Caps are probably better off keeping Hagelin where he's at and keeping their 3rd rounder. You're not wrong, the other two are putting up more points, but they're also letting more points be scored against them. Hagelin's career goals for / goals against differential is 1.3, and this season he's at 1.27. Girgensons is career 0.75, this year 1.09; Sheary career is 1.11, this season 1.2. Hagelin also has better possession numbers over his career and this year. By almost all metrics, Caps would actually be better with him on the ice than the other two. Hagelin is a very underrated player because he doesn't finish and he's not flashy.

Edit: maybe one could replace Leipsic on the 4th line though?

I like Leips and don't love pushing him out of the lineup. If the Caps could improve 3rd RW (can Grgs play right?) that would be more ideal.

Idk if Buffalos managment would sell him, though fans wouldnt have a problem with this deal

Not sure if he can, but yeah, Panik's numbers are much more in line with those two so there wouldn't be as much of a dip in defense most likely.

Sabres fans would do cartwheels if they could get a third for Girgs.

I mean teams in win now mode like the Caps can tend to give out 3rd rnd picks each year like candy for their 'cup run'.

Seems like a fine depth add. One more proven guy on the PK and checking line never hurt anything. Don't think you target Girg for offense, but yeah, he's having a decent year.

Of course, with the Sabres beating Florida 5-2, to move into a tie with them for 4th in the Atlantic, they're not looking much like sellers.