NHL Trade Rumors: Ducks & Capitals linked to pre-deadline deal

The Washington Capitals will be buying, while the Anaheim Ducks will be selling, as the two teams are quickly emerging as potential trade partners ahead of the March 7 deadline. Turns out, there could be a 'Strome Brother Reunion' coming in D.C.

The Capitals are in the market for a third-line center and have been linked to Ryan Strome of the Ducks. Strome's brother Dylan is currently having a breakout season with Washington, and could soon have his brother to share the experience with. 

R.Strome is 31, he's signed for $5 million AAV for two more seasons, and does not have any trade protection on his deal. So far this year, Strome has recorded seven goals and 30 points in 54 games. He's averaging 16:57 of ice-time per game, and has won just 41% of his faceoffs. 

There's certainly some defensive deficiencies in his game, so it will be curious to see what the asking price is from Ducks' GM Pat Verbeek. If Anaheim is willing to retain some of Strome's remaining salary, some feel the team could land a second-round pick in the deal. 

As far as the money is concerned, the Capitals have a projected $3.65 million in deadline cap space to work with, so this will certainly need to be a money in/money out situation for Washington. The Caps are looking to make a splash before the deadline, but have told teams they are not moving prospects Cole Hutson or Ryan Leonard. 

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images