The Capitals are the number one team in the East for several reasons, the biggest being that they had an amazing offseason. However, as Penguins GM Kyle Dubas noted, the Capitals also did an excellent job drafting and developing young talent. Players like Ryan Leonard, Dylan Strome, and Connor McMichael will be franchise cornerstones for the foreseeable future in Washington.
The Capitals hit several home runs in the offseason, most notably trading for Jakob Chychrun and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Both players did not reach their potential in Ottowa and Los Angeles but have played the best hockey of their careers this year in Washington. Moreover, they are both signed long-term.
It is honestly incredible. The Capitals have no bad contracts and have the perfect mix of veterans and younger players on their roster. For the Penguins, the only real target is to sign Anthony Beauvillier back in free agency. Beauvillier has been a solid depth piece for the Capitals and has played in their top six during the playoffs. He will be 28 next year and the Penguins can sign him for a reasonable price.
The Fantasy Scenario.
It is time to have a little fun now and dream. The one player that would be incredible for the Penguins to get is Connor McMichael. He will be an RFA in two years, and the Capitals realistically cannot pay everyone, so the Pens management should grab a rosary and say 10 Hail Mary's and hope they can offer sheet McMichael when the time comes. They can do that or offer a young forward such as Tristan Broz and some draft capital and hope the Capitals management makes a Nico Harrison-type mistake.