Why would the Leafs do this?

Mantha is having a very good season (18G) and could complement the Tavares line. Edmundson knows what it takes to win the cup and I think he's much better than people give him credit for. As for Malenstyn, he's a physical force

How is getting marginally better worth giving up your best D prospect all your 3rd round picks until 2027 and 2 players on the roster? Calle Jarnkrok scored 20 last year hes similar production for way cheaper than Mantha. Capitals would do this in a heart beat. Use your brain

Mantha and Bertuzzi reunited !

No need to retain on both contracts.

I think Brad, having been in the Western Conference for so long, probably makes a trade with; Cal (Tanev) or Ana (Lybushkin) or SJS (Ferraro) or Chi (Murphy) or Sea (Larsson) or Arz (Dumba) or Nas (Carrier), who are all teams in seller mode.

Niemela will never play under a Treliving defense. Losing the thirds suck but its better than giving up a first round pick

Even if that is true about Niemela it doesn't change the asset value and saying its better than giving up a first is irrelevant because its not worth what they are getting in return. Looking at the wrong things

Niemela has value? lol

If not then why include him in a trade? why would the caps want a player with no value. Of course he has value he's a 21 year old skilled defenceman and the best D prospect the leafs have.