I was all over the Schmaltz trade ideas in the offseason but now I don't think Arizona will be willing to trade him. The Yotes look good so far and they've said the want to start contending so I imagine they'll hold onto him, he's been a great presence in Arizona the last couple years with Keller.

I don't think Toronto will trade Nylander, if he leaves it'll be through Free Agency. I'd say its similar to Carolina-Pesce, both teams will lose out on recouping some value in an attempt to make an all out push. Since Toronto views themselves as a contender, I don't think they'll downgrade mid-season. I like Nylander as a free agency target.

That just leaves Konecny, who I'd say is the most viable option of the three, but I don't know if Washington would be willing to pay the price Briere likely seeks. I imagine he hasn't moved yet this year because Philly is (rightfully) demanding a king's ransom for TK, and I think they'll want even more if they deal him to a division rival. Unfortunately, Philly no longer has a gm who's willing to take on extra cap for older players (like Niskanen-Gudas). I think it's most likely the Caps have to wait for FA and target someone like Nylander or Reinhart than trading for someone.

(also I'd prefer to keep Mantha around since the Caps don't need to even up cap going back and forth anymore. Mantha's looked good and just needs some more playing time.)

Keep the powder dry and do NBA-type tampering to bring Nylander in on an 11.5x7. There will be other good FA targets next year too: Reinhart, Novak, Guentzel, Monahan.

In-season I think a much more impactful addition would be bringing in a veteran LD - Zadorov, Dillon, etc.

agree w pretty much everything you said.

schmaltz trade seems unlikely atp

toronto not going to weaken roster to recoup assess on nylander(think he will be extended anyway)

yes imagine philly looking for huge return on tk especially given division tax.

sill think he’s worth it if they can make it happen w/o including leonard or miro

waiting to add until the summer would be a massive wasted opportunity. they are t10 in the league w 7m cap space(12.5m if mantha moved) have extra draft picks and best prospect pool in years.

waiting until fa to add at f feels like a wasted opportunity.

i’d like to see edmundson play before making a move on d, but i agree adding at ld makes sense.

Yea I think the problem with a forward trade is that no one except konecny really excites me at all