The Washington Capitals have emerged as the best team in the east this season and at the trading deadline general manager Brian MacLellan could look at adding some pieces to put the Caps over the top.
According to the Washington Post, the Capitals are unlikely going to make a major move at the deadline, but the team could consider adding depth at multiple positions. Isabelle Khurshudyan reports that while MacLellan is not going to make a blockbuster trade, the Capitals have needs on defense and at the center position heading into the back stretch of the season.
The Capitals are leading the Eastern Conference standings with 86 points this season and they have given themselves a huge lead in the Metro division over the Rangers and Islanders. MacLellan doesn't want the team to get complacent and as they gear up for a playoff run, the general manager is expected to make some minor moves. Khurshudyan writes that the team is likely going to target a defenseman, as veteran Brooks Orpik is just coming back from an injury and may need some time to get back into his groove.
Orpik was on long-term injured reserve for the team, but he has returned and now that leaves the Capitals with around $1 million in cap space as the deadline nears, according to the Post. Khurshudyan speculates that the team could go after someone who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, naming players like Dan Hamhuis and Mike Weber as options.
Washington is looking to make a deep playoff run this season after dealing with some disappointing performances over the past few years. The team currently is the only one in the east with more than 40 wins and the Caps have continued to stay hot, going 7-2-1 over their last 10 games.
