Perhaps solving the Reinbacher debate

Washington probably wants a young high end talent that can make an impact sooner rather than later, so drafting in the top 10 increases that chance. If they are going to wait on anyone, I think it would be Michkov.

What do you think the Oilers are going to do with Edmundson?

There are far too many pieces in that trade that do nothing for the caps. No reason to jump down to pick 31/32 from 8 for three mid prospects and a first round pick two years out. Easy decline.

He could go elsewhere for that return if Edmonton does not want him.

What if the draft looks like this after the first 7 picks:
Bedard
Fantilli
Carlsson
Michkov
Smith
Benson
Dvorsky

Would that entice the Capitals to think about the trade (with the best remaining player available likely being Leonard)?

As I said, Montreal could add another player to the mix.

The Capitals could get (1) Florida's first round pick, (2) Montreal's first round pick in 2025 (from Calgary), (3) Mesar (a first round pick), (4) Mailloux (a first round pick) and (5) possibly another team's first round pick in this year's draft (L.A.. gave up a first round pick in this year's draft + Helge Grans in the Provorov trade largely to get rid of Petersen at $5,5M, so MOntreal taking on a $7.7M cap dump could get them a first round pick).

That is the equivalent 5 first round picks for the #8 in the draft, with 3 players (Kidney, Mesar and Mailloux) that already have some years of development in them. Plus Montreal is taking on the entirety of the Mantha contract (which some people think is a "cap dump" while others do not).