NHL Rumors: Capitals' Top Trade Candidate Could Be On The Move

The Washington Capitals remain second-last in the Metropolitan division and will have to make up some ground in order to keep their playoff streak alive. It has been very tough for them this season with the amount of serious injuries to key players.

This brings up the topic of if they are going to be buyers, sellers, or stand still this season. Signs point to the team selling some pieces and hoping to bounce back next season. Their best trade piece on an expiring contract is Dmitry Orlov.

He earns $5.1 million and could very well choose to sign elsewhere at the end of the season anyways with the direction the Capitals are headed in. He is a solid top-four defenceman who is very good defensively with offensive upside.

Along with blocking 94 shots last season and delivering over 100 hits for the sixth time in his career, he also scored 12 goals as a defenceman and recorded 35 points. Orlov can do it all for a team looking to add a serious piece to their defence this season if the Capitals are out of contention and choose to sell. Washington will most likely have to retain, but Orlov would be one of the most sought after players on the market.