Teams calling the Capitals about Burakovsky
Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post: Washington Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky will likely be a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game on Wednesday.
The Capitals have received calls from teams asking about his availability. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reported on the weekend that the Vancouver Canucks were one of the teams.
Burakovsky is a pending restricted free agent and could require a $3.25 million qualifying offer.
The Capitals wouldn’t be interested in draft picks or prospects as they are trying to win now. They could use a forward with speed that could play on their second or third line.
Can expect that Capitals will also be looking for some depth on the blueline. Christian Djoos and Brooks Oprik remain out after surgeries.
Any Burakovsky trade wouldn’t likely come before holiday roster freeze. The Caps willing to be patient in hope that he turns things around in the second half of the season.
Dubas on the trade deadline and pending UFA Jake Gardiner
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, when asked if they’ll be looking to improve their blueline by the trade deadline, said that they’ll always look to improve their team. They’d like to move the puck better out of their zone, with some of it falling on the forwards.
“If that isn’t something that is happening as we get closer to the end of February, I think I will certainly look to improve.”
Dubas on pending UFA defenseman Jake Gardiner.
“We’re having discussions with Jake, he is a key part,” Dubas said. “We have some other matters we have to tend to, and that has been communicated to Jake. We would like him to be here, it’s not as simple as it sounds. You only have a certain amount you can divvy up, and it’s trying to make that all work and keep our team on the right path moving forward.”