Those are certainly talented players. Interesting that you've picked off decent offensive pieces from teams currently over the salary cap. I'm also grateful that someone acknowledges Jaromir Jagr is not a default top six player at 45 years old, on a contender. That price, for Mike Green, is going to hurt the team that already spent one of its late first round picks on him, but if Detroit are willing to eat half of his salary, it makes sense. As a third right-handed defenseman, he'll slot on the right side, and Christian Djoos gets the first call up on the left, as Hershey's top defenseman last year. I think they've stated they don't want to buy out two years of Orpik's contract because it will have salary cap effects for four years (which is how long Ovechkin has left on his contract, and one more than Backstrom is signed for. Orpik is still a beast, especially in the playoffs, if the chance to trade for Komarov and Green at reduced cap hits really exists, I'm sure they could trade Orpik to a contender. Preferably one that's way, way, way out West.

While juggling the salary like this could be done, I'd advice against it for the Caps. It's time to retool and give our youngsters a look

This wouldn't work as you only have 19 men on the roster and you must dress 20 which even a $650K guy puts you over the cap. Beyond that the chances that you go on a cup run with just 20 guys is not likely at all.

It's also past the buyout window, they can't buyout Orpik until next year.

Finally, the Red Wings and Toronto are two other teams with serious cap issues, they aren't likely to retain salary (esp. Toronto since they are trying to contend) unless you grossly overpay

Orpik does not have positive value, no team is going to eat that cap hit for his age 37 and 38 seasons without a major incentive from the Caps

Not bad moves, but unrealistic. Teams like Toronto and Detroit, who have cap issues, aren't going to eat cap space for that little. And where is the extra cap space going to come from? Trading Eller just creates another roster hole, and Grubi doesn't open up enough space.