Insider claims Washington Capitals could be big-time buyers this offseason
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Washington Capitals front office has said repeatedly, this offseason will be quieter than last year's overhaul. Yet, it appears the Capitals are ready to make a big splash in the trade market.
NHL insider Chris Johnston said in his show on Monday that, because of a lack of game-changing names at a reasonable price, Washington will consider adding to their roster via the trade route.
"They've shown that they're willing to think outside the box and make some deals," Johnston said. "They would be a team, I think, that you could see getting involved in the trade market."
And given that it may very well be Ovechkin's last year with the Capitals, Johnston noted the team will likely be 'pretty aggressive' to make a trade, in order to replace Ovi's scoring, though it may have to be done by committee.
"This is probably the last kick at the can with Ovi, most likely, and so I think that will inform their summer as well," Johnston added. "I think you're going to see them be pretty aggressive and see what they can get done on the trade market."
So, who could the Washington Capitals be looking at to make a trade? Two names making their rounds on the grade block are pending RFAs JJ Peterka and Marco Rossi.
The offer sheet route, however, is likely not available to D.C. because they don't have a 2026 3rd-round draft pick. This means the only offer sheet they can make would have an AAV between $2,340,038 and $4,680,076, or $11,700,193 or higher.
Looking at the free agent market, Mitch Marner and Nickolaj Ehlers, and other top names, could still be available on July 1st, though they may not fit the Capitals' criteria of getting younger, not to mention the Caps have only $12.38M in cap space available to them, as per ESPN.
Washington's General Manager Chris Patrick said the team is open to probably moving the 1st-round pick, and given the team has a deep prospect pool, they may be willing to move one, or more if the right trade offer is on the table.
"We will definitely evaluate everything," Patrick said. "I think a big hack this summer could potentially be like, a really big hack."
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 31 ANSWERS Insider claims Washington Capitals could be big-time buyers this offseason Should the Capitals make a 'big splash' in the trade market this summer? | ||
| Yes | 22 | 71 % |
| No | 9 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
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