'll get to why.

Calgary, on the other hand, adds a decent prospect to the trade since they're getting the player who scores more points and is under contract for longer. I chose Kinnvall because Washington has a ton of LD prospects but are pretty bare on RD. Put up good numbers in the SHL over in Sweden, but he's 23, was undrafted, and has never played in North America. Likely he comes over next year but would have to spend a year in the minors and then get a new contract. Because of this long development and possibility of a new contract, the pick from Washington could end up being a 4th rounder.