I dont see MAF signing with the Caps but I do like this.

The only thing I disagree with is your assessment on the Mantha trade. Let me first say, disagreeing is a strong word. I do agree that he hasn't lived up to the amount we paid for him. BUT, and I have no statistical backing of this, I think he has a breakout year this upcoming season.

And actually, I think the Caps break through and advance to the 3rd round next postseason. We have the salary cap finally needed to bring in the right pieces, our youth movement has begun (finally), and we should get an established goalie

The Mantha trade has been far from a failure in DC. While losing him to injury for much of the year hurts, Vrana had the same issue, and Mantha is better at creating plays, getting into dirty areas that Vrana doesn't do nearly as much, and plays a better defensive game than Vrana. The 2nd rounder given up to make the upgrade was definitely worth it, and I get the feeling that this will become clearer next season.

Fleury at 4.5 is... well rough. He's going into his age 38 season and is about the same sv% goalie as Vanecek. Whatever experience he would bring would, at best, offset the 4.5 mil you have him getting, which could look really bad about 10 games into next season.

I wouldn't touch Mikheyev if he's asking for 4 million, if you want to play the youth, there's a good place to insert some. Protas or Leason come to mind.

As for Keller himself, I can't see Arizona trading him. Yes, he is 23, but in about 4-5 years when the team is contending he will be hitting the prime of his career, so trading him for reasons of not being important when they contend is something I wouldn't agree with.

I can see your points except for mikheyev, he is really fast, strong 2-way player and actually had a pretty good year this year, adding him to the caps 3rd line is exactly what they need, it doesn’t need to be at that price but whatever price they can get him at I think they really need him

I love the idea of Fleury coming to the caps but I agree I don’t see it happening the problem is we need a strong reliable starting goalie and I feel like the Free Agent and trade market is weak or too expensive for that right now

Totally agree. Husso is unproven / Darcy will be expensive

Thoughts on a trade with Isles for Varly? Say a 2nd and VV for Varly (and maybe retention)?

I just wonder how solid Varly will be

As do I. But I do like the idea of a potential Varly / Sammy tandem

Good point, what really worries me is backstrom as if he retires they will need to find a replacement fast which will be an incredibly difficult task.

Really would be an incredibly difficult task, especially with Eller's downward trend. Having Eller playing normally is a security blanket. We could bring in a 2nd line center, and I would feel comfortable if that person went down - Eller could step in for the short term. But with Eller most likely being traded, I do NOT feel comfortable with McMichael stepping into that 2nd center role if someone goes down. Tough situation.

I actually like the idea of signing Malkin to replace backstrom because i don’t think Malkin will resign in Pittsburgh and I think he wouldn’t mind coming to the caps

I agree - good call. I just hope the contract would be less than 3 years. 1-2 would be preferred (thinknig about Malkin's recent health history)

Agreed, he still plays at an elite level it’s just that his durability has declined