Another go at a playoff spot

Tarasenko 2024 TDL-ish

This probably is the last thing the Caoitals should really do; but as long as Ovi is skating, the Caps will push..... and this does push the envelope.

I am sure Caps fans will say, we have Oshie and the kids, there is no need for Tarasenko. This maybe fair. But, in landing Tarasenko, the Caps do add a legit 2nd line RW. Further, this allows them to move Oshie to the 3rd line (he is really having a rough season) and move Mantha further down the line up (noting his streaky and inconsistent nature).

All in all, this really does give the Caps offense on all 4 lines - which could make them extremely dangerous when the dance begins.

I will concede that Edmonton would likely be an even better fit, but that is square pegs and round holes. It is double retention to make it work.

Conversely Washington has the cap space, and I suggest (currently at least) a clear role for Tank. It is easier and cleaner.

Using the Blues trade as a loose framework.

In that deal, the Blues retained in Tarasenko, which really did mean netting a 1st. Mikkola would have been the 3rd. Blais and Skinner parts to make cap work and pick up useful assets on top on the 1st.

Where with retention, Tank IMO still nets a 1st, it is not necessary in this case, which makes me wonder if the 1st is too much - especially when that 1st could be 10 pucks better than that which the Blues recieved.

Hence, the 3rd - which I would deem conditional based on how far Washington goes in the playoffs. If they get to round 2 it becomes a 4th.

Note: was looking at a 2024 3rd and a 2025 2nd for Tank, but this seemed light

Kubalik 50% retained 2024 TDL

Kubalik has a track record of being a far more productive player than his season in Ottawa has been. Panthers get someone who historically has been a solid depth scorer who can play up the line up. See him on the 3rd line here - being an upgrade on Cousins (who is far better suited for 4th line duties).

Panthers could have a player who earns a cheap extension - which could be a factor with Reinhart effectively out pricing himself in Florida

Klapka is huge body who can skate and provide some secondary offense. Project him as a solid 3rd line piece. Nothing flashy here. More an elemental piece of the puzzle. A project, but an awefully intriguing one.

With only 2 D under contract and looking to be going into a retool, Brännström given his age, ability and contract control should fit right in. Not the prototypical Flames-type D, but that formula hasn’t worked for them either. Will get much more opportunity to play up the line up to see if there is more there yet. With Kleven coming, I simply don't see a long term future in Ottawa.

The 3rd is conditional on Klapka's development and ability to make the lineup by 2025-26.