this is awful, Panik is a much better player than Wood

More of a lateral move that doesn’t benefit the capitals. I would like to see them keep Boyd on the 3rd line and dump either Panik or Hagelin if possible. Capitals are a much harder team to play against but didn’t seem to lose a step with Panik and Hagelin out of the lineup. Not saying either player is bad but unnecessary cap hits

If you asked if I think he'd be happy playing for the caps, I'd say Miles would...

I am the only one ever to make that joke...

Neither seems to be clicking with available linemates on their teams this year. Panik's got a high of 44 points with at least 33 in each of the last four seasons. Wood's got a high of 32 points, but he's four years younger so he could easily turn out just as good. Neither team wins by keeping them with linemates they aren't fitting in with.

Likely the Caps have to add Vegas' 5th due to the age difference, and I'm fine with that, if it's a chance to make both teams better and give each team more value.

For NJ, they can trade Simmonds for a 2nd and a prospect today, and replace his tough veteran mentorship with Panik, whom they can then flip for a 3rd and a prospect at the deadline.