Imagine a line with the best goal scorer in the NHL and Alex Ovechkin on it

Ovi won't waive

"Ovechkin will never get tra---"

"Ovechkin, Alex ($4,000,000 retained)
WSH
Nylander, William
Dermott, Travis
Engvall, Pierre
2022 2nd round pick (TOR)
2023 2nd round pick (TOR)
2023 1st round pick (TOR)"

"Can we lower the retention to 2M, and throw in a couple of A to A- prospects instead of Engvall and Dermatitis?"

edit: obviously, the Caps' owner has been public about his desire to let superstars develop from within his teams' systems, and retire there if they want, and he's been clear that Ovechkin has that option. I have no idea if the Caps consider this, but I have to think that if they are stalled on contract negotiations, it would be almost tempting. As for waiving, I think Ovechkin has a list of eight teams he can be traded to. Whether he chooses that by location, by standings points, or by something else, I have no idea. But I think Liljegren could help in terms of positional depth and maybe a forward prospect.

The idea is for Ovi to play elsewhere for his second ring then come back to the Caps the season after and help the Caps prepare for their rebuild and lay out the foundation so they'll be in a good position once he retires.

Oh. I thought the idea was to get the Caps' leading goal scorer a Swedish-speaking winger who can keep up with him.

That too I guess

Actually, if that's the point, might as well leave Engvall in. Get one more option. Losing Ovechkin as a set-up man could be rough on Backstrom.

Ovi's retiring in Washington. And why would the Leafs give up good assets to aquire him in a trade when they can sign him for free next year?