Caps reject that offer instantly. Not gonna give up a first for a guy I could have got

Could have, but didn't. Kovalchuk has played well since joining the Habs and could fit in well with the Caps, but more importantly as I said in the trade details, since the habs send their own high 2nd, it could be no more than 7-8 spots difference in the draft.

It isn’t a straight up 1st rounder for Kovi if you look at the trade as a whole.

But you didn't "got" him, Montreal did. He'll help someone in the playoffs, and given the dearth of scoring and intensity in Washington this past month, Kovalchuk could be a much-needed lift to a third line.

I actually like the Washington trade for both teams. It is creative and realistic.

Kovalchuk is not worth a first. Just because Washington is good doesn't mean their gonna win the cup
Remember tampa bay last year

You aren’t looking at the whole trade, Washington is basically trading back about 12-15 spots to rent the dude, it doesn’t get a whole lot cheaper than that. They aren’t trading a 1st straight up for him.

He’s not budging. 😂

Montreals pick is gonna be at the end. Washingtons pick will be from 18 - 32. Your moving up so much
Washington rejects easily for a player anyone could have got

Remember also that with Kovalchuk traded, the Habs will lose even more frequently than now, and their pick will be almost certainly like 36-37. Kovalchuk is also the one forward that the Caps could acquire that doesn't require any cap adjustments or sending roster players back ... its a calculated risk, but Caps are in a position to win right now, they may have to make a bold move in order to get an edge on the opposition. If they win the cup, its only about 5 spots in the draft they would change.

yes. and they should totally trade their first