Why would you pay for retention on graves?

Y4/5 buyout ease, if it comes to that. Worth a 3rd to me in case our prospects blossom early.

This is one trade I could see the Capitals being interested in, Especially if they make the playoffs and are not looking like they will be a Top 16 pick.

Graves has shown some modest improvements and I’d rather not have to use a retention spot for that long.

Keller-Hayton-Schmaltz has proven they can produce against the other teams toughest matchups, let Crouse-Cooley-Guenther take on easier matchups to produce. You could probably drop the 2nd from Graves, he’s had a pretty brutal year there. If that Washington pick is somewhere like 14 or 15 I’m doing it, if not I’m finding someone else who’d be in that range who’s interested in that package.

if the Caps make the dance, you got a deal

I think the real struggle in PIT is usage not player. Graves has been brutal in PIT but he is still a good 2nd pair D, worth a 2nd without retention. With retention there is need to add maybe a 4th but a 3rd should seal a deal.

I think the caps finish just outside so it would be around the 16th OA pick.

Think AZ does WASH (as long stays in the 14-17 range, higher and AZ passes, lower and WASH passes), like montour signing they desperately need top pair guy, dont know if AZ is sold on graves for that long and cap hit.

Graves is an interesting one to me. His cap hit with 50% retention would be an underpay for a good 2nd pair guy. The 5 years is the ?? but I don't think any decline will create an overpay at 2.25MM. Buyout would not be very detrimental either, if push comes to shove. I think his big body disrupter style of play would fit really well in AZ. I think the real issue for Graves is the rush generating system in PIT, he just does not fit.

be honest on the west coast dont see much of PITT, if he can be a strong stay at home Dman, keep the front of the crease cleared out and a PK1 stud, then he will be what AZ needs

Yotes should try for Hanifin or Chychrun. Love the Soda trade just posted something similar yesterday.

Yeah Pens aren’t retaining for that long lol. Maybe they’d give him up without retention for FC though

I like Graves the player, I just think they’ve murdered his value this year. The contract is hefty and as you said, it’s a brutal fit