2 Capitals To Receive Trade Interest At Deadline

The Washington Capitals have gotten by so far, but there are a lot of teams between them and a playoff spot while having scored the third-least amount of goals this season. It is looking like they are headed towards being sellers again this season, but this time with some different faces as the targets for other teams.

Anthony Mantha and Nic Dowd are expected to receive trade interest as the Capitals' trade chips in a few weeks. Both have upped their value this season and wouldn't be long-term additions to any team, just for a playoff run or two.

Dowd is a solid bottom-six center who can log minutes and step up if needed. He is currently lining up on the fourth line in Washington, but his 15:49 of ice time per game suggests that he does a lot more. He is a good two-way player and a strong penalty killer as well. Dowd can be trusted in the faceoff circle and will also block shots, play physically, and produce at a consistent rate. A team looking at him can expect at least 10 goals and in the mid-20s in points.

As for Mantha, it was not too long ago when the Capitals were trying everything to move him off the books. As for many players, he has stepped up in a contract year and is second on the team in goals (15). He is far more effective than he was last season and even the season before on the Capitals. Even though this better play could've come sooner, it is better late than never as his value is up and the Capitals can actually trade him for an asset back. His cap hit isn't ideal at $5.7 million AAV, but cut that in half and he is a strong pickup for a contender looking for size and goals.

It only makes sense that the Capitals try to move what they can at the deadline again. They did very well for themselves last season and teams should be willing to pay for what this team has to offer once again.