Edited Oct. 1, 2020 at 7:48 p.m.
Yeah, yeah, Laine is younger and scores so many power play goals from the OV spot. Kuznetsov plays better at #1C, and led the playoffs in points in 2018, and the Caps already have Ovechkin.
I don't see a need for WSH to add a 1st or Kempny, but they could swap Kempny for whatever middle six center becomes a spare part after Kuznetsov shows up.
eta: this may seem silly based on age and how good Laine is when he's good, but look at how few centers are on the market this summer. The most likely alternatives are Haula, Turris, or Wennberg. Winnipeg wants to win, and Kuznetsov is the right option to get them to the finals. Can WSH add something? Sure. Why not. But a 1st in a deep draft is pretty valuable right now. Maybe, like:
Kuznetsov, Kempny, Pinho, Johansen, 2nd, 3rd for Laine, Lowry.