Report: Washington Capitals' Top Trade Deadline Goal Revealed

What a year it has been for the Washington Capitals. After just squeaking into the playoffs this past season, they have been dominant in 2024-25. They are comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, and there is a clear expectation that they will look to add to their roster before the trade deadline passes.

However, it appears that they are not interested in swinging for the fences when it comes to bringing talent. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Capitals are expected to try to add a depth forward rather than making a big splash.

LeBrun writes:

The first-place Washington Capitals will probably look to add a depth piece at forward, but I would be surprised if they did anything big.
Their main goal seems to be achieving balance in finding ways to improve the team while not tinkering too much with a team that has played so well all season and a group that trusts and plays for each other. That may sound a bit corny, but one thing the Caps have learned over the years is not to overextend themselves at the trade deadline. There’s a feeling within the organization that there were some years when they were “all-in” last decade that they added too much and upset the apple cart.

When looking at how well the Capitals have played this season, it is understandable that they are content making smaller moves at the deadline rather than a blockbuster. Their players have delivered this campaign.

One area that the Capitals are expected to try to improve is their center depth. They could use an upgrade at the third-line center spot, and a few options on the trade market include Scott Laughton, Yanni Gourde, Jake Evans, and Ryan Donato.

It will be interesting to see what the Capitals do at the deadline from here.