Équipe: 2020-21 Capitals de Washington

Date de création initiale: 24 juin 2020

Publié: 26 juin 2020

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

I don't know if Caps would do this because they love Siegenthaler but we're here for fun, right?

Why the Caps do it:

They are absolutely loaded on the left side (Orlov, Siegenthaler, Alexeyev, Fehervary, Kempny, Nardella) so they can move out a piece. I'd rather keep Siegenthaler over someone like Kempny but doubt Kempny gets Merkley. Caps get an RHD offensive defensemen prospect, which they don't really have after losing Priskie last summer. Merkley will take more time to develop and is more high risk he doesn't work out when they know Siegenthaler is already very good.

Why the Sharks do it:

I know Shark fans won't like it because Siegs isn't "sexy" but he helps SJS now, which they need. Also, they have better versions of Merkley in Burns and Karlsson for the next 5 years after this one so there isn't much room for him. And with the quick downward spiral of Vlassic they need a true high end shut down defensemen. Siegenthaler just turned 23 and is already one of the best shutdown D in the league, check out his analytics. He's only going to get better and will probably be an elite shutdown D in his prime (if he isn't already). He'd be perfect to cover the defensive side for Karlsson or Burns.