NHL trade deadline 2018: 5 players who will be dealt

Ryan McDonagh, D, New York Rangers

Rangers’ captain Ryan McDonagh falls into the same situation as Rick Nash, the Rangers want to build for the future and get younger. Ideally, the Rangers would like to keep McDonagh but this is their chance to cash in on him when his value is the highest. McDonagh is not just a deadline rental, his contract ends after 2019 and carries a $4.7 million cap hit. Because he is not just a rental more teams will be interested in McDonagh other than the ones pushing for the playoffs.

The Washington Capitals would like to add someone to their blue line for this year. Brooks Orpik is not getting younger and there isn’t great depth. That being said it is unlikely the Rangers will trade within their division. Instead, the Rangers may try to work out a deal with the Los Angeles Kings. Drew Doughty is a free agent the same summer as McDonagh.

Because of the price Drew Doughty will want the Kings may decide to move on and that would chance their Stanley Cup window. Adding McDonagh while you have Doughty would maximize the chance of a cup right now.