Quote:
Originally Posted by Trae
In real life, if Ovechkin was available, there would be no shortage of teams lining up for his services. The amount of interest would be monumental and he would surely bring back a huge return, poor start and all. Hes still a top player in this league simply in need of a change. Personally, I think a trade would be beneficial to both him and the caps, but I don't think it would happen. And for anyone scared of the contract, surely WSH could digest a little of the hit, though Ovechkin is still worth a ton of money and the value is still there.
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I think you have the two mixed up. There would be a lot of interest... but not if the Caps expected a huge return. He's under contract for 8 more years (after this season), and is owed 88m. IF the caps were to move him, I don't see them retaining any salary. 8 years is a long time to commit to retaining salary/cap for a player no longer on your roster. Although if they did retain salary, their asking price could go up a lot. OV as a 6m player has a LOT more value over OV as a 9.5m player.
As for what he could actually get... look at the Nash deal. It would be something like that. He could get something better IF he was producing at his old PPG+ levels. But he's not, and that contract makes anyone taking a gamble on him a huge risk financially.
Best case, top prospect, 1st, young high potential top 6 forward.
But then you have to question whether that's worth it to whomever is acquiring him. If I'm going to trade someone who'll likely put up 75%+ of OV's numbers (and you're praying for a PPG) at 50% of his salary (or there abouts), and not have to give up these other pieces... what makes more sense?
Someone posted an offer for the Pens with Kunitz, Kennedy, Despres, 1st. I'd do that. Yes it would put the Pens into cap hell. However only in a couple years (when Letang and Malkin need new deals). Next year they're fine, and they have players they could move/buyout (Martin) that would give them the space they need to retain everyone come year 3. I'd be quite content with OV, Crosby, Malkin and Neal in the top 6. That said the Pens do not need another star on the team... just a quality top 6 forward (or ideally two - which they could afford with what OVs cap hit is).
But then it's all a pipe dream as Washington isn't trading OV - and if they did it would never be to Pittsburgh.