But did they get enough? Orlov undoubtedly became a marquee target on defense as soon as Washington made him available, which, from my understanding, only happened recently. Could they not have shopped around more to see if a better offer presented itself? Instead, they end up surrendering Orlov and Hathaway with zero prospect additions and just the one first-round pick to show for it – a pick that won’t be high. Theoretically, they could flip Smith, but they’d probably have to retain some of his 3.1 million cap hit to do that, and he’d yield a late-round pick at best.
On one hand, the Capitals deserve credit for recognizing their situation and having the guts to begin a transitional period. On the other, the return just doesn’t cut it. Not when you’re giving up two players that will significantly augment a contender’s championship odds.
Grade: C-