Quoting: Meeqs
That's fair on the ED point.
I think the reality for WSH is that Kuzy has had serious personal problems ( a cocaine problem being one of them) along with not living up to standards on the ice means that WSH is simply not going to allow him to constantly cost this team a chance at the Cup any longer. They can't rely on him so ultimately they have to move on from him, even if the return isn't ideal they view returning with him as a non option with how few contending years this team has left.
If he does well on his new team then so be it, the only one WSH cares about is their own.
The issue is, without Kuznetsov, the team isn't a cup contender. If they're getting a low return, the Caps have no center depth. Kuznetsov is the catalyst for the Caps' success in the playoffs. When he's on his game and invested, he is absolutely elite. If 2018 wasn't Ovi's first cup, there's no doubt that Kuznetsov wins the Conn Smythe.
So there's essentially three options:
1. Make the right trade involving Kuznetsov, with a center like Tomas Hertl or Sean Monahan coming back, giving the Caps center depth that can match up with other playoff teams.
2. Sell low on Kuznetsov, don't have a viable 2C option, and probably not even make the playoffs, or lose in the first round.
3. Roll the dice on Kuznetsov that he straightens up the off-ice issues. Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Eller, and Dowd down the middle is still a strong group. Adding a bit more youth and speed to the roster could help the team stay healthier entering the playoffs.