As the NHL trade deadline approaches on Friday, March 7th at 3 PM ET, teams are making moves to bolster their rosters. The Washington Capitals, currently leading the NHL with a 34-11-5 record, are in a position to be big buyers as they aim to give captain Alex Ovechkin a shot at a second Stanley Cup before his contract expires in 2026.
Here is a breakdown of the trade tiers for the Washington Capitals leading up to the deadline:
Untouchable
- Ovechkin (two years left on contract, $9.5 million cap hit, 10-team no-movement clause) – The 39-year-old is a key player for the Capitals, leading the team in goals and playing a crucial role in their success.
- Dylan Strome (four years, $5 million cap hit) – Strome has been a standout player for the Capitals, showcasing his talent as a top-line center.
- Tom Wilson (seven years, $6.5 million cap hit, 14-team no-trade clause) – Wilson has been a vital part of the Capitals’ success this season, both on the scoresheet and with his physical play.
- Connor McMichael (two years, $2.1 million cap hit) – McMichael has proven himself as a top-six forward for the Capitals.
- Aliaksei Protas (five years, $3.375 million cap hit) – Protas has impressed with his performance this season, solidifying his place in the Capitals’ forward group.
Staying Put
- Pierre-Luc Dubois (seven years, $8.5 million cap hit, no-movement clause) – Dubois has been a valuable addition to the Capitals’ lineup, contributing to their success this season.
Preferably Staying, but Will Listen to Offers
- John Carlson (two years, $8 million cap hit, 10-team no-trade clause) – Carlson has been a key player for the Capitals, leading the team in ice time.
- Jakob Chychrun (pending UFA, $4.6 million cap hit) – Chychrun has had a standout season for the Capitals, contributing offensively from the blue line.
- Rasmus Sandin (five years, $4.6 million cap hit) – Sandin has been a solid presence on the Capitals’ blue line this season.
- Logan Thompson (seven years, $766,667 cap hit for rest of this season, $5.8 million for next six) – Thompson has been a standout performer for the Capitals in net.
Would Take a Great Offer
- Trevor Van Riemsdyk (two years, $3 million cap hit) – Van Riemsdyk has impressed this season and could be a valuable asset for the right offer.
- Nic Dowd (pending UFA, $1.3 million cap hit) – Dowd has been a key player for the Capitals, contributing both offensively and defensively.
- Charlie Lindgren (pending UFA, $1.1 million cap hit) – Lindgren has been a solid backup goaltender for the Capitals this season.
Would Be Open to Offers on
- Lars Eller (pending UFA, $2.45 million cap hit) – Eller could provide depth for a team looking to strengthen their lineup.
- Hendrix Lapierre (pending RFA, $863,334 cap hit) – Lapierre could be a trade chip for the Capitals to improve their forward group.
On the Block
- Sonny Milano (two years, $1.9 million cap hit) – Milano has been limited in playing time this season and could be on the trade block.
- Alexander Alexeyev (pending RFA, $825,000 cap hit) – Alexeyev could be a trade option for the Capitals.
Injured Reserve
- Nicklas Backstrom (pending UFA, $9.2 million cap hit) – Backstrom has been sidelined with a hip injury.
- T.J. Oshie (pending UFA, $5.75 million cap hit) – Oshie has been recovering from a back injury and is unlikely to play this season.
The Washington Capitals are looking to make strategic moves leading up to the trade deadline to strengthen their roster for a postseason run. Stay tuned for updates as the deadline approaches.