On the Washington Capitals …
J.J. Regan of CSN Mid Atlantic: The Washington Capitals have only five defensemen under contract for this season that were with the team last season – Matt Niskanen, Dmitry Orlov, John Carlson, Brooks Orpik and Taylor Chorney.
Two spots are open for prospects including Madison Bowey, Christian Djoos, Tyler Lewington, Lucas Johansen, Jonas Siegenthaler and Connor Hobbs.
If they are looking to bring in a veteran on a PTO, they could consider Roman Polak, Fedor Tyutin, Cody Franson and Mark Stuart.
Younger options are Jyrki Jokipakka and Cody Goloubef, but if they are to bring in someone on a PTO, it would be a veteran.
On the top 10 NHL players that could be traded this season …
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: Looking at the top trade candidates heading into this season. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James van Riemsdyk have come up in the rumor mill, but the Oilers and Maple Leafs may need those players for their playoff push. If the Maple Leafs were to trade JvR for a defenseman, they likely would have done so already.
- Matt Duchene/Gabriel Landeskog – Colorado Avalanche
- All pending Vegas Golden Knights UFAs including James Neal, David Perron, Jason Garrison and Brayden McNabb. They might be able to get a first or second round pick for Neal. Jonathan Marchessault could get the biggest return for the Golden Knights, but it’s a not given that they move him.
- Erik Gudbranson – Vancouver Canucks – With the defensive prospects the Canucks have, might make sense for them to move Gudbranson.
- Mike Green – Detroit Red Wings – Might be able to get a 1st round pick for him at the deadline.
- Drew Stafford – New Jersey Devils
- Mike Cammalleri – Los Angeles Kings – Could be moved at the deadline if the Kings are out of it.
- Dante Fabbro – Nashville Predators – Could deal from a position of strength and move Fabbro for a forward – Matt Duchene?
- Evander Kane – Buffalo Sabres – Will be a UFA after the season and could be a trade deadline target.
- Sami Vatanen – Anaheim Ducks – Could move for scoring help.
- Justin Faulk – Carolina Hurricanes – Could move for a first line center.