Now that the NHL is back after its two-week break for the 4 Nations tourney, it is back to business. And that means we are back with NHL rumours, this time focusing on the Washington Capitals, who sit atop the NHL’s Eastern Conference, and by a bit of a margin, too. So, the thinking is that if they are a competitor when it comes to the powerhouses of the conference, they may want to add some depth for a potentially deep playoff run.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Analyzing Whether or Not the Washington Capitals Make Trade Deadline Additions
Rumour: Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk of Daily Faceoff ponder what, if any moves the Capitals Make
Analysis: If you look at the Washington Capitals, they have plenty of players having a career season. Players like Dylan Strome, Aliaksei Protas, and Jakob Chychrun all stand out as guys having huge seasons personally, and there’s more as well. Furthermore, head coach Spencer Carbery has established himself as a well-respected member of the NHL’s coaching fraternity, in only a season-and-a-half. The current members of the Capitals play a well-structured system and their execution is there to back it up. So, why mess with a good thing?
Still, and especially so with the added demand of a long playoff run, lineup changes and injuries do happen. That is what Washington is concerned about for themselves. They want to ensure they have the depth to overcome any adversity that the team might experience. That is despite their efficiency and effectiveness thus far in 2024-25.
When you break down their roster, it is interesting. Their blueline is extremely consistent, as six defencemen have played 45 or more games. Assuming no injuries, they would be fine. But even if they did, the internal replacements should be fresh and between Dylan McIlrath and Alexander Alexeyev, they should provide adequate skill. With Logan Thompson and backed up by Charlie Lindgren, again, assuming no injuries, that duo is as strong as any in the league. Therefore, we land on forwards, and like Seravalli and Yaremchuk pointed out, the centres.
Narrowing in on One Position in Particular for NHL Rumours
They welcomed Lars Eller back via trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season. In contrast, maybe they want more. Scott Laughton is a name that has been circulating, and he certainly fits the bill. The 6’1″, 30-year-old centre from Oakville, Ontario would love a playoff run. In his 12-year career, he’s only played 24 games throughout three playoffs. However, the last time, in 2019-20 with the Philadelphia Flyers, he showed he can provide a spark. That year he added nine points through 15 games. Maybe he is exactly what coach Carbery is looking to add to the lineup.
In any case, the trade deadline is sure to be an interesting one. With the big Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall additions to the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers, the balance of power could still shift as the playoffs grow near. Washington does not want to get complacent after such a strong regular season thus far. Don’t look for them to stand idly by.
Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: The Washington Capitals Interesting Situation appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.