The caps young guys just aren't good enough to merit developing instead of getting better veterans. I love Snively and think he can be an effective middle 6 winger, but he is a 26yo who just had his first run in the NHL this past year. Lapierre took a step back in juniors and needs a year in the AHL to learn how to play against pros. McMichael I think can really contribute in a bigger role next year, but you have him playing 3lw here anyways.

This isn’t a good approach for an aging veteran core that the team has committed to making a couple of last runs. Especially when they got a get out of jail card with Nicky very likely going on LTIR at least for all of this season if not forever.

You move Eller and give McM 3C while bringing in a high end multi position guy like giroux or copp who can either play on wing if he pans out there next season or take over Center if not. Lappy can develop in A for another year to get max ice time. Snively is fine but I’m not going to prioritize his development over signing a top 6 winger who will help the team go for a cup.

I agree with the above posts. This team would suck and would not help us rebuild.

The caps need to either be very aggressive and try to get younger, faster, and better.

Or they need to blow it up and trade everyone that is not a young prospect for picks and tank for the next 3-4 years, which seems unlikely.