Balancing Success and Change: Inside the Capitals Trade Deadline Strategy
The clock is ticking as the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline fast approaches, with teams looking to bolster their rosters for a potential Stanley Cup run before the Friday, March 7th, 3:00 p.m. EST deadline, while others focus on the future. One team that is possibly looking to strengthen its roster for a deep playoff run is the Washington Capitals, who are in the midst of a resurgent 2024-25 season. The Capitals have enjoyed their greatest success since their 2018 Stanley Cup victory, currently holding the best record in the Eastern Conference at 38-13-8 for 84 points through 59 games. As they enter their final 23 games of the regular season, Washington’s front office will need to balance their current success with future considerations as the trade deadline approaches.
Entering this season, the Capitals were not projected to be serious Stanley Cup contenders by most preseason projections. Washington was given only an 18% chance to make the playoffs and was expected to finish with around 85 points, something they will achieve with still a month and a half left in the regular season. Additionally, the Capitals are within striking distance of possibly claiming the league’s best record, just three points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the NHL’s top spot. As a result of their surprise performance and significantly exceeding expectations, general manager Chris Patrick will have to balance two trade deadline strategies simultaneously.
With the trade deadline a week away, the Capitals' general manager made it clear how Washington would approach any potential roster upgrades. In his first season as general manager, Chris Patrick stated that the Capitals are open to making a trade; however, they are also mindful of not hurting the current team chemistry and success. Patrick recently said, “I think it’s going to be a balance of, are there ways to improve our team versus risking over-tinkering with what’s been a pretty good group so far this year.” Along with trying to maintain team chemistry, Patrick also noted that the limited window to win another Stanley Cup in the Alex Ovechkin era, who is 39 years old, but has recorded his 19th career 30-goal season and is 12 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record, has not added extra motivation to make a trade, stating, “No, I don’t think it adds urgency. I think that urgency’s always been there, and you just have to make smart moves to get your team in a good spot.”
If the Capitals decide to make a move at the trade deadline, one of the most likely positions they could target is their defenseman group. Despite having one of the league’s best defensive units, ranking fourth in goals-against average and fifth in penalty kill percentage, a depth acquisition on defense is something general manager Chris Patrick might still consider. One reason the Capitals may look to add defensive depth is to protect against potential injuries for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs. Ninth-year defenseman Jakob Chychrun is having a career year, scoring 17 goals, the sixth-most on the team, and longtime Capitals defenseman John Carlson, in his 16th season, is tied for the second-most assists on the team with 35. Additionally, adding playoff experience could prove valuable for the Capitals, as veteran leadership often plays a crucial role in maintaining a steady approach and avoiding collapse under playoff pressure. Overall, the Capitals’ trade deadline needs aren’t as pressing as in past seasons, and any trade would likely be an added benefit as Washington aims for its second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
