NHL Rumors: 2 Trade Targets for the Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals sit with a 28-15-9 record on the season which is good for a firm grip on the first wildcard playoff position in the eastern conference. The Caps have a 13 point cushion on the next closest team out of playoff contention and look secure to finding their way back to the postseason in 2021-22. The team is in the market for some goaltending depth and let's take a look at a couple of netminders who are on their radar:

Marc-Andre Fleury, Chicago Blackhawks

The Capitals have reached out to the Chicago Blackhawks numerous times this season about acquiring Marc-Andre Fleury and so far the goaltender wants to stay put and listen to other offers. While his no-trade protection only saves him from 10 teams of his choice, Blackhawks management and the veteran goaltender have an agreement in place that he won't be moved without consent. The Caps currently have Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek as their 1/2 when healthy and Pheonix Copley as their #3. We've seen in recent playoffs Washington can't seem to get the timely save so the team is trying to acquire a netminder who has Stanley Cup experience. Fleury certainly fits the bill and he's still at the top of his game at 37 years old as he's posted an impressive .912 save % on a team full of holes this season. The Capitals will have to outbid the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins for the Flower's services.

Braden Holtby, Dallas Stars

Talk about someone you're familiar with, this would be quite the reunion in Washington as Braden Holtby spent over a decade in the capital. The Dallas Stars have youngster Jake Oettinger who they are very fond of and he's certainly the goalie of the future so the team has been busy listening to offers on Holtby and fellow veteran Anton Khudobin. With Holtby's familiarity in Washington and being a pending free agent on a cheap contract at only $2 million this season, there isn't a better fit for the team. He wouldn't cost more than a mid-round pick and a solid prospect to acquire and the Caps have plenty in the cupboards to meet the asking price. 

The Capitals were surprised when Alex Ovechkin signed a five-year contract extension and are going for the Cup every single year as long as 'OV' is playing. This season expect to see them dangle their second-round pick and a couple of prospects and look for them to acquire some more depth including a new goaltender to help for the stretch run. 

Photo credit:  Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports