Swap Iorio in for Lapierre and it's a deal

Caps are the wrong target. With Ovi setting off to the sunset, I don't think the Caps are ready to rebuild. They will take a lower ceiling NHL ready player, or even trade the pick for help today.

Michkov is way better than anyone at 8, obviously. Lapierre probably won't be more than a fringe 3rd liner for Montreal. Not worth it. In addition, I think Hughes is far from disregarding Michkov as a possibility.

Exactly. Play aloof. See who comes knocking.

...or they could prepare the next chapter of their franchise. Michkov's contract in Russia pretty much ends at the same time Ovechkin is set to retire.

I think the Caps would definitely be interested in trading up for him and the Canadiens would definitely be interested in trading down. That being said, Lapierre is way too much to give up for that move. It was a long time ago, but the last trade up into the top 5 was 7, 37, and 68 for 5 in 2008. I think something along the lines of 8, 40, and one of the 3 25 2nds the Caps have for 5 would be fair, or 8 and a lesser prospect (basically anyone besides Miro, McMichael, Lapierre, and Iorio). If the Habs really want Lapierre as they do have a penchant for bringing French Canadians back, I would do something along the lines of 8, 40, and Lapierre for 5, 37, 69, and the Avs' second next year

The way I look at it, we have so many center prospects coming up. If we get whoever is left out of Smith, Carlsson, and Michkov at 5, we can afford to move Lapierre. I’d take this deal, but maybe they also send us back a 3rd?

you can never have too many center prospects and I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of McMichael, Protas, and Lapierre end up at wing long term. Their is the opportunity cost of moving him in this deal too of not being able to send him out in a package for a top 6 forward as well. At the end of the day premium assets are premium assets and I don't think it will take one to move up from 8 to 5