The Washington Capitals believe they have the assets to land a top-six forward
Sammi Silber of The Hockey News: The Washington Capitals have been trying to acquire a top-six forward for a while now, and GM Chris Patrick believes it could happen this offseason.
The Capitals will be looking for scoring depth in free agency and on the trade market. The free agent market is a little thin this offseason, so they might have go the trade route.
“I’m optimistic in that I think we’re in really the best spot we’ve been in, as far as having the stuff to trade that a team might want,” Patrick said. “You know, we’ve got picks. We’ve got some good prospects. I mean, there’s obviously some prospects that we’re not going to move in these deals. From that perspective, our wallet’s full. If there’s an opportunity there, we’d like to jump on it.”
They got their own, plus the Anaheim Ducks’ first-round pick, as well as the cap space flexibility.
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A look at some positional notes for the Vancouver Canucks
Thomas Drance of The Athletic: The Vancouver Canucks should be looking to offload as many long-term contracts as they can this offseason, even the ones with trade protection. They’d need to bring in some veterans to offset those moves, but that can be done through free agency. If they acquire a veteran, it should be at a bargain price or with a sweetener.
Left Wing – Evander Kane is a UFA and won’t be back. Drew O’Connor could be a good trade deadline asset next year. 25-year-old Nils Hoglander may be running out of time to show he’s a middle-six winger – two years left on his contract at a $3 million cap hit.
Center – Questions surrounding Elias Pettersson‘s future. Teddy Blueger is a pending UFA who had no trade value at the deadline. Nils Åman and Jayden Grubbe likely won’t get qualifying offers.
Left defense – P.O. Joseph is owed a qualifying offer and will likely get one.
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Goaltender – Nikita Tolopilo requires waivers next year, and the Canucks could choose to carry three goalies – Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen the other two.
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