I could see WSH doing this if they lose the next couple games before the deadline

Congratulations, this is the first trade in a few days that I've judged to be fair for both sides. If Washington decides to sell at the deadline, this is a completely realistic move that could happen.

Yeah, the Caps would likely need to concede first. Doesn’t have to be that way, though. Acting as both buyers AND sellers at the deadline is a lost art. Trade from strengths, trade to upgrade weaknesses, move/acquire any non-essential (i.e. Ovi) when great value can be obtained.

At their peak, that’s precisely what the Oakland A’s did. That’s as much the core of “Moneyball” (or “Moneypuck” or whatever) as M.I.T. grads buried in a laptop. In fact, it’s the flaws of the latter (macro system not suited for the microsphere of playoffs) that holds the entire concept back. But I digress…

I truly and thankfully echo the above sentiments of relief at seeing a fair, honest proposal. A unicorn around here.