NHL Rumors: Capitals Making Trade Calls
The Washington Capitals are officially in buyer mode again.
General manager Chris Patrick confirmed he is “definitely actively pursuing an addition” up front, with a clear preference for a higher-end skilled winger who can help now and ideally stay beyond this season, not just a pure rental.
With the standings tight and the Olympic freeze and March 6 trade deadline creeping closer, Washington is watching for the moment a legitimate top-six option actually hits the market.
Why the Capitals are hunting a skilled winger right now
Last season’s run set a standard, but this year has been choppier, and Patrick pointed straight at injuries and inconsistency.
The Capitals have been without Pierre-Luc Dubois since late October after surgery, and they have also dealt with key absences like Tom Wilson, who leads Washington with 22 goals and has 42 points in 41 games despite missing time.
On Cole Hutson, Chris Patrick says he's taking the approach he did with Ryan Leonard last season: ultimately it's up to the player, but the Capitals are ready to sign him at the end of his season if he's willing.
— Katie Adler (@katieEadler) January 16, 2026
Patrick’s message was they want to get healthy, stay in the fight, and add one more difference-maker on the wing to stabilize the top of the lineup.
Frank Seravalli, on the Real Kyper & Bourne Show, threw out Artemi Panarin as a name the Capitals could go out and try to acquire.
Ovechkin’s window matters and the price tag will too
Part of the urgency is the reality of where the franchise is with Alex Ovechkin, who is 40, in the final year of his contract, and sitting on an NHL-record 917 career goals while staying focused on another playoff push.
Chris Patrick said the Capitals "checked in for sure" on Quinn Hughes, but wasn't the right fit for the price.
— Katie Adler (@katieEadler) January 16, 2026
Caps weren't willing to give up Cole Hutson, and with John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun already in the lineup, the cost was steeper than they wanted to pay for Hughes.
Patrick also made it clear the Capitals are not looking to gut the future to chase a name, pointing to top prospects he is unwilling to move in a headline deal.
Washington wants real skill on the wing, but it has to be the kind of player worth paying for, and preferably someone they can extend if the fit is right.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
