Team: 2019-20 Washington Capitals

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 29, 2019

Published: Jun. 29, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Few things...

1) Caps need a 3RW but I don't think they're going to seriously pursue Connolly, Donskoi, Perry, Chiasson, or Simmonds because they're going to be more expensive than what Caps can do. We all forget that GMBM all genuinely liked Burakovsky but probably not at what he was making. I think whoever they get will be less than $3 million.

That leaves guys like Hartman, Pominville, Vanek, Panik, Acciari, and Carr. Pominville and Vanek are a little old at this point and I believe they need to be too sheltered for how Caps deploy their 3rd line. I think Hartman is just too perfect a fit, in terms of what he is and what he'll cost. He's feisty and has a really good motor, he's skilled enough to score some, and he's young enough to be developed still. He's very similar in career trajectory as Connolly was; bouncing around teams because he doesn't really fit in any sort of top 6 role. I think he would be an excellent pickup, but will cost more than what he's making now because we know Dallas wants him, just not at his high arbitration rate.

2) I believe the org really wants Hershey guys to compete for the 4th line. Last year the Caps did not have the financial flexibility to really push Stephenson, DSP, or Boyd for their spots. Everyone will have to compete this year.

Capitals with this scenerio get a guy who makes a pretty nasty 3rd line in terms of puck pursuit and still maintain a ton of cap flexibility for callups and maybe a cheap acquisition at the deadline.