Trade Rumor: Capitals and Blues Discussing Blockbuster Deal

The Washington Capitals and St Louis Blues are in the same boat this offseason. Both teams are trying to freshen up their top-six forwards and are looking to make a trade to do so. Turns out they could be a match made in heaven as Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko could be changing teams.

The rumored deal would see the 29-year-old Kuznetsov head to the Blues with four years left on his contract paying him $7.8 million per season. The Capitals have had enough of Kuznetsov's antics, mostly off the ice, and their management team has made it known they're listening to offers. Last season he scored 29 points in 41 games and holds no-trade protection in the form of a 15-team list he doesn't want to play for. It's likely given the championship pedigree of the Blues, the deal gets approved.

The Capitals best offer for Kuznetsov may just come from the Blues, as Tarasenko is still one of the elite scorers in the game, he just needs to stay healthy. The Russian star is also 29-years-old and has two seasons left on his deal, taking home $7.5 million. He holds a no-trade clause, however, going to play with Alex Ovechkin will be something he approves. Last season Tarasenko recorded 14 points in 24 games, and it's been a couple of seasons since he scored 30 goals, but a clean bill of health will certainly go a long way.

Sometimes stars align and it just makes sense for both teams to pull the trigger. Given the age, salaries, production and needs of both teams, this blockbuster deal makes a ton of sense.