Absolutely devastated by the Backstrom news. Caps fans have known its been getting close to the end of an era for a while now but feels like its finally actually hit me.
For the rest of the season, I do not anticipate them making any significant moves unless they really catch fire and look like a real no-doubt playoff team. Backstrom was already only playing 3c (and honestly not doing great in that role) so I would be shocked if they went after someone like Lindholm. Even Garland/Dube/Beauvillier level guys don't make tons of sense for where the team is right now. Move McM to 3c, keep Lappy up, wait for Pacioretty, Dowd, and Edmundson to get healthy. It also makes moving Mantha not at all urgent, and I would anticipate him staying until closer to the deadline especially with his improved play the last couple of games.
At the deadline, I think Dowd, Mantha, Pacioretty, Edmundson, and one of Jensen and TVR are gone for around a collective 2 2nd rounders.
Reassess where everything is at in the offseason and keep the powder dry for a big FA splash (Nylander plz).
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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