Capitals Rumors: Veteran Forward To Be "Hot Commodity" At Trade Candidate

As we get closer to the trade deadline, and certain teams' plans become clearer, new names rise up on insider trade boards around the NHL. According to the latest Top Trade Targets from Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd has risen into his Top 10. 

"Dowd is expected to be a hot commodity ahead of the deadline," writes Seravalli — but only IF the Capitals do indeed go into sell mode. Washington currently finds itself in 6th place in the Metropolitan Division, six points back of 3rd spot, and five points back of the final Wild Card spot heading into play Saturday. 

With a cap hit of just $1.3 million and a year left on his contract, Dowd should be high in demand. Turns out, in fact, according to Seravalli, he was highly in demand even back in the summer & fall, so expect the calls to be coming in more furiously now. 

Breaking down his "Trade Targets" list, @frank_seravalli shares the generating interest surrounding Capitals' Forward, Nic Dowd. @tyleryaremchuk #ALLCAPS

Presented by | @WendysCanada https://t.co/kl1SJpCH0y pic.twitter.com/qhNqUJ3T64

— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) January 26, 2024

"Before the puck even dropped this season," relates the Daily Faceoff president of hockey content, "this reporter’s phone was ringing from front offices around the league, many asking the same question: 'Do you think the Washington Capitals will make center Nic Dowd available?'

The hard-working forward, now 33 and in his 9th NHL season, has recorded 13 points in 37 games this season with a plus/minus rating of +7. In fact, in his six years in Washington, he's a +48. 

Once GM Brian MacLellan finally pulls the plug on the Caps' playoff hopes, Dowd's name will be front and center for contenders. 

Photo: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports