Monday is the trade deadline, and the Washington Capitals began what could be an active few days by putting 2018 postseason hero Devante Smith-Pelly on waivers.
“There’s a lot of movement going on, especially for teams that are salary cap strapped like we are,” head coach Todd Reirden said.
NHL sources told RMNB that the DSP move was made to accommodate a coming trade. On Wednesday afternoon, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that the Capitals were looking at several forwards on the Los Angeles Kings, including Carl Hagelin, Trevor Lewis, and Kyle Clifford. This evening, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Caps are “interested” in Hagelin and surmised what a possible deal could look like: a third-round pick and Dmitrij Jaskin for the 30-year-old left winger.
I think it is a possibility on Hagelin…they’ve been interested…can’t say for sure, though. https://t.co/Fc9UrTgNkb
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 21, 2019
“They have interest in Hagelin,” Friedman said to me in a message. “I think it is a possibility. I speculated on a price of Jaskin/third-round pick because of what happened today.”
Despite only tallying eight points in 38 games this season, Hagelin is a popular player ahead of the deadline. The speedy winger has won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2016, 2017) and is a noted Caps killer. Hagelin has scored six goals in 35 career playoff games against Washington.
In his latest 31 Thoughts column, Friedman reported that the Sabres have also “looked at” acquiring the 30-year-old winger.
Carl Hagelin’s only got eight points in 38 games, but a lower price tag may tempt someone for a competitive guy with a good playoff history. Buffalo looked at it.
Hagelin is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million deal that has a salary cap hit of $3.75 million.
