That would be best case scenario (for the team). Have you seen any additional reports of Backy retiring? I would have hoped he retires/announces before start of free agency...

Haven’t seen anything, though don’t think it’s likely until near the start of the season. Think Caps will be in communication with teams like Calgary for a potential rental but are hoping that the big trade targets stay around. Other option could be that without Michkov on the board, #8 gets moved for a big name, though I find that less likely. Speaking of Michkov, couple bits from the Athletic regarding him: https://twitter.com/novaspartan9/status/1673744206966276109?s=46&t=n2oBv-NW4iJvEYrTTZZSug
Edit: also, possibility NSH was the team mentioned about having an interview with a translator and loving him, which makes things even more interesting.

Excatly

We need to trade down to 5. Should get a great prospect at 8 but Michkov is a game changer

Talk of Montreal trading down makes me excited. Would worry Philly throws more at Montreal than the Caps can, but I imagine they’ll at least be in it until the bitter end.

still holding out hope for a big move tomorrow. BMac has basically always done what he's said he's going to do and he promised big moves at the start of the summer

Not getting toffoli is a huge miss, imo. Think MacLellan may look at Duclair

Can bmac makes some moves.

The metro is an arms race and we haven’t done sh*t

I’m not sure he can make any moves unless Backy retires. He won’t attach an asset to dump Mantha and Kuzy is getting another shot.

Gotta think trading up is the only thing we see

We can’t wait anymore. This is ass

If we make no moves tomorrow I’ll start the fire GMBM campaign (unless Michkov falls to us at 8)

Totally agree - not getting Toffoli is a huge miss, even worse he went to another metro team. I would hope BMac is taking a long look at Duclair as we desperately need secondary scoring., but I have a feeling that will be a miss too.

Sadly, maybe I am being negative, but I have a feeling we are going to overpay to move up to 5th. Thinking 8oa, Lap, Iorio, and maybe even a future 3rd. To me, that is worst case scenario and would be a big overpay.

But agree with you all - I am hoping for a big move tonight that gets us a top-6 forward OR Michkov (if at 5th, fine to give up 8oa, future 2nd, and Lap I guess)

If GMBM stays at 8 and we get Michkov, he is the greatest GM of all time and needs a lifetime contract.

If GMBM stays at 8 and Michkov is taken, he must be fired tonight.

There is no in between if we pick 8th

The metro keeps getting better.

Smith is a pen

Now the rumor is the Preds have discussed options to move up to 5 as well.

Definitely will be a bidding war now.

We need bmac to go balls to the walls

There is no reason not to trade up to 5. Sure we will give up likely more than is ideal but if we can get Michkov who at best is generational after one down year it would change the future drastically

It’s not looking good

I get the excitement, but I think everyone’s gotta calm down with the lack of activity today. Yesterday was quite the anomaly in terms of movement, and we likely won’t see anything before the draft begins.

Regarding Duclair: nice idea for a buy but as I look into it more it seems unlikely as Florida is looking for defense and I don’t see a scenario in which Washington moves one of the current defensemen for a year rental. Believe they have faith in McMichael and Mantha returning to form enough to keep them from a desperate heave (ie Fehervary+ for a year of Duclair).

Regarding Michkov: if Friedman, Marek, Pronman, and Wheeler are to be believed, Michkov is likely between Philly and Washington in terms of likely fit. Most smoke out of Montreal makes it seem they are between Leonard and Reinbacher, and Freidman suggested possible trade ups to 5 or 6. However, these are unlikely to happen before the draft as to not allow Philly the chance to jump either team. As for other teams supposedly in, I don’t believe teams like NSH will be willing to include enough of an overpay to entice MTL or ARI to deal out of the top 10.

Also worth noting: An unnamed NHL GM believes Philly is out, and Friedman talked about how Philly has been putting up a smoke screen most likely targeted towards the Capitals. I wouldn’t rule out the Flyers going with Benson/Leonard depending on who’s available, even if Michkov is on the board, potentially due to poor interviews. Also, in regards to paying Lap+Iorio+more, I may get crucified on Twitter for this, but I don’t believe the drop off in talent from Michkov to Dvorsky or Leonard is enough to get me to pay a future 2C and top 4 RD. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been in love with Michkov’s game for the last year and a half, but that high of a price seems absurd. Also worth considering Montreal no longer has a 2nd round pick this year, which could mean 40 and possibly the 2025 2nds could be in play.

All in all, I get the concern over Michkov and the lack of movement, but regardless Washington is going to get an incredibly talented player, something they haven’t had in the pool in years, regardless of whether they move up or not. Don’t think that’s being considered enough. Not getting Michkov would suck, but I don’t think it should be considered Michkov or bust. And with the lack of control we have in even getting reports on the matter, I wouldn’t be all doom and gloom just yet.

Edit: Askarov in play does make this situation a bit more interesting.

Holy shir bro
There is a chance boys

I will never forgive GMBM

Dude it being Lou.

I’m actually sick

ARIZONA COULDVE GOTTEN THE D AT 8!!!!

F*ck Ryan Leonard