The caps have lots of guys who can play the 7D role but Alexyev is a solid bottom pair defenseman with middle pair upside imo. There was a time when he was believed to have real top pair upside, but I don’t see that happening in Washington with Sandin and Fehervary ahead of him on the depth chart. That being said, I don’t think they’d move Alexyev just to move him. Mantha for Myers one for one isn’t something I’m sure the caps would do. If they’re moving mantha, they’re gonna look to not add cap. They’re already incredibly strapped.

I'd move Mantha well before moving Alexeyev.

Oh okay I'd be interested to know which defenceman you'd be willing to give up, also in this scenario you'd trade Myers for Kevin LeBanc so you would end up saving capspace. You might be wondering why would the Canucks not just trade for LeBanc but I just believe if Mantha can get a new team he might rekindle his ability to play hockey and if not he's a big body he could probably fetch a 5th or later pick at half retained at the deadline.

Lucas Johansen was the caps 1st round pick in 2016. He’s a LHD that hasn’t really broken through to the NHL yet but also hasn’t exactly had the most opportunity to do so. I’d move him but I recognize he has pretty much zero value.

Adding Lebanc is fine in a vacuum, but I think the caps really should just dump mantha and not add another body so that the younger guys can play.

Putting aside what it would take to get Mantha, I have come around to the idea of trading for the player. Its a low cost move given its an expiring contract, and I'd be interested to see if his play could be reinvigorated. Could he be a new line mate for Petey for example?