Move on from some dudes, bring in some picks, move out some high value assets to bring in a long-term player.
*Making the assumption that for cap-challenged teams, that these are the trades *they* want to make, so there are associated moves to accommodate, such as sending down borderline players, LTIR moves, etc. Basically, making the assumption these aren't the only trades/moves that these teams are making before March 8.
Mantha: Vegas has been scouting the last 5+ Caps games and are reportedly looking for a middle six winger. Patches would seem obvious, but given his NMC, I don't think he waives to go back to the team that punted him. Mantha seems the better match.
Edmudnson: GMs are dumb, especially Edmonton GMs. Even if it isn't Edmonton, someone is going to be stupid and give the Caps a third rounder.
Dowd: This is the kind of move the Avs make every year, and Dowd is a perfect fit. Center market is wild, so, yes, he will get a late 1st round pick as a return (for the trading team, it's ideally pick #32, but probably no higher than #27). But that would leave the Avs empty for the first half of the draft, so the teams swap some other picks to get the Avs a little more oomph in 2024 and make them feel slightly more comfortable with the stigma of trading a 1st. Could also see DC being a cap-space retention haven as a third-party in a trade involving Johansen.
Patches and NAK: They're not going to the same team, but they're both going to be moved. Max should get a 3rd, and NAK a 4th or 5th. Boston seems like a team that might actually grab both, similar to last year's deadline, so let's pretend they would here, too.
TvR: Toronto needs a defenseman. Leafs fans keep screeching on here they want TvR instead of Jensen. Here ya go.
Casey: Rumor is he's being shopped, he'd be a great fit for DC's needs, and the Caps can easily re-sign him. This year's Sandin.
Mantha is getting a 2nd back, especially with money eaten.
Don't know if BUF does that but I would as the Caps if it's top 10 protected.
If he is, even better! But I think the recent years' history still depresses the value a bit. I'm not sure if Buffalo does it, either. Really curious to hear what Sabres fans think, because I both feel that this is fair value and somehow maybe also a little light on the Caps side.
You had me all the way to the Mittelstadt trade. Mittelstadt is undersized and overrated and should be avoided at all costs. BUF looking to cash in while the iron is hot.
i'd like colorado to add dowd for sure, i think they'd be looking for some salary retained though if they're moving a first for a 4C. With his cap hit at 1.3 i don't think it wouldn't be anything really that noticeable for the caps next year but i'd think something around 500k.
You had me all the way to the Mittelstadt trade. Mittelstadt is undersized and overrated and should be avoided at all costs. BUF looking to cash in while the iron is hot.
He's 6'1" and 199 lbs. I wouldn't call that undersized. In fact, that is the exact NHL average, and a few pounds heavier than the average center. He's improved YOY, and could be another 20-50-70 player like Strome. I'd take the chance.
I'd do that dowd trade yesterday if it's a 4th returned instead of a 5th, and if its the 2025 1st instead of the 2024. And i'd do it on the TDL either way. He was my favorite cap last night.
He's 6'1" and 199 lbs. I wouldn't call that undersized. In fact, that is the exact NHL average, and a few pounds heavier than the average center. He's improved YOY, and could be another 20-50-70 player like Strome. I'd take the chance.
He could not do a single pull up at the NHL combine ...
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