NHL Rumors: Washington Capitals to Shop Defenseman

The Washington Capitals currently have a 9-10-3 record and appear ready to be sellers at the deadline because of it. As a result, one under-the-radar rental candidate from them is defenseman Matt Irwin.

Irwin is the kind of depth defenseman that should get some interest at the trade deadline, as he plays a hard-nosed game and carries a very affordable $750,000 cap hit. In 13 games this season, the 34-year-old has yet to record a point. However, he also has a plus-1 rating to go along with 39 hits.

Playoff teams are always looking to improve their defensive depth, and that is exactly what Irwin would provide if acquired. Unless the Capitals turn things around rapidly, expect to see the Victoria native on the move this season.