I don't really get this for Ottawa. They already have a solid top 3 RW in Batherson, Dadonov and C.Brown. this isn't the kind of move Ottawa needs to be making. Rackell isn't the player he used to be, he's not changing what this team is. He's just a nice complimentary piece.

I'd rather have Rakell to push the Offense a little and push C. Brown down the lineup. As much as I like him. He doesn't have the hands to be in the top 6. Slot Rakell in the top 6 and it makes the Norris-Tkachuk line a little bit more skilled. All of a sudden, you have three lines that are decent that compete and a 4th line, albeit expensive, that can really grind it out and can put the puck in the net.

This trade, as it stands, is fine. There is no room for Johnny and the two picks are fine as the draft this year is strange.

Idk I think the way you improve the top six is by giving Stützle and Batherson an expanded role with a capable C. They've been two of Ottawa's best players and they've been playing with Stepan and Anisimov as their centre. I don't think an RW for the top six is a needed addition short term when they have Dadonov and Batherson. Connor Brown is a great 3RW.

His trade is better suited to the 3rd-4th lines though. Him with Dzingel and Tierney on the 4th line will be nice. Great speed, great defensive instinct, no hands. That, and our powerplay is garbage. Rakell adds a little bit more skill on that 2nd PP unit.

Pinto is going to take over that duty as capable C for them, hopefully. Puck possession is key for those two and it'll be easier when Pinto can win those much needed O-zone faceoffs.