On the face of it it's not too exciting of a trade. I'm sure the Caps fans think they just knocked over a brinks truck but unless a new TJ emerges from this deal they will soon find out he's more sizzle than steak.

The real deal here is to free up the money to sign Tarasenko. The real deal is to get aligned right on the ice and off. Oshie was making 4.5 mil and imo he was a or played like a 3rd line player. That's forked up. Give some of the young forwards their shot. No proof of it but I think Oshie was a problem in the locker room and with him gone this team will take on a different look and feel next season.

With his 9 mil off the books there's now room to sign Tarasenko.

As for Hitch staying and Oshie leaving well surprise surprise.

And as for those advocating getting rid of Hitch that's a position I have no problem with either but two things about that:

Who again was going to replace him?

And secondly, it was time for Oshie to go no matter who the fork is behind the bench.

I don't think the Blues are done trading. But I can't think of any one player to move that can have the impact of getting rid of this guy.

Oh and imo if Jax finds the market tough and wants to come back for a million five he can have the 6 spot on this team anytime he wants.