I think that’s exactly what they’re trying to do. This is not a sell-off or the start of a rebuild. It’s making lemonade out of a lemon season.

They were kept out of the playoffs more by injuries than by lack of talent, and as long as Ovi’s still playing like the greatest goal scorer of all time, they’re going to want to try to keep their win window open. But it’s not happening this year, so it makes sense to take advantage of knowing where they stand to pick up some assets that could help in the future for guys they were probably going to lose at the end of the season anyway, rather than hanging onto them for an improbable playoff run. Then use the cap space that losing those guys creates, and maybe some of the draft picks they're acquiring now, to reload around the returning core.

Monahan on one leg would have been a better 2C option.

I think WSJ won the deal. Why is the retention % so random?

Wasn’t expecting the Caps to get a damn second. Was expect like a 4th jeez

Not a bad return. In line with his value. Fair deal

He wouldn't, Eller plays harder and is a better fit in the Bender system than Monahan

A 2nd round pick only has about a 25% chance of becoming an NHL regular. Even so, this is an overpayment for a bottom 6 rental.

Pretty steep price but I guess the salary retention pushed it from a 3rd to a 2nd.

All caps fans who think Eller was worth a 1st+ can come back to reality now lol. He’s worth a 3rd but with retention this is a fair deal imo.

Would not hate if Monahan got traded with a bunch of conditions based on games played and how far the team made it in the playoffs.

Looks like Washington is giving up on the season and is starting to focus on regroup this offseason. They won this trade though.

surprised that the avs paid a second round pick for a solid third line centre considering their track record. maybe sakic/mcfarland have something up their sleeve

Lars Eller is worth a 4th, not a 2nd.

Washington wins the trade.