post draft prediction

Team: 2023-24 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 29, 2023

Published: Jun. 29, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

My takeaways from MacLellan's press conference and general vibes around the draft:
1) there is a leaguewide squeeze on moving money
2) the Caps will not be giving away Mantha or Kuzy for nothing or even attaching assets to them (no Johansen or Bailey type moves)
3) they still want to add a top 6 forward
4) Fehervary is definitely returning and is not trade bait
5) Wilson is not being moved, but an extension probably won't come until the season actually starts

DeBrincat comes in under Meier and PLD, above Kyrou and Fiala. Don't like only having a 21 man roster but it's worth it to add a legit top-6 player. Cap will be tough next year with raises for Wilson, McMichael, Protas, and Sandin but Oshie, Kuzy, and Backy will all be in the last years of their deals making them a lot easier to move or buy out if necessary. Good RD are always in high demand too so TVR or Jensen could definitely be moved for a good return and replaced with Iorio.