Connor McMichael would be great acquisition. Still gets underrated.
But if Caps are moving Kuznetsov, I imagine McMichael is his replacement.

(go one step deeper, Hendrix Lapierre)

Aw man, regardless of value, this really forces Laviolette to work things out with Kuznetsov, eh?

His concussion history has me very concerned. If not for that we should’ve drafted him ourselves last year.

I was surprised he was able to play his junior season this year after what I read about his injuries. I think his value is trending upwards, but he is not worth a 20 year old proven NHLer like Kakko right now. WSH would have to add. And if they think they can get 20g next year out of Kakko at a 1M cap hit, they might add a 2nd or something, but I don't know if that and the remaining term on Lapierre's ELC are enough to interest NYR.

That’s why I was thinking McMichael would be the better target. More of a shifting from a position or strength to address a position of weakness.

WSH has more prospect depth at center. It's true. But at the NHL level they have ten wings and four centers this year. Playoff game one featured TJ Oshie at 3C (and he led them in points, so why not). Adding Kakko at RW would make sense if there's a winning trade out there for Oshie or Sprong or Wilson. But none of the offers I've seen for those guys on here is that tempting. And, like NHLfan said, if they're looking to trade Kuznetsov, there's a chance they're planning to move McMichael up to NHL3C next year. The only way I'd see McMichael for Kakko this summer is if Seattle picks Oshie first. Then Kakko could replace a little bit of Oshie's size and goal scoring on the right wing, even if he doesn't yet match Oshie's checking, defense, minute-eating, or PK. Those two moves together would open up enough cap space for WSH to sign Ovechkin and Samsonov for about four years each. But Oshie was on a 65 point pace this year, so it downgrades the offense and forces Laviolette to work things out with Kuznetsov, unless there's a good trade out there for him, and you've seen those threads.

Tampa says no, also kakko>mcmichael