- I think the return for Eller has to be a 2nd and a 3rd rounder at least...considering he cost two 2nd rounders. With Stephenson, Boyd, possibly keeping Graovac on the cheap, Eller can be replaced.
- Paying $6.5M for a 2d pairing defenseman is not smart cap management. Anything over $5.75M for Carlson is huge overpayment. Since the Caps already overpaid Kuzy...don't do it again...maybe?
- Trade Carlson for some very good prospect and a 1st rounder plus another later pick. Or more...besides Carlson cannot hit the net, so he's not a complete offensive defenseman

Ovi - Backie - Bura
Vrana - Kuzy - Oshie
Connolly - Stephenson - Wilson
Gersich - Beagle - Barber
Boyd

Should be the 13 forwards...

No from buffalo.

Eller did cost two 2nd rounders (which I think was overpaid) but the difference is Eller is on his last year of contract, so if a deal is made at the deadline for him it will be a playoff team looking for a rental. His value is not going to be as high since the team he goes to will play him for half a season, and their playoffs, and that's it. Also, think of it this way, if we deal him at the trade deadline (which I think we should), we have had Eller for a season and a half, so we are basically trading a 2nd rounder for a fifth rounder for having him on our team for that long. I think that trade is fair, and is about what you would get for a rental 3C.

Carlson at 6.5 might be a bit high but he is not re-signing for 5.75, and I think Carlson for us is a top pairing defensemen. If we don't trade him and we look to re-sign him, it will be over 6mil for sure, and I imagine if he goes to free agency he will get about 6.5 too.

I can totally agree that trading Carlson is a good option, especially as long as we get good picks and/or prospects back, but I signed him because personally I think it is very advantageous to have him back playing top minutes, and I like his play.