5 trades Washington Capitals should make at NHL Trade Deadline
The Capitals have fallen to fourth in their division and it’s time for them to rejuvenate their roster before the deadline. Here are five potential trades.
Washington has looked somewhat mediocre this season and they look to be an early playoff exit once again if they do not make a move fast. The Capitals have lost five of their last 10 games and have dropped to fourth in the metropolitan division, just two points behind the New York Rangers. Washington, a team pushing for another championship run, must improve their consistency in goal and on special teams if they want to compete. Here are five players who could propel them back to the cup.
Honorable Mentions
Jakob Chychrun – Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes
Jakob Chychrun is the crown jewel of trade targets going into the deadline. The 23-year old former all-rookie first-team player (OHL) has been a bright spot for a depressing Coyotes team. Chychrun has impressive size, skating ability, and attacking fundamentals. He has struggled to remain a consistent contributor scoring points but his upside at 23 is phenomenal. The Capitals are unlikely to give up enough firepower to make this trade happen but Chychrun would make an excellent addition to their defensive pairing.
J.T. Miller – Left Wing, Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have been rumored to be open to trading just about all of their veterans and JT Miller is first on the chopping block. Miller would provide some star power and veteran leadership for the Capitals to push out of their current slump. Miller has thrived under former Capitals coach Bruce Bordeaux and he’s been their top player propelling the team’s unlikely turnaround. Miller has netted 48 points in just 47 games and scored 17 this season. The asking price will be high for Miller but he could provide much-needed offensive consistency for Washington.
NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Targets Washington Capitals should pursue
5. Marc Andre Fleury – Goalie, Chicago Blackhawks
The Capitals goaltending situation has been subpar at best and bringing in a quality veteran is vital for a playoff push. Fleury is a target who has been linked to the Capitals since early February and it’s likely talks will continue until the trade deadline. The Blackhawks goalie and three-time Stanley Cup champion has kept a .910 save percentage and allowed 2.88 goals per game but his stats will likely improve playing for a playoff contender. Chicago has disappointed this season as a bottom-five team in the west so Fleury will likely want out of Chicago one way or another. Washington should act quick as the Fleury sweepstakes are just starting to ramp up.