Capitals "Actively Engaged" In Trade Talks To Acquire Top-Six Forward

Heading into Wednesday night's game, the Washington Capitals have scored just two goals in 125 minutes of hockey thus far this season, which now seems to have escalated general manager Brian MacLellan's search for a top-six forward to add to their offense. Hockey Insiders The Fourth Period report: 

Citing multiple sources, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported Wednesday morning that the Capitals remain in the hunt for a top-six offensive forward and are currently engaged in trade discussions.

The name Conor Garland, whom the Vancouver Canucks have been actively trying to trade, has come up as a notable target, according to Pagnotta. 

And while Anthony Mantha is one player the Caps have been known to be shopping, his $5.4M cap hit would not be a good match for Vancouver, who are trying to clear cap space. Washington, on the other hand, has no cap space to play with, so bringing anyone of significance in would certainly require Mantha to be going the other way. 

The 29-year-old Mantha has seen his role and his time on ice dwindle since coming to D.C. two and a half years ago. He's only played in one of the Caps' two games this season, less than 12 minutes, and a healthy scratch in the other. Last season, he managed just 27 points in 67 games, for a career-low .40 points per game. 

Other names that Pagnotta mentions that will be out there on the trade market the Caps could be interested in, include Adam Henrique, Anthony Duclair and Mike Hoffman. 

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