I imagine VGK could still trade those guys for at least something. Like Dad could probably get a 2nd and McNabb a 3rd or something. I could be off but know they don't just have to throw those guys away for a AHL defender.

Dadonov's m-NTC and 5Mx2 contract limit the teams that Vegas can offer him to. If there are no takers, and that's the stumbling block to getting Eichel, I see them parting with McNabb and a 3rd to get it done.

I didn't see Irwin as an important piece, here. Just giving him a chance to stay in the NHL and compete for McNabb's old spot in Vegas.

I think if the Knights trade for Eichel there may be a trade before the Trade - either Smith or Dadnov going to a team but being retained 50% by the Sabres first

Interesting. I don't honestly know if WSH has cap space, but what do you think they would cost?

I don't know what team needs are - but I think Dadnov or Smith would be worth a 2nd for a team in Cup contention with secondary scoring needs

Yep. If the Caps are missing Backstrom and/or Oshie, they would need secondary scoring, and either or both at 2.5M could be worth picking up.

If the Caps expect to get fully healthy, I wonder if Buffalo would add a 2nd to those two to land Anthony Mantha, while retaining enough to balance cap.

I'm just guessing but I think the Sabres would prefer a quality prospect and a draft pick (2nd) - Mantha is a decent player but he was reported as unhappy in Detroit so I doubt he'd be happy in Buffalo - I think after recent seasons Sabres would be very hesitant to take a play with a possible negative vibe.

A lot of players seem to have been unhappy in Detroit the last few years. Not uncommon on rebuilding teams. Nine games in, Buffalo looks kind of like a playoff team. Adding Mantha, Tuch, Hague and Whitecloud makes them definitely a playoff team. Mantha would have fun there.

Mantha led the Wings in points at the deadline. He's got five points early this year. He's big and he's strong on the puck. Buffalo and Detroit probably have to add a little bit to get WSH on board with this, but I don't think they'd regret it.

I posted something on the Vegas side. People said the Caps need more (https://www.capfriendly.com/forums/thread/525714?post_id=2768642).

I posted it on the Buffalo side: https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/2880827