Karlsson was a way for them to also dump 2 terrible contracts in Granlund and Petry. So you spend a first and dump 2 contracts for a star and see what happens. What happened wasn't a massive jump, so you recalibrate. The Pens still might very well be better than last season, and this time they have a much better prospect pool and all their picks still.
Chychrun is the only deal Washington did that I really liked, Pens couldn't do it unless they traded Ottawa Letang. Mangiapani is too rich for the Pens cap structure to spend a 2nd on. PLD, hard pass. Thompson is too unknown for the Pens to spend two 3rds on. Washington can roll that dice because they have another goalie they trust.