Fansided

1 trade every NHL team should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are in a unique situation. Looking up and down their lineup, they don’t have many holes. About the only thing the Capitals need is more goal scoring. But at the same time, this is the same team that won a President’s Trophy during the 2015-16 NHL season. A little bit of regression was inevitable, but their underlying numbers suggest they’ve been playing a little bit more efficiently than last season, even if it’s not showing up in the results.

If the Caps are going to make a trade, they’ll need to send a player back in the trade because of their tight salary cap situation. Thomas Vanek of the Detroit Red Wings makes a lot of sense for them. The odd man out will most likely be forward Tom Wilson, who is under contract through the 2017-18 NHL season. Because the Capitals gave up their 2017 and 2018 second round picks for Lars Eller, the Red Wings will have to wait until the 2019 NHL Draft to get their second round pick.

Caps head coach Barry Trotz is not afraid to change up his lines. Vanek’s skill set makes him a fit on any scoring line. His playmaking abilities make him an asset. The Caps like to try to have three scoring lines, and adding Vanek only helps that cause.

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