The Washington Capitals are standing pat.

After being linked throughout the day to defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan McDonagh, general manager Brian MacLellan was unable to complete a deal for a big name defenseman before the 3 pm deadline.

The #Caps did not make a deal ahead of the deadline, I'm told.

— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) February 26, 2018

In a surprise, the Capitals were very aggressive on trying to land Karlsson – a two-time Norris Trophy winning defenseman from Ottawa.

The Washington Capitals have escalated effort in an attempt to land Erik Karlsson before the 3PM trade deadline, per league source. But running out of time.

— Travis Yost (@travisyost) February 26, 2018

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference’s best team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, landed McDonagh, but the price was high.

McDonagh to TB

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) February 26, 2018

I’m hearing TB sending to NYR: Libor Hajek, Brett Holden, Vladislav Nemestnikov, 2018 1st round pick, conditional second round pick. Confirmation to follow.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 26, 2018

Despite Mike Green reportedly waiving his no-trade clause to return to Washington, the Red Wings and Capitals were not able to complete a deal as well.

Hearing Mike Green not traded and that the Detroit Red Wings are done. #TFP

— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) February 26, 2018