Top Trade Candidates For The Washington Capitals In 2023-24

The Washington Capitals are holding on for a bit longer while Alex Ovechkin chases the goals record. While they had so many man games lost last season causing them to miss the playoffs, they aren't an elite team anymore by any means. The team should see changes sooner than later, even if it is just getting underperforming players out of town. Here's a look at some players the Capitals could trade this season.

Anthony Mantha

The Capitals have been trying relentlessly to move Anthony Mantha for over a year. His lack of production has made it near impossible to do. The Capitals aren't in the market to just be throwing high draft picks away, but he might surprise this season as it appears as though he's getting a shot on the top line. If he can perform better, the Capitals could either trade him at the deadline to a contender if they are out of the race, or have him as part of a deal to bring in someone they can trust more for a playoff run.

Evgeny Kuznetsov

Evgeny Kuznetsov doesn't seem interested in playing for the Capitals anymore. That much was clear by his performance last season. He is still a talented centerman who could be a solid number two on any team. His time might be coming to an end in Washington, and the Capitals can afford to move him since they do have good center depth. It would free up cap space this season and next and likely get the team a nice return.

Connor McMichael

The Capitals have handled Connor McMichael in a weird way. I would have thought that they should have played him more in the NHL last season with all of the injuries, but that wasn't the case. After a full season in Washington as a rookie, he played only six games last season. He should make the team this season, but if he's playing any lower than the third line, it might be best to move on from him and send him to a team that will give him a fair shot in the NHL. The 22-year-old is ready for more, especially after a couple solid seasons.

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