Rumors IV: Capitals, Canucks, Ducks and Rangers

“Mac has come down here every day probably for the last month, trying to bounce ideas and things he’s talking about with other people,” Trotz said. “The communication has been good, not just between me and Mac, but the whole coaching staff.”

The Capitals would like to add a forward and Stars Erik Cole and Vern Fiddler could be of interest. The Stars have been scouting the Capitals lately. Trotz coached Fiddler for six seasons in Nashville.

“People are getting excited for mid-range players. There’s no star player. I’m not downgrading any of the players that have been traded, but there’s not that big, sexy difference-maker guy that’s been there in the past, like Iginla. There’s some good players, but not difference-makers.

“That’s one of the issues we talk about. It might make us just that much better, but if you’re taking out a guy who’s been totally invested all year, maybe you’re not getting as much as you think.

“We have talked about that. You can jam things up if you have the same type of guys. When you add a player it affects two others. Somebody’s going to get moved down or out. It can affect your chemistry a little bit. But if you get the right fit it can be petty seamless.”