Palat and Cernak

Why would you ever trade Vrana?

Because I think Danault is a better fit for the Caps if they want to play better team defense, and his next contract could very well be cheaper than Vrana's since defensive play is still undervalued in contract negotiations. Don't get me wrong, I love Vrana, but you've got to give value to get value.

Palat is too good next to Point, I can't see Tampa moving him. That top line is money. Gourde, Killorn, Coburn, and even McDonagh would go before him. I'd even say Stamkos too.

That is a terrible trade for Tampa cernak or palat could get that alone

In a vacuum I’d agree with you, but considering Tampa’s cap crunch and how many of their players have full NTC/NMCs? My thinking was the Caps might be the only contender with the cap room to take on Palat, so they might be the only team he’d waive for. As for Cernak, if the Bolts turn down this deal and haven’t had any luck convincing guys to waive, the Caps could just wait a bit send Cernak a 5 year, 20M offer sheet for which the compensation would be just that 2021 2nd. He’s the key add here anyway.