Columbus probably accepts, though I’m not too sure who the prospect is.

former 3rd round pick

Highly doubt Washington trades Protas and a pick for Anderson considering he’s coming off an pretty terrible year. 4 points in 26 games for a 2nd round pick and one of the best centers prospects coming out of the WHL. Kid has 80 points in 58games. At this point Panik is just as serviceable for our 3rd line as Anderson and we don’t have to give up anything for him

Panik is a failure of a signing in wsh and should be moved. Anderson has the potential to 50 points. He has been isolated on the 4th line under Tortz system. Even if he gets 40 points, that's a massive win. I'd drop Protas and just do the 2nd though. Anderson's value is a pretty large question mark.

Anderson would likely be unnecessary since the capitals will more than likely use McMichael or Protas next year to fill the #3rw position. imo Columbus could get a team to give up a similar package for him but Protas has done nothing but improve his stock. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of the better players from the most recent draft. Doesn’t hurt joining a powerhouse team either. Also my opinion on Panik is that he’s very solid on the defensive side of the puck(+16) and he’s shown some offensive flair towards the end of the season. He had 6 points in the last 5 games and was on pace for at least 30 points in a down year. So if Anderson is projected to get 40 in a good to average year and Panik would get let’s assume 35-40 in a good to great year I’d say they are pretty lateral moves at this point. That’s just my opinion on it doesn’t mean I’m right.

https://theathletic.com/1398311/2019/11/25/pronman-biggest-risers-from-the-2019-nhl-draft/

Panik is not a failure. Slightly overpaid, but not a failure.