3 Trade Deadline Targets the Washington Capitals Should Avoid at All Costs
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a tricky position. With an aging core led by Alex Ovechkin and a roster battling inconsistency, the team must be cautious about making any desperate moves. While adding reinforcements might seem necessary, some trade targets could do more harm than good. Here are three players the Capitals should avoid at all costs.
1. John Gibson (G, Anaheim Ducks)
The Capitals’ goaltending situation isn’t perfect, but trading for John Gibson would be a massive overreaction. The Anaheim Ducks netminder has been linked to trade rumors for years, yet his numbers haven’t justified a big acquisition cost.
- Declining Performance: Gibson’s save percentage has hovered around .900 or lower in recent seasons.
- Expensive Contract: He carries a $6.4 million cap hit until 2027, which would limit the Capitals’ flexibility in future moves.
- Better Internal Options: Washington has Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren, and any upgrade should be a short-term fix, not a long-term burden.
2. Anthony Mantha Reunion (F, Detroit Red Wings)
Yes, Mantha is already a Capital, but his expiring contract makes him a potential trade piece. However, the idea of re-signing or reacquiring him after a trade would be a mistake.
- Inconsistent Production: Despite a recent scoring surge, Mantha has struggled with consistency throughout his tenure in Washington.
- Lack of Physicality: The Capitals need grit and defensive reliability, and Mantha doesn’t bring enough of either.
- Cap Space Priority: Keeping cap flexibility for younger, more dynamic players would be a better long-term strategy.
3. Kevin Hayes (C, St. Louis Blues)
On paper, Hayes could add depth at center, but his contract and style of play make him an ill-advised target for the Capitals.
- Overpaid for His Production: With a $7.1 million cap hit (even if retained by St. Louis), he doesn’t offer elite offensive production.
- Washington Needs Speed: Hayes is a slower, more methodical player, which doesn’t fit well with the Capitals’ need for a faster, more dynamic offense.
- Commitment to Young Centers: Players like Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre deserve more chances rather than blocking their development with an aging veteran.
Final Thoughts
The Capitals need to be smart at the trade deadline. Instead of chasing expensive, aging veterans, Washington should focus on youth, speed, and financial flexibility. Overpaying for any of these three players could set the team back instead of pushing them forward in a competitive Eastern Conference.
