I don't see you guys moving Orpik at the trade deadline.

I don't see the need to move Connolly. He's pretty versatile, had 15 goals last year, and already 14 so far this year (he's got maybe 20 goal level in him with the right line mates). Vanek had 17 last year in only 2 more games played than Connolly, and has 16 this year and has played 10 more games...so apples-to-apples comparison they score goals at the same rate. It is the assists production that is a little off on Connolly, but he will play both wings and can play the inside on PP1 if Oshie isn't in the line-up and the wall on PP2 mostly. Plus he shoots from and goes to traffic areas, where Vanek has more finesse. The Caps have enough finesse with Kuzy, Bura, Vrana, and don't need soft...they need speedy and hard working like Connolly.

Plus he's signed through next year on a very affordable deal. He' worth too much for the Caps especially when productive.

And you're giving up Vanacek who the Caps have penciled in to replace Grubi....that's not a really good trade in my opinion.

Plus in the Az deal you only need to trade Siegenthaler or Lewington, not both.

I don't see it either unless its to Arizona in a big trade involving Gruby, Burakovsky, and Bowey or Siegenthaler. You give up a lot but also since you give up a lot of good you get out of orpiks contract.

This would be my trade

To WSH:
Max Domi
Nik Hjalmarsson(1000000 retained making his cap hit 3.1m)

To AZ:
Burakovsky
Grubauer
Siegenthaler/Hobbs
Orpik
3rd round pick

Breakdown:

Domi=Burakovsky+Gruby (Overpayment by the caps)
Hammer=Orpik, Sigenthaler, and a 3rd (Slight overpayment by AZ)

These deals somewhat cancel out. Caps get the short end of the stick on the deal but get out of orpiks contract

Vanecek isn't close to being ready for a backup role. At least two more seasons in the minors are required. He's expendable, and quite frankly overrated by a lot of Caps fans. Connolly doesn't generate enough offense, and his output is something we can find elsewhere. Vanek is a clear upgrade over him, and it's not like we can't extend Vanek if he's a good fit.

Why would the Caps do this instead of just for Hjalmarsson? It's too early to give up on Burakovsky, and Domi isn't going anywhere anyways.

Fine i'll agree on Vanacek. But I totally disagree on Connolly. The Caps don't need another streaky guy, they need versatile workers. If Oshie can find his scoring touch, that's more than enough to not need Vanek. You can roll out with:
Ovi - Backie - Willy
Vrana - Kuzy - Oshie
Stephenson - Eller - Connolly
DSP - Beags - Chia
Depth from Walker or a cheap rental 4th line guy (aka a Winnik type player)

Why scratching Burakovsky? Put him with skilled linemates and he'll produce. Chiasson isn't anything special. Vanek is much better than Connolly. I'd rather have somebody that generates offense, creates plays for himself and others and is simply more productive than a guy who's just the beneficiary of plays made by his linemates.