I doubt Washington gives up that much for a completely unproven player

Just to be transparent, the Poolparty rumor for that return (Rights to Burakovsky, a goalie prospect, and 2nd) were from freaking Eklund...

That's a ton for Poolparty. Oilers have zero leverage here. Oilers aren't exactly comfortable with the cap either. Burakovsky's rights have to be pretty unappealing.

I don't see Mac being worked this hard.

Agree it is a lot but Vanacek is expendable with Samsonov needing to not share the crease in Hershey. Bura still has upside but not at 3mil plus. Poolparty has upside and is cheaper. Plus Swede's Backstrom and Hagelin are role models that could bring out Puljujarvi's talent.

Eklund "rumors" are a joke. No GM is giving up an RFA with talent (Burky), a 2nd rounder, AND a prospect goalie even if it is the 3rd or 4th G in your system...for a guy that hasn't developed and demanding a trade.

And JP is a Finn...Backie and Hags are great leaders, but the Swedes and the Finns like their gravlax a little differently and the Caps are better off not tendering a QO to also Swede Burky and then signing him for a couple years on the cheap to maybe develop.

Tack, hejda.

Correction: He was indeed born in Sweden and parents are Finn and Swede so maybe he does like the lox very dill with curded cheese.

Agree too much. I was looking for others opinions. After watching BMGM for a few years, Poolparty is the kind of player and trade he likes (ie. Unfulfilled 1st round talent in need of a new team.). Oilers were interested in Burakovsky at the trade deadline probably because he and McDavid tore it up in juniors together. Trade with these two as the center piece makes a lot of sense. McDavid gets a speedy winger he has meshed with for a potential bust with immense talent who is cheaper. Who else or what else is included is the question for me. A young goalie who is maybe 4th in line with the Caps is fine. A second round pick seems an overpay unless something else is coming back.

Also what is the verdict on signing Pirri? He has skills. Why can't he stick anywhere? Is he worth a gamble? Could he play on a third line with great two way forwards like Eller and Hagelin?