Capitals GM admits club would like a 'do-over' on Filip Forsberg trade

As Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan watches Filip Forsberg develop into a star with the Nashville Predators, he laments a trade that saw the young forward traded from Washington back in 2013.

MacLellan, now in his first year on the job as the team's GM, was part of a front office brain trust, led by then-GM George McPhee, that agreed to deal Forsberg to Nashville in exchange for Martin Erat and Michael Latta. 

On Monday, MacLellan confessed it may not have been the best idea.

"I think (Forsberg) has played well," MacLellan told Adam Vingan of NHL.com. "Obviously, he's one of the leading candidates for the Calder Trophy. If you're asking if I would like to do a do-over? Yeah, sure."

Forsberg, drafted 11th overall at the 2012 NHL Draft, leads all rookies with 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists), albeit as a 20-year-old with the benefit of extended experience at the AHL level. 

Erat, however, was a colossal failure in Washington, scoring two goals in 62 games before being jettisoned to the Arizona Coyotes. Latta remains with the Capitals and serves as a capable bottom-six forward for the likely playoff-bound club.

Still, while it's often prudent to allow for sufficient time before jumping to conclusions on trade winners and losers, it seems safe to give the Predators the edge here, even by Washington's own admission.