3 Players Capitals Could Trade Next

The Washington Capitals are ready to be more competitive this season with a healthier group and better players playing consistently in the lineup. They aren't looking to sell big in the next couple of seasons while Alex Ovechkin chases the goals record, but they are still looking to move some players who might not want to be there or there's no room for. Let's take a look at who's going to be traded next.

Anthony Mantha

Apparently there isn't much interest at all out there for Anthony Mantha despite the Capitals' best efforts. He has been a let down since arriving in Washington and is overpaid. The Capitals could better use the cap space and roster spot. They might eventually have to just dump his contract that has one final year at $5.7 million at the trade deadline if they are in the race and looking to add. At that point it isn't a big commitment for the team on the receiving end of the deal and won't cost as much.

Evgeny Kuznetsov

It appears as though the rift between the Capitals and Evgeny Kuznetsov isn't as big as it was before and there's a chance he might want to stick around. But there is also the possibility that he is still traded. He has two years left at $7.8 million AAV and the team also has Nicklas Backstrom and Dylan Strome signed for at least two years as well. While center depth is good, Kuznetsov is also starting to get up there in age and his points declined fairly significantly last season.

Connor McMichael

The Capitals had a full roster last season, even with injuries, and it didn't allow Connor McMichael to play in the NHL in a full time role. He got into 68 games in 2021-22 with the team, but only played six games in the NHL last season. He is still exempt from waivers and the Capitals have a full roster again, so he might be on the outside looking in. In order to upgrade and to give the young forward a chance, he might be dealt to a team that is in a rebuilding stage and has room for him to get regular playing time.