The Washington Capitals are in a class of their own in the Eastern Conference this season. With 24 games remaining in the regular season, Washington’s 84 points are the only remaining challenger to the Winnipeg Jets’ 87-point total for the NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy. While the entire hockey world watches Alex Ovechkin’s chase for hockey history, the D.C.-based Capitals look poised to claim the top spot in the East.
There are not many holes in Washington’s lineup. The offseason additions of defenseman Jakob Chychryn and goalie Logan Thompson have shored up the Capitals’ back end. Washington general manager (GM) Chris Patrick is expected to scour the trade market for a bottom-six center that can fit into Capitals limited salary cap budget.
Washington’s Trade Deadline Situation
Washington currently has $3.65 million in cap space for the trade deadline, according to PuckPedia. That figure is likely to be smaller with the return of Sonny Milano to the Washington lineup. The 28-year-old winger is progressing towards return after a four-month absence from an upper-body injury sustained on Nov. 6 against the Nashville Predators. Milano, who carries a $1.9 million cap hit, skated with the team yesterday. “Yeah, step forward for Sonny, so he’ll start to resume practicing in a non-contact (jersey),” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said. “It’s a positive day. But still no definitive timetable.” Washington will need to make a roster move when the forward is ready to rejoin game action.
Even with Milano’s contract being moved from injured reserve to active status, Washington still has room to operate under the cap during the March 7 trade deadline. The Capitals own most of their significant draft selections in the 2025, 2026, and 2027 drafts, including all three first-round picks and four second-round selections. Washington owns the Carolina Hurricanes’ third-round choice in 2025 that could prove valuable in the search for a bottom-six forward.
Potential Targets for Capitals
If Washington seeks a temporary solution for the upcoming playoff run, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson might be their best trade option. The 33-year-old center has 37 points in 57 games in the final year of a 6-year, $3 million deal he signed in 2019. The Islander’s alternate captain owns a 16-team no-trade list as part of a modified no-trade clause in his contract.
If the Capitals want playoff experience, a gamble on Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde could be worthwhile. Like Nelson, Gourde brings an expiring high-priced cap hit from the end of a 6-year, $31 million deal signed with the Tampa Bay Lighting in 2019. The 33-year-old pivot has 16 points in 35 games for the Kraken this season, but he has been missing from Seattle’s lineup since a successful sports hernia surgery on Jan. 31. Gourde is not expected to return to the ice before the trade deadline, but his 42 points in 83 playoff games may tempt an opposing GM to call Seattle GM Ron Francis. The Kraken are 25-31-4 and need a miracle finish to reach the playoffs in their third NHL season.
Another expiring contract option on the trade market could be Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic. The 27-year-old center is in the final year of a 2-year, $4.60 million contract signed last offseason as a restricted free agent. Boston has lost four-straight games, which could cause Bruins’ GM Dom Sweeney to transition to seller mode if the team falls out of playoff race over the next week. Frederic has 15 points in 57 games for Boston this season.
Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton represents an option with some term remaining on his contract following this season. The 30-year-old center is in the 4th season of a five-year, $15 million contract signed in 2021. Laughton has 27 points in 56 games this season. Laughton’s contract has a $3 million cap hit next season.
The Ryan Leonard Decision Looms Large
One lingering question for Washington’s front office is whether their top prospect, Ryan Leonard, will transition to pro hockey at the end of the Boston College season. Leonard’s 27 goals lead the NCAA, while the sophomore’s eight game-winning goals are also tied for the top spot in the category. The 6-foot center has 42 points in 31 games this season, which is good for fifth place on the leaderboard. Washington has offered an entry-level contract to the forward, but he cannot sign it until he is ready to move on from NCAA play.
The Eagles are expected to participate in the 2025 Men’s Frozen Four starting April 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Leonard hopes to lead Boston College to its first National Championship since 2012. A successful NCAA title celebration for Boston College would leave only a handful of games for Leonard to test his skills during the dying days of the NHL regular season before being thrust right into intense postseason action.
